This book is billed as a Dismis Hardy/Abe Glitsky novel--- It is only MARIGINALLY so.. Dismis and Abe appear in the prologu, and in the novel's climaxThis book is billed as a Dismis Hardy/Abe Glitsky novel--- It is only MARIGINALLY so.. Dismis and Abe appear in the prologu, and in the novel's climax, but most of this novel is far from being Lescroart's regular stuff..
That's not to discount it.. It still is a walloping page turner of a book that takes the time to deal with the conflict in Iraq, veteran's affairs, and the concept of "contractors" within the conflict.
Ron Nolan is a contractor and Evan Scholler is a National Guardsman. They meet in Iraq and Nolan conducts himself in a dishonorable manner, setting up further conflict between the two men.. Without giving the story away, I want to say that this conflict is the MEAT of the story and the resolution of the novel is almost anticlimactic.
Fans of Hardy may be a bit disappointed that his appearance is slightly more than marginal.. and LesCroart might have tacked the prologue and climax on just to sell more copies of this book, but if he'd found another way to tell the same story and even leave Hardy completely out of this story it would have risen to near greatness.
As it is now.. it is crackerjack-- but not great..
The last James Bond novel I read was so overwhelmingly disappointing I was afraid to try this one. Of course, the fact that a new author has taken oveThe last James Bond novel I read was so overwhelmingly disappointing I was afraid to try this one. Of course, the fact that a new author has taken over the series gave me a small measure of hope.
I was not disappointed. Zero Minus Ten was an excellent example of what a James Bond novel should be. A story that was believeable, bad guys that are clever, an appropriate amnount of Red herrings/side missions, and finally, a threat of catastrophe large enough to make Bond's mission meaningful.
This novel surrounds the handover of Hong Kong from Britain to China. A nefarious plot surrounding this handover arises. Bond enters the fray as he investigates a megacorporation, triads, and a corrupt Chinese general.
The only complaint I have about this novel is that there are places where Bond is yelling "Stop!" or "Freeze!" to assailants when it would be more in character for him to shoot them. In one or two of those places there is of course the concern that the person may or may not have information that Bond can use.. but at other times it just seems so out of place and absurd that I just couldn't accept it.
Okay, the conclusion came in a rush and seemed a bit rushed.. still.. all in all, I was not disappointed in this bond adventure. Thank you, Raymond Benson.
This was my first adventure with Claire, but I found myself enjoying the dialogue, the mindset, and the whimsical nature of this novel. Claire, an amaThis was my first adventure with Claire, but I found myself enjoying the dialogue, the mindset, and the whimsical nature of this novel. Claire, an amatuer sleuth, and her daughter, go to visit her dead husband's family and quickly find themselves in a scene that is not-far-removed from the Addams family. One cousin is a long-haired pot smoker that never removes his sunglassess or ipod headphones, another is a cackling old grandmother who runs her motorized wheelchair like it belonged in a NASCAR race. Every wacky character has a major foible in this novel which reminded me of the old mystery movies like Charlie Chan, etc. DOWN to the last meeting where Claire reveals the identity of the murderer, how it was done, and how she eliminated the others. This was a really good book and very enjoyable. I don't even know where I got this one.. but it was good!...more
It has been years since I read any of the continued adventures of James Bond by Mr. Gardner. I thoroughly enjoyed "License Renewed" and "Icebreaker" bIt has been years since I read any of the continued adventures of James Bond by Mr. Gardner. I thoroughly enjoyed "License Renewed" and "Icebreaker" back in the early days of Mr. Gardner's writing in this series.
However, in this novel, Bond is little more than a glorified policeman, hunting down a deadly assasin who sends a very specialized rose to the funerals of his victims. Bond is, of course, sexually active to the point of extreme nasuea in this novel, though the author doesn't attempt to bore us with the sexual details, he just feels the need to tell us that Bond and his female companion performed like Olympic champions all night long.. Big deal, Gardner, get to the story.. reveal the bad guy.. move the plot along...
There are some neat mysterious twists in this novel, but they are almost so obvious that the reader is repetitvely disappointed. In fact, this book is written in such a way as to be rushed, overly intuitive, and greatly disappointing.
Though this novel has some of the familiar Bond elements story it still is not the typical James Bond and I struggled to get to the absurd end. Disneyland France plays a fanciful part in the story and Gardner goes to great detail to describe the wonders of Disneyland, which only added to the tedium of the novel.
