The Winter of Frankie Machine

by Don Winslow
The Winter of Frankie Machine cover
Good Books rating 4.17
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
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  • ID: 6194
  • Added: 2025-11-05
  • Updated: 2025-11-05
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Literary Review · 2025-11-14
clever 4.50

The book is full of tension and black humour, with a cleverly told story. The protagonist is a brutal serial murderer, yet the narrative makes him charming.

The reviewer praises the book's tension and black humour, noting that the story is cleverly told. They find the protagonist to be a complex character, despite his brutal nature. The reviewer appreciates the way the narrative makes the protagonist charming, even though he is a serial murderer. They also mention that the story is engaging and well-paced, keeping the reader hooked until the end.

Quick quotes

    The book is full of tension and black humour.

    The story is so cleverly told that you forget that the charming hero is a brutal serial murderer.

    The narrative makes the protagonist charming.

Cannonball Read · Jake · 2020-01-06
engaging 4.00

The novel is a fun gangster tale set in an unusual location, following a man confronting his past. The story is engaging and well-told, with a unique protagonist.

This review highlights the novel's unique setting and engaging protagonist. The reviewer appreciates the fun and gripping nature of the story, noting that it's a refreshing take on gangster tales. They also mention that the protagonist is well-developed and interesting, making the story even more compelling. The reviewer seems to enjoy the blend of humor and tension, which keeps the reader hooked throughout.

Quick quotes

    This is a fun gangster novel written in a location that doesn't often produce gangster tales.

    A man at the end of his rope staring down his past.

    The story is engaging from start to finish.

Gone Elsewhere · 2007-10-25
detailed 4.00

The novel takes its time to set up its characters, making the main predicament more engaging. The reviewer appreciates the detailed character development.

The reviewer highlights the novel's strong character development, noting that it takes its time to set up the characters. They appreciate this approach, as it makes the main predicament more engaging. The reviewer also mentions that the story is well-told and keeps the reader interested. They find the protagonist to be well-developed and interesting, making the story more compelling. The reviewer seems to enjoy the blend of humor and tension, which keeps the reader hooked throughout.

Quick quotes

    What I liked most about the novel is that it takes its time to set up its characters.

    When the main predicament gets going, who's trying to do what becomes very clear.

    The story is well-told and keeps the reader interested.

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