ANZAC DAY 2012 - Lest We Forget

As a young country, ( historically)  we have very few traditions that we can truly call our own, in fact very few traditions at all. But 25 April is one of them that is sacred to the hearts of Australians. NO matter your age, and the endless diminishment of the veterans, the crowds continue to grow as the younger community minded members take over the important role of burning the eternal flame of rememberance. The supreme sacrifice that soldiers of Australia and New Zealand made in fighting wars that in the majority where not their own.
The playing of the Last Post always brings up many emotions and tears.....along with this poem and The Ode....


Poem - Sir


Sir - Would it help if I shed a tear
I swear it's the first time since this time last year
My spine is a tingle - my throat is all dry
As I stand to attention for all those who died


I watch the flag dancing half way down the pole
That damn bugle player sends chills to my soul
I fell the pride and the sorrow - there's nothing the same
As standing to attention on ANZAC day

So Sir - on behalf of the young and the free
Will you take a message when you finally do leave
To your mates that are lying from Tobruk to the Somme
 The legend of your bravery will always live on

Anzac day memorial park - Nundah

I've welcomed Olympians back to our shore
I've cheered baggy green caps and watched Wallabies score
But when I watch you marching (Sir) in that parade
I know these are the memories that never will fade

So Sir - on behalf of the young and the free
Will you take a message when you finally do leave
It's the least we can do  (sir) to repay the debt

We'll always remember you - Lest we Forget

Book Review - The Redeemer Jo Nesbø

# 4 in the Harry Hole Series, The Little Redeemer is the continuing story of unconventional Detective Inspector Harry Hole of the Norwegian Crime squad.  His skill for solving confusing and impossible cases, and his penchant for alcohol do not endear him to many sections of Oslo mainstream police, but no one can argue he gets results. But where does Harry draw the line? Will he still be able to distinguish between the perpetrator, the instigator, the implementer and the accessory? Can he turn a blind eye to retribution, when a close colleague dies? Will he fall prey to corruption or the hounds of alcohol? The Redeemer touches on these issues in Harry's life.

This story revolves around the Salvation Army and its pastoral community care work, this book begins in the Bosnian war with a story of Croatian soldiers. Quickly moving to a dark and freezing pre-xmas Oslo, Harry is appointed head of the team to investigate a puzzling murder, that has no motive, no murder weapon and no witnesses. In short, almost perfect, and no leads. Is it the work of a professional hitman, and if so, why does he not leave and move on to the next job and anonymity?

If you have read the Harry Hole series in order, you will by now be accustomed to Harry's unorthodox life and ways. He endears himself to the reader, even though at times one becomes frustrated by his actions.

In the novel his old friend sums up a philosophical viewpoint on crime and society in the following paragraph:

"Its chances and nuances that separate the hero from the villain. that's how it's always been. Righteousness is the virtue of the lazy and the visionless. Without lawbreakers and disobedience we would still have been living in a feudal society. "

By now I am a true Harry fan, being sucked in to the expected twists and turns the plot takes. Try as I might, I did not pick up on the clues Nesbø gave us, in Redeemer, but I did manage to score some points along the way. I think this is what is so attractive about these Nesbø plots, they keep you guessing up to the last chapter, at times to the last few pages. Even if you are in the killer's head, there are always surprises that are completely unexpected. And that is what we as readers want, isn't it?

Harry talks a little in this novel about the perfect crime, stating that the "plan was like a circle of logic that worked, the illusion of the  ( Viking motif ) snake eating itself, a self destructing creation that would guarantee nothing would be left afterwards, no loose threads." But is it truly perfect, or will the plan go horribly wrong......

If you don't read it it will only be something to ponder about.....

Crime fiction pick of the month - MARCH 2012

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Reading less than 10 crime fiction books and being a biased advocate of Scandinavian crime, I select Devil's Star by the talented Jo Nesbo as my pick of the month. Despite an unimaginative title, this book is by far and away, a great read. Twists and turns, dead ends, and false trails whet any crime reader's appetite. The series I hope gets better and better, and as there are still several books in this series ahead of me to read, I won't go in to withdrawal just yet. 

If you have not yet introduced yourself to the inimitable Harry Hole, do yourself a favour and get a copy now. 

My review of this book is found here:
http://forestwoodfolk.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=mt9LgzYBAAA.FZ9K5FkzbVYmhZluTr139g.3EkCQ7yRFMe2BCUG4w5bVQ&postId=8417387638805299667&type=POST
 

or Scroll down to the blog entry for March 1.

You will find other enthusiastic crime fiction fans giving their pick of the month at  
http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/crime-fiction-pick-of-month-march-2012.html

Something they all have pondered about...