Cursed Pirate Treasure, computer glitches, suspicious illnesses,and a cavern full of traps all combine in an exciting yarn carefully plotted and skillCursed Pirate Treasure, computer glitches, suspicious illnesses,and a cavern full of traps all combine in an exciting yarn carefully plotted and skillfully crafted to keep the reader turning page after page.
I find Preston and Child to be the type of team who write books that seem to tip their hats to some of Michael Critchton's best novels. Clever ideas for frightening plots with clever scientific foundation.
Interesting characters with an interesting background, a very interesting setting, and believeable action decorate this novel, which though not on a level of greatness, is still well worth the read. ...more
I must confess that I had seem many film versions of this classic but never taken the time to read it. What I found when I did read of was a story ricI must confess that I had seem many film versions of this classic but never taken the time to read it. What I found when I did read of was a story rich with Dicken's brand of clever symbolism and wit. From the very first page Dickens grabbed my attention as be carefully set the stage for a ghost story with a discussion of the need of the reader to know that Jacob Marley was really dead! The reader knows almost at once that this is going to be a ghost story. However, Dickens does this in a clever manner as he brings up the ghost of Hamlets father and discussed the nonsense of the simile "dead as a doornail."
Dickens never departs from his theme of responsibility for the poor, though. In fact, in places he becomes quite preachy about it. As Scrooge is transformed we see Dickens use his character as a mirror for society. Society has written off the poor as undeserving. Society continues to build prisons and workhouses rather than dealing with the root cause of poverty which Dickens portrays as nothing short of the extreme greed which consumes Scrooge and prevents him from finding true happiness. Dickens implies to his readers that the upper class will find true joy and true Christianity through sharing with the poor.
Dickens also takes the opportunity to preach against the Victorian sabbath laws.
Dickens is able to paint the poor with a wide brush. Most of them are good hearted people like Bob and Tiny Tim. They celebrate Christmas with contentment and find their satisfaction in family rather than possessions. Just when the reader thinks all poor people are righteous Dickens drops in those who steal from dead Scrooge, one woman even stealing his ned curtains as he lay dead in the bed. Even these people are not portrayed as evil, but rather that they are desperate.
All in all I enjoyed the book despite it's preachy overtones. It is indeed a classic and one I waited to long to read....more
As usual, Steve Solomon is in trouble. this time he has a homicidal former client on his case. The client is a psychologist who wrangles a court orderAs usual, Steve Solomon is in trouble. this time he has a homicidal former client on his case. The client is a psychologist who wrangles a court order to get Solomon to have to attend anger management sessions with him. However, this psychologist is pretty much a nutcase himself and Steve did a legal no-no to get him put in jail, an act of client betrayal that Steve's fiance is shocked when she hears (though readers of this series should not be)
Quirky as always, Solomon just keeps getting in more and more trouble. To make things worse, his druggie sister gets out of jail and she wants to regain custody of Steve's nephew Bobby. Steve's someday mother-in-law is being fleeced by a con man. thirteen year old Bobby is hot for a rather "fast" girl from school. A Marlin is stuck through his front door. His secretary is having underwear clad wrestling matches with her probation officer in the office. The twin super models want him to sue because they claim the after pics in a breast augmentation advertisement are theirs (pulling up their shirts-- "See!")
There's no real mystery in this story. Rather, it is another fun romp through the culture of Florida with anti-Jewish and anti-gentile humor abounding. Steve's scoundrel of a father has chosen to return to his orthodox Jewish roots, his sister has "found Jesus" and his nephew has discovered girls. Steve's clients, as always, have cases more comical than anything television viewers might see on Boston Legal.
One interesting thing I learned from this book was about the Shakespearean quote "Kill the lawyers." In one verbal sparring match (of which there are many) the villain uses the quote to demean lawyers and Steve explains that the quote is almost always taken out of context. Steve takes the time to explain that the character who utters that phrase in the play is attempting to overthrow the government and one of the first steps is to eliminate the legal system. Interesting factoid to store away.
Highly recommend this book-- but will note that the language and though not explicit sex- the sexual references abound and frank discussion of sexual promiscuity, child molestation occurs. There is also a rather crude bikini waxing scene as Victoria is present while her mom gets a bikini wax, something I cannot imagine ever happening between a mother and a daughter.. but then, what do I know.
If Carl Hiassan wrote about lawyers, this would be the sort of stuff he would write. Fun until the end. ...more
In his early writing career Elmore Leonard wrote western novels.. (one of the most notable was "Valdez is Coming" which was really a pretty good westeIn his early writing career Elmore Leonard wrote western novels.. (one of the most notable was "Valdez is Coming" which was really a pretty good western film even if it did not have concrete conclusion)
"Escape From Five Shadows" was different because it wasn't about a range war, a gunslinger, etc. rather, it was just a simple story about a crooked prison camp and the people caught up in a plot to cheat the government.
