The Long Dark Tea Time of the Sould

I picked up The Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul expecting something light and silly that I wouldn't have to pay too much attention to. And while this book was light and pretty easy to read, it had far more of a plot that I was expecting. There was a mystery to be solved and connections to be made and everything.

Apart from the surprise of the plot, I was most struck by how familiar this book felt. Which is to say that I could clearly see the influence Adams has had on some of my favorite authors. Gently reminded me more than a little of Witchfinder Sergeant Shadwell from Good Omens. And I have to wonder if the dying Norse Gods in this book had any influence on Gaiman's American Gods.

It took me a little while to get into this book, mostly because I hadn't expected to pay as much attention to it as I ended up needing to. But by the time Kate was investigating the nursing home, I was on board. Things came together a little abruptly at the end, but it was still a mostly enjoyable book. Especially the scenes where Thor lost his temper.

And now that I know this book isn't even the first in the Dirk Gently series, I may have to track down the others.

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