Rough Treatment: (Resnick 2) (Charlie Resnick Series)

The second Resnick novel is a surprisingly sprawling, slightly tedious entry in the series. It lacks the pared back nature that Harvey developed later in his writing, as if the series and overall direction of the books is still taking shape. This one features a burglar with an essentially good heart and an active libido, some tiresome goings on in the world of TV drama, and the wayward activities of Chief Inspector's Skelton's daughter - a theme Harvey would explore again in his Frank Elder novels. Writer and crime fiction critic Julian Symons once described Harvey's books as boring and dull - based on the evidence of Rough Treatment it is easy to see why. Things improved with the later titles, but so far, re-reading these early Resnick stories is hard going.

Harvey is an intelligent writer with good inside knowledge of police culture. But his tropes are wearing a bit thin for me, and I’ve only read two of the series. As a jazz lover even I am sick of all the references to his listening habits and musical showing off. Not to mention the tedious jazz-named cats. And his ill-fated dealings with women. I’m sorry that the circumstantial details are getting in the way of clever plotting.

As someone who has walked the streets of Nottingham on behalf of the local paper I enjoyed John Harvey's novel which located the story line in and around Nottingham. The main storyline tended to stretch the imagination a bit but despite this the plot was full of twists and turns although the final twist was signalled a bit early. The side issues and relationships were firmly rooted and highly believable. The main characters were interesting and well constructed and the overall quality of the writing was excellent. I'm off to get the third one in the series in the hope that it continues the excellent trend.

Got wind of the John Harvey books through a local paper review and being a born and bred Nottingham man decided to take a look.To be honest he's a damn good writer but this book seems a little far fetched. However well written and loving Charlie Resnick, jazz and cat lover, and I won't be put off by this slight dip in form.Already on his next book and he's back to his best. Perseverance needed with this one.

Another excellent book from this author

"Rough Treatment" is actually sensitively written. Knowing Nottingham helps but the book stands alone as a good read anyway. The characters become real and you are taken into the world of crime and its detection as well as the private lives of the detectives. John Harvey deserves greater recognition than he has received if this book is anything to go by.

I enjoyed the characters, the plot and the pace of the story. I particularly liked Resnick as he did not seem to be as damaged as most fictional detectives. I have now read 4 of the series and enjoyed them all and I think it is significant that they were written in the 80s

I only received this book when I came back from holiday. It looks ok and as described.

John Harvey has not tied Charlie Resnick to his personal history from the first book in the series, and this is good. Charlie is never sure about his personal life circumstances, but pursues whatever clues he can detect to solve the crimes. Good twists in story, some humor, with interesting character development. A good read

Great author!!

Just discovered this series of a somewhat out of the ordinary UK detective--Charlie Resnick. Loved the first and found the second a different sort of mystery--no mystery at all really except how John Harvey was going to tie up all the plot threads that he was weaving throughout this book.A sexy, kind-hearted thief, a burgeled wife who appreciates being appreciated, less music and more sandwiches, and a very natural way of giving us info about the continuing cast of characters...Reading "Rough Treatment" was akin to listening to a rondo --where various musical themes carry on separately and together in harmony.Thought it was masterfully executed....definitely NOT the kind of mystery/novel where the writer ends the book in a way that makes you think s/he just ran out of ideas and took the quickest way out the door...As a reader you just have to be willing to allow the writer to set the pace and allow the story to unfold as it requires.

I have only read 2 of this series but really enjoy Resnick's character. Keeps you interested and not too many characters.Look forward to reading more.

Disappointing.

As always, a great read. I am never disappointed with these novels. Highly recommended for lovers of British crime fiction .Love Resnick

A good read but a bit toouch personal angst.

up to his good standard