Old Scores (Frank Swann) by David Whish-Wilson
Old Scores is a crime fiction novel authored by David Whish-Wilson. The novel tells the story of Frank Swann, a private detective who is asked to investigate a former star soccer player charged with murder in Western Australia during the 1980s.
David Whish-Wilson is an award-winning Australian author whose books have been translated into ten languages. He is known for his crime fiction works, which draw inspiration from his experience as a private investigator in Australia.
Main Themes and Ideas
One of the main themes of Old Scores is the corruption and violence that were rife in Australian soccer in the 1980s. The book highlights how some players and coaches were involved in illegal activities such as match-fixing and organized crime, and how this affected the sport as a whole.
Another key theme of the novel is the idea of loyalty. The character of Frank Swann is shown to be fiercely loyal to his clients and his friends, even when it puts him in danger. This is contrasted with the behavior of other characters in the book who are more concerned with their own interests.
Old Scores also touches on issues such as police corruption, religious fanaticism, and the Australian class system. These themes are woven into the plot in a way that enhances the overall story and provides deeper insights and meanings to the reader.
Critical Evaluation of Writing Style
David Whish-Wilson’s writing style in Old Scores is crisp and engaging, with a strong sense of place and character. The descriptions of Western Australia in the 1980s are vivid and immersive, making the reader feel like they are really in the city. The characters are also well-drawn and realistic, with their flaws and strengths carefully balanced to create complex and interesting personalities.
Moreover, the author’s use of language is well-suited to the genre of crime fiction. The writing flows smoothly, and the pacing is just right to keep the reader engaged and invested in the story. The dialogue is realistic and helps to convey the distinct personalities of the characters.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the strengths of Old Scores is its well-developed characters. Frank Swann is a likable and interesting protagonist, with a complex past that makes him more than just a typical detective. The supporting cast is also well-drawn, and each character serves a purpose in the story.
The plot of the book is also effective, with a good balance of twist and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. The themes and ideas mentioned above are woven in seamlessly, providing depth and meaning to the overall story.
However, one of the drawbacks of the novel is that it may be difficult for readers unfamiliar with Australian slang and culture to fully appreciate some of the nuances of the story. Additionally, the complexity of the plot and the large cast of characters may make it hard for some readers to follow the narrative at times.
Comparison to Other Works in its Genre
Old Scores stands out from other crime fiction books due to its specific focus on the corruption in Australian soccer during the 1980s. While many other crime novels may touch on the sports world, few delve into the murky underbelly of match-fixing and organized crime in the way that Old Scores does.
Moreover, the book’s characters are more complex and nuanced than those in many other crime novels. Frank Swann, in particular, is a well-rounded and interesting character who goes beyond the typical “tough guy” detective stereotype.
Overall Impression and Recommendation
Overall, I found Old Scores to be an engaging and well-written crime fiction novel. The plot was complex and kept me interested until the very end. The characters were well-developed and interesting, making me invested in their stories and ultimate fates.
However, there were some drawbacks to the novel, such as its reliance on Australian slang and the complexity of the plot. These may make it more difficult for some readers to fully appreciate the book.
Despite these drawbacks, I would recommend Old Scores to anyone who enjoys crime fiction, particularly those interested in the unique setting of Australian soccer in the 1980s. This book stands out from others in its genre due to its well-developed characters and unique perspective on crime and corruption.
FAQ
What inspired David Whish-Wilson to write Old Scores?
David Whish-Wilson drew upon his experience as a private investigator in Western Australia, as well as his love of soccer, to write Old Scores. He was inspired to explore the corruption and violence that were endemic in Australian soccer during the 1980s.
Is Old Scores similar to other crime fiction novels?
While Old Scores shares some similarities with other crime fiction novels, such as its focus on a detective investigating a crime, it stands out from others in its genre due to its unique setting of Australian soccer in the 1980s. Additionally, the novel’s characters are more complex and well-developed than those in many other crime novels.
What are some of the main themes explored in Old Scores?
Old Scores explores themes such as corruption in sports, loyalty, police corruption, religious fanaticism, and the Australian class system. These themes are woven into the plot in a way that enhances the story and provides deeper meaning and insights to the reader.
Old Scores (Frank Swann) By David Whish-Wilson
