The danger of over-expectation (Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency - Douglas Adams)

Member Name: John Rickard

Product:	Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency - Douglas Adams
Date:	26/06/00 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A good book in its own right

Disadvantages: Not quite up to his previous work

I came to this book with very high expectations. After all, Douglas Adams is the man behind the Hitch-Hikers guide to the Galaxy, one of the funniest comedys of all time. Moreover, he had had years to produce this book - how could it not be god-like comedy?

Naturally, it isn't. Hitchhikers evolved over a long time, first on the radio, then as a book, and finally on the TV, so had a very long time to evolve into the polished product.

The title sums up the basic premise. Dirk is another in the line of failing detectives. As one would expect from this author, the mystery he faces is not the standard murder.

This is a good book. After my initial disappointment, I have re-read it several times, and each time that first feeling fades, to be replaced by an appreciation of this book rather than wishing it was another Hitchhiker novel. Read it with an open mind and you'll enjoy it. Read it expecting the voice of the book and you'll be disappointed.

Summary: