Hidden Moon (Inspector O Series #2) Book

Hidden Moon is the second in James Church's Inspector O series, police procedurals set in North Korea. (I haven't read the first book in the series and didn't at any point feel as though I was missing context or that characters had previously developed relationships not explained by this novel.)

What I loved? The setting, having a window on North Korea, and something to replace Orphan Son as my only information on this fascinating, close society. Inspector O - a great character endeavoring to function in a culture where any word or no word can get one hauled off for an interrogation with, perhaps, a little physical abuse on the side. He's the only reliable narrator in this book. Not because the author is playing games with the reader, but because a prudent person in North Korea doesn't volunteer information or disclose any more than necessary, and sometimes misdirection is the wise choice. Last, Church's dialogue rings true. It is spare and beautiful and authentic, reflecting his knowledge of the cultural and political terrain.

What I didn't love? The plot was circuitous to the point of being frustrating. It's as if Church never intended to explain what happened with the ostensible bank robbery which framed the novel. I found several of the characters to be so lightly drawn that I couldn't recall who was whom and what their connections were, and this is a book I read over a 5 day period.

I may read another Inspector O novel - because I find him, and North Korea fascinating - but it won't be a top priority to find one.