I’m currently reading this book. At least I’m trying... but the issue you mention here is making it unbearable for me. The whole narrative is sexist and, at least for me, Hiram is a self-centered jerk. There are also some really questionable examples like Hiram encouraging his son to sleep with his stepdaughter. I’m having real trouble finishing a book with such an annoying main character.Cotwani wrote: ↑20 Sep 2018, 17:35 The elephant in the room for me, however, was the derogatory way in which women were described in the book. Older women who happened not to be in a relationship were often portrayed as vain, lonely, unfulfilled, and desperate pickups. I immensely hated this sexism and degradation of women in. In addition, the private investigator’s occasionally unexplained ‘leads’ that took her right where McDowell was, made the hunt appear so simple. Neither was she professional in carrying out her investigations. You will agree with me that only an amateur would barge into a new town and start showing pictures of the hunted before first lying low and secretly studying the residents. It did not help that she came highly recommended! I also found the ending of the book to be a bit rushed.
But your review is insightful, critical and extremely well presented. Thank you!