The Bottom Line
- Gives an insider perspective into the operations of a hotel
- Interesting underlying mystery
- Characters never make a wrong move
- Dialog is awkward
- Could have used a good editor; it often doesn't follow the rule of "show, don't tell"
Description
- Saving the Saint George, by Greg Plank
- Subtitle: Mischief, Mayhem, Mystery and Murder
- Published by iUniverse; $16.95
Guide Review - Saving the Saint George
To top off Edward's problems, it seems someone is trying to sabotage him, as the bank, the city inspectors and even his own law firm seem out to get him and close the hotel. Luckily for Edward, he's got a few aces up his sleeve: brilliant and spunky lawyer and love interest Lee; sharp concierge Jack; and the fact that tough but fair Edward never, ever makes a wrong move.
"Saving the Saint George" gives an interesting look behind the scenes of a historic hotel and its struggles to keep up with the large chains and newer buildings. The plot, following the murder in the hotel and the apparent and mysterious sabotage of the hotel, is well thought out. The fun, for fans of hotels, is in the details: for example, the book skips Chapter 13, just as many hotels skip the 13th floor out of superstition.
The problem lies in the style, and this first novel would have benefited from an experienced editor. The dialog is often awkward, and the descriptions that start many of the chapters sound more like an author's collection of notes than part of a suspenseful story. The awkward writing style made it difficult to finish, yet the details of the behind-the-scenes happenings of a hotel were interesting enough to spur me on.
