Avid Series Reader's Reviews > Lonely Hearts

Lonely Hearts by John Harvey is the first book of the Charlie Resnick mystery series set in late 20th century Nottingham (Midlands) England. Detective Inspector Charlie Resnick is middle-aged, divorced, living alone with his cats. He doesn't take care of himself: runs to flab, dresses in shabby clothes, but he's a kind man, understanding of the foibles of the detectives who report to him.

This first book of the series introduces a crew of detectives with quirky (some stereotypical) personalities: an arrogant womanizer sexist pig; a faithful married man about to become a father; a female detective growing in assertiveness along with success in her cases; a rookie battling racial discrimination, whose instincts show tremendous potential.

Active cases include investigating serial murders and testifying at the trial of a child molester. Charlie becomes friends with social worker Rachel, who oversees the abused child's wellbeing. Rachel is in a destructive personal relationship, undermining her self confidence. But there's an undeniable spark between Rachel and Charlie, two loners ("lonely hearts").

The first two murders at first do not seem related. Once Charlie learns both victims placed "Lonely Hearts" ads, he knows to look for a serial killer; a subsequent murder proves him right. Detectives have a tough chore to investigate all the advertisements and letters sent/received by victims; clearly showing that detective work can be a long slow tedious dreary slog.

I decided to read Lonely Hearts after enjoying John Harvey's first book in the Frank Elder series. The plot of Flesh & Blood held my interest all the way, I liked the main character (a retired police detective), and I look forward to finishing the series. Not so with Lonely Hearts; I agree with another reviewer, who described it as "dreary". Charlie and Rachel live dreary lives, saddled with dreary cases; the murder victims were equally dreary characters making dreary choices. Too depressing to continue reading for entertainment. Puzzling that the Charlie Resnick series is a long one, while the Frank Elder series has only 3 books.