If you are looking for the quirky characters found in most of Leonard's gangster/crime novels, you won't find them here. Instead, you will just find a fair novel, well-written, but nothing earth shattering.
If Leonard could write a quirky western I would love to read it. However, this one just stops short of being really worth it.
Tom DeHaven's name seems familiar, but this was not your daddy's Superman novel. In fact, it was utterly FANTASTIC as DeHaven crafts a retelling of thTom DeHaven's name seems familiar, but this was not your daddy's Superman novel. In fact, it was utterly FANTASTIC as DeHaven crafts a retelling of the story in a more hard-boiled way. DeHaven is a master at giving a reader the FEEL of living in 1930's America. He knows the sports teams, the radio shoes, the automobiles, the WPA projects, the towns....
As I read this book I could really feel that I was in the Smallville movie theater at times. The details were incredibly crafted and yet, this novel was so much more hardboiled.
Clark Kent has a temper-- but often feels sheepish about his actions.
Lois Lane is a small town girl in the big city and guys learn quickly how to take advantage of her AND vice versa.
Lex Luthor is a New York City (the author does not attempt to disguise New York as the fictional Metropolis) Alderman with underworld ties who (apparently due to stress) loses his hair long before meeting Superman.
The novel avoids most of the traditional characters (Perry White has a very small part, Jimmy Olsen never shows up) while creating some interesting new characters, and mixing in some historical figures (Lucky Luciano, Mayor LaGuardia, etc.)
There is a different explanation of where Clark obtains the Superman suit, how he first meets Lois Lane, etc. In fact, Clark has difficulty deciding which side of the law he really wants to be on.
Like I said, this is not your daddy's Superman. DeHaven finds a way to return to the traditional roots but mutates the storyline into something that is more fun and less of a simple rehash-- this book and story takes on a new lease in life, a new chapter in the legend, and was a true joy to read.
Maybe I just needed something light to read..
Here's the fun thing.. I bought this book at a local store called "the Dollar Tree" -- Everything in the store is one dollar. I have never seen a book there before that was worth buying and I took a chance with this one-- I was truly glad that I did. Well worth the read!
I guess I've got to go back now.. Can my brothers guess what they might get for Christmas? ...more
Katie used to work for the CIA. One day, fifteen years ago, she got fired-- NO explanation! Since then she has written a spy novel, which was adapted Katie used to work for the CIA. One day, fifteen years ago, she got fired-- NO explanation! Since then she has written a spy novel, which was adapted as a fairly successful television show. You would think she would be happy, but somehow there is something missing. Then an acquaintance from her days at the CIA calls to talk to her about a matter of national importance-- and then promptly disappears. Soon, Katie is racking her brain and trying to figure out what secret she might know from her analytical days with "the company."
While Past Perfect has a decent plot and a comedic style that tends to hold the reader's interest, the pacing of the story needs work. Isaac's seems uncomfortable writing the action portion of the story and wants to get back to dry and boring plot analysis-- why who did what with whom and where.. Let's all just sit around and talk about it and crack wise from time to time to keep the reader's nose from hitting the page as he drifts off to sleep.
Was it worth the read? Yes, but just barely. A great idea, some funny lines, some clever jokes, flat characters, etc. ...more
This was a quality novel about the aftermath of the Great San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Wheeler uses fifty dollar words at times, but does a greatThis was a quality novel about the aftermath of the Great San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Wheeler uses fifty dollar words at times, but does a great job of evoking the desperation, the despair, the weariness of the people of San Francisco. The author has a solid grasp on the happenings he describes, probably after pouring through numerous first person descriptions. He seems to know the political climate as well as the moral and social climate.
He take sthe time to use some real people in some non-historic ways, but he explains that uasage in the author's note along with his purpose.
The author follows the characters about and describes their hopelessness. The resolutions of the fictional stories are quite well thought out on his part, truly representing the historical setting and in some cases the social values of the times. He also takes time to debunk the concept that Frisco was destroyed by God as a judgment on a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah, both through character's speech, opinions, and beliefs, as well as through the very interesting author's note at the end of the book. WELL WORTH READING!
One of the cool things about this book is the way that the resolute (those who know what they think they need to do and are positive abou the direction they are going) gradually lose their resolution in the midst of the catastrophe, while the irresolute (those confused and feeling hopeless) gradually become resolute and rise from the ashes.
