Not Far as Velma

Not As Far as Velma is one of the most interesting and puzzling of Freeling's books. Certainly, it was the most engaging book that I have so far read from the Castang series. (I tend to favor the more popular Van der Valk.) I was moved and curious while reading this novel. I may have to read more widely in the Castang works to see if I change my mind about which series I prefer. As usual, the focus for Castang is less on a straightforward crime, but on a disappearance which may or may not be a crime. There are certain signs-- a forged name, some birds left behind. But generally, it is not clear if anything has really happened. It is not until a bombing occurs with ties to the people in question that Castang has the occasion to take a deeper look... If Freeling had stopped the novel somewhere around page 175, I would have given it five stars without any hesitation. However, the book has a very oddly structured ending, with several false endings before it finally closes. I want to admire that, because I find it daring. But I found it oddly unsatisfying, as though it tied up too much without really tying up enough. Four-and-a-half stars then, but still a very strong recommendation. If you like Freeling in general, you'll really enjoy this book. It also would not be a bad place to begin with Freeling, although bear my reservations about the structure of the ending in mind.