Short Review: The Judas Pair by Jonathan Gash
Do you remember the television series Lovejoy, starring Ian McShane? Did you know that the show was based on a mystery series by Jonathan Gash? The Judas Pair is the first in that series. Antiques dealer Lovejoy hears rumors that an infamous set of dueling pistols has been found. He's confident that the supposedly cursed guns don't exist. After a couple of murders, Lovejoy isn't so so sure. Can he solve the mystery before he's the next victim?
The book was a bit of shock at first because the Lovejoy of the novels is a real cad, fairly sleazy, and much less charming than the Lovejoy of the television show. On the other hand, the mystery is good, Gash offers lots of great information about antiques, and Lovejoy begins to grow on you. I gave this book a B rating and went on to read a few more in the series.
I listened to the unabridged audio edition read by Christopher Key. He was great at bringing out the better side of Lovejoy, but I missed Ian McShane's voice.
The cover is from the 1987 Viking Penguin edition.
20 comments:
I learned something new today. I did not know the show was based on a book.
It's always interesting to see what they changed in the translation from one medium to another, isn't it?
My J book is here.
I love a good mystery! And as I've never saw the show I probably wouldn't mind Lovejoy's sleazy personality :)
Here's mine
I've never heard of the show or the books. My head is in a hole sometimes. I have found that sleazy characters can get under my skin. There is always a twisted kind of charm...
This one sounds good, although I'd never heard of the show or book.
Too bad the show didn't stick with the characteristics of the main character. Maybe it would have lasted longer.
I've never heard of these books but they sound good. thanks for stopping by today.
Hmmm, I didn't know this was based on a book either!
Hi!
Have never seen the t.v. show or read the book. I'll have to check this one out. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day!
Sherrie
Just Books
I've never heard of the book or show. It sounds good though!
Thanks for playing!
I have a friend who read the first book and refused to read any of the others because Lovejoy slaps his girlfriend around in one scene. Knowing that, it's easy to see why Lovejoy was cleaned up a bit for TV. The TV Lovejoy irked me, and I didn't care for his treatment of women in the books, but his love of antiques was what I really enjoyed. He made old things come to life when he spoke of them.
I admit I've not heard of the show, but this sounds like a good read!
==lennie==
If you read more of the series, it must have been good.
I really enjoy mysteries but it's interesting that the Lovejoy of the book is so different from the Lovejoy of the TV show. I'm surprised they turned it into a TV show since the main character's personality had to be changed. I'm glad that the mystery's good and makes the book worthwhile. I'm definitely intrigued and I don't mind a cad in a book but I think I'll look through this book before reading it. Thanks for the interesting review!
I'm totally new to this series. It sounds good, though!
Is it a cozy mystery series or more rough and tumble? (I don't remember the tv show)
I am totally not reading this small feature on your blog.. oh MY! my wishlist is growing with every post!
Although I have not seen this series... this series does sounds good!
Never heard of tv show or book, but love Ian McShane!
I've never seen the tv show, but I always like the beginning of a series.
Me again. I'm catching up finally. I haven't heard of Lovejoy and will have to check it out. Thanks.
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