I highly recommend this to folks who like to read historical novels. This one is quite well written, high-minded, and takes the time to reflect an entire catastrophe, avoiding the cliche of some great love in the midst of tragedy a la the "Titanic" film with Leonard DiCrapio....more
**spoiler alert** I really wanted to enjoy book. I really tried hard. I did enjoy the Frasier-like prose. I really thought that the book, a satire on **spoiler alert** I really wanted to enjoy book. I really tried hard. I did enjoy the Frasier-like prose. I really thought that the book, a satire on Hollywood would be a lot of fun. And, to the extent that I read the book, it was.
Basic premise.. a couple of writers luck into the chance of a lifetime-- to write a screenplay for a major Hollywood production- only to discover that they are to adapt a sappy, sentimental, and ridiculously corny novel. Bucks are bucks, but their new livelihood is threatened when a relative of the mother and son star begins to write her tell-all memoirs, which will expose once and for all the son's homosexuality-- likely ruining him as one of Hollywood's leading men.
Now, if that was as far as the book went in regards to the homosexual activity-- I probably would have ignored it and some of the strong language.. but the leading character telling the story from his point of view was spending his time LUSTING after the actor and attempting to arrange a sexual conquest. When he wasn't doing that he was dreaming of the actor and masturbating-- all the while spying on the relative and reporting back what was being written, under the guise of ghostwriting.
I guess my "homophobia" got he best of me. I finally became very uncomfortable with the book and set it aside. Others may enjoy it, laugh with it, etc.
To be fair.. Keenan's writing is as tightly wound as the Frasier character (I make this reference because I believe he is involved with the Frasier television show), his wit is razor sharp, and the plot is clever-- as is his ability to satarize Hollywood.
I just found some of the subject matter beyond me....more
Although this story had sort of a convulated divergence of mysteries (two of them) it was the characterization and the culture of these mountain peoplAlthough this story had sort of a convulated divergence of mysteries (two of them) it was the characterization and the culture of these mountain people that intrigued me. The author gets a little mystical from time to time-- but still, she writes some interesting stuff. ...more
I used this book many years ago to lead discussions regarding various aspects of the Christian Walk. Swindoll is often a little light in areas, but thI used this book many years ago to lead discussions regarding various aspects of the Christian Walk. Swindoll is often a little light in areas, but this one hit the mark for me, especially as he discussed setting priorities, etc.
An excellent book with some fine truths expounded in a light and easy-to-read manner. ...more
This entry in the Paul Madriani series is a bit earlier than some of the others. Madriani takes a temporary position as a special prosecutor while theThis entry in the Paul Madriani series is a bit earlier than some of the others. Madriani takes a temporary position as a special prosecutor while the current D.A. recovers from heart surgery, but alas-- the D.A. dies and nobody will let Madriani out of the contract. In addition, a serial killer has brutally killed six people. Soon Madriani finds himself facing a nemesis in the courtroom who is bent on obtaining vengeance because of a State Bar discipline that was brought to light by Madriani.
Madriani is at his best in in the courtroom, and it would be great if Martini would keep him there. It makes compelling reading to see the legal case either come together, fall apart, or expose a new clue to the mystery. Madriani, of course, figures out who the murderer is, there is a physical confrontation... (One of these days, Madriani will learn that he gets wounded in almost every book, so he probably needs to learn to call the cops) and I was disatisfied with who the actual villain was.
Despite those minor drawbacks.. This was a satisfying, page-turning read and I enjoyed it....more
Max Holman's police officer son is murdered the same day that Max is released from prison. The cops claim it is related to gang activity, but Max gradMax Holman's police officer son is murdered the same day that Max is released from prison. The cops claim it is related to gang activity, but Max gradually discovers that there is a deeper mystery running behind his son's death. In an effort to make amends for his own criminal conduct, he begins to involve himself into a deadly circle of this dark mystery.
Crais' writing is very, very tight. He paints Holman's release from prison and the details surrounding the life of a paroled convict and the problems that they face very well. Soon, the reader is conceredn that the hero is breaking the rules in order to discover the truth about his son's death. Crais captures Max's depression and sorrow as well as his rugged determination to carry forward.
On top of that, Crais has concocted a clever mystery and reasonable red herrings and powerful clues. Strong characterization, great emotion, and a page turning plot make this one an above average book....more
**spoiler alert** If I hadn't picked this one up at a local library sale for next to nothing I would not even have bothered. Sadly, this one starts of**spoiler alert** If I hadn't picked this one up at a local library sale for next to nothing I would not even have bothered. Sadly, this one starts off with a real kick and then fizzles into a really lame pulp novel--and not even a good one at that.
I had pretty much given up on Clancy, but then enjoyed Red Rabbit and The Bear and The Dragon almost as much as his original novels.
Now, I feel like I put my foot in a cowpie out in an Oklahoma pasture.
Let me set this one up for you:
Jack Ryan is out to pasture, no longer president. However, back when he was president he established a "private spy" organizational system with ties to NSA, CIA, FBI, and other intelligence gathering groups.
His son, Jack, jr. somehow sniffs out the existence of this organization and takes time to apply for a job. He gets hired. Big surprise, huh? His cousins, fraternal twins Dominic and Brian Caruso, are also recruited for this organization. The purpose of this group-- to identify and SNUFF the bad guys. How do they do it? Not with guns... no... but they stab the enemy with a syringe loeaded with a new drug-- a synthetic curare that is 99% undectable during an autopsy... Some stupid training exercises, then these guys get away with killing terrorists targets all over Europe-- no questions asked, since it looks like the victims just had heart attacks.
Finally, young Jack, jr., with no training, is sent into the field to assist his cousins... A conclusion that is unsatisfying and only serves to set up for another stupid insipid assinine ridiculous idiotic insane unreal goofy and overall STUPID storyline.
I think it is time to boycott Clancy's books...They have nothing to add. He starts them out fun, and then screws them up completely. ...more
I was trying to figure out where the authors of this novel were trying to go with this story that takes place right before the Great Depression. A troI was trying to figure out where the authors of this novel were trying to go with this story that takes place right before the Great Depression. A troubled World War I veteran stumbles into the murder scene of his wife and flees. Later he is arrested and in jail meets a black man who has been falsely accused of rape. The two become friendly and escape custody together.
At this point, the story begins to go askew.. the story seems to be about their friendship between these two men and the grave injustice coming toward them. However, the story begins to develop multiple personalities, even if the characters are interesting.
Soon, the reader is left pondering the following questions:
1) Is the story about the Major running the veteran's hospital (known as the soldier's home) and psychiatric asylum?
2) Is the story about the woman reporter, who curses, smokes, drinks, and is just generally one of the guys- shocking the Major in her unladylike behavior?
3) Is the story about the racism and lack of justice surrounding the black man.
4) Is the story about the terrible atrocities the veteran faced in Europe during World War I?
5) Is the story about the courtroom wrangling and the intelligent old lawyer who defends the veteran?
6) Is the story aboud the impending stock market crash and the attitudes of people who were investing heavily?
Honesty, I think the story was an excuse for the authors to wander through the late 1920's - trying to create interesting characters who do so little as to leave the reader apathetic.
There is one interesting twist at the end-- but it really comes too little, too late..
By the time I closed this one down, I was wondering why I had bothered to pursue the final page. At times I was drawn into the story and at times I was frustrated that the authors seemed to wander around. At times I was interested in the characters and at times I was frustrated by them.
I've always liked Stories set in the Post Apocolyptic United States and this was no exception. I really enjoyed the Kevin Costner movie version of thiI've always liked Stories set in the Post Apocolyptic United States and this was no exception. I really enjoyed the Kevin Costner movie version of this book, though it had some major differences.
This book read a little "flat" for me. Character motivation seemed lacking and a lot of time skulking about in the bushes took place.
Still, I think it was worth reading, just not a great read by any means. ...more
Melzer hits another one out of the park as far as I am concerned with this really tense page turner.
The heroes in this book are husband and wife, botMelzer hits another one out of the park as far as I am concerned with this really tense page turner.
The heroes in this book are husband and wife, both lawyers. The wife, after an extensive search for work has finally landed a job as an Assistant D.A. and desperately manages to steal a simple burglary case from another A.D.A. only to creat a huge conflict. The husband is retained by the defendant. The conflict and tension grows as both lawyers are threatened with the murder of their spouse and family membets if they either drop or lose the case. Elements of the story are like "the firm" as they each discover that they are being watched very closely. The threats mount, and even come to physical violence as both are forced to keep a secret that a threat has been made.
The question remains-- why the threats-- and this is gradually revealed through the A.D.A.'s clever investigation. Meltzer provides a clever mystery, cleverly constructed multi-layer characters, and a plot that moves forward with under a fevered pitch.
I stopped short of giving this one a perfect rating because some of the action in the end seemed a bit contrived and exaggerated, but the novel is well worth the time taken to read it.