The Wheel of Darkness
Douglas J. Preston and Lincoln Child
Grand Central, Aug 2007, $25.99
ISBN: 9780446580281
Following their struggle with his insanely evil but brilliant brother Diogenes (see BRIMSTONE, DANCE OF DEATH and THE BOOK OF THE DEAD), FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast knows he and his ward Constance Greene need time away. They head to the extremely remote but still not destroyed by the Chinese Gsalrig Chongg Buddhist monastery on the Tibet-Nepal border. They hope some solitude will lead to needed mental healing.
However, Abbot Tsering, who is one of the few Buddhist monks who speak English, informs “Friend Pendergast” that women are not allowed here as none have come before the thousand years the edifice existed and in fact he has not seen one since he was two years old; that the Most High Lama Rimpoche is dead and they seek his nineteenth reincarnation; and finally they are the keepers of the sacred Agozyen, which used wrongly could make humanity extinct; the artifact was just stolen from a secure locked area. The almost visiting Americans agree to search for the relic, which takes them to a luxury cruise ship, where brutal murders imply the evil has been freed.
Fans of this great series will find the Tibetan journey with its "locked room" (actually niche) mystery and the subsequent lethal cruise trip a refreshing change from the previous terrific Pendergast paranormal sagas. Adding to the always well written supernatural suspense besides the trademark save the world from evil thriller prime story line is whether Constance still carries Diogenes’ offspring that humanizes the hero. THE WHEEL OF DARKNESS is a fabulous frightening battle between good and evil with the bad spirits seeming to have the upper hand.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Now & Then-Robert B. Parker
Now & Then
Robert B. Parker
Putnam, Oct 2007, $25.95, 309 pp.
ISBN 078039925416
Every once in a while a case comes along that affects Spencer profoundly and Dennis Doherty’s need to find out the truth is one of them. Dennis’s wife is acting very strange, staying out late and acting distant. He doesn’t want to believe his wife is cheating on him but he needs to know the truth; Spencer finds it in the form of a tape he make of the wife making love with another man Perry Alderson.
Spencer doesn’t feel the usually closure that comes with the end of a case so he has a friend of his follow Dennis’s wife Jordan. She is shot by while walking; Spencer’s friend kills him. Not too much later Dennis’s body is found in the water, the victim of the same killer. The lover of Dennis’s wife, who has ties to terrorists is probably the person who ordered the hit and Spencer wants him to pay for those crimes. Making sure that Susan is protected at all times Spencer blackmails Perry with the unedited tape that would bring the FBI on him. Tracing Perry’s background, he discovers things about the man that would earn him a lethal injection and he intends to gather enough proof for a successful prosecution.
All the Robert B. Parker trademarks are present in the latest Spencer tale including male bonding of a humorous sort, with teasing repartee and the use of dry wit to score points off one another. There is plenty of action and fun yet for the first time in a long time, Mr. Parker shows how deep the relationship between Susan and Spencer really is and how bottomless their love goes. Spencer shows a vulnerable side to his personality that endears him further to his fans. NOW & THEN is a great entry in this long running saga.
Harriet Klausner
Robert B. Parker
Putnam, Oct 2007, $25.95, 309 pp.
ISBN 078039925416
Every once in a while a case comes along that affects Spencer profoundly and Dennis Doherty’s need to find out the truth is one of them. Dennis’s wife is acting very strange, staying out late and acting distant. He doesn’t want to believe his wife is cheating on him but he needs to know the truth; Spencer finds it in the form of a tape he make of the wife making love with another man Perry Alderson.
Spencer doesn’t feel the usually closure that comes with the end of a case so he has a friend of his follow Dennis’s wife Jordan. She is shot by while walking; Spencer’s friend kills him. Not too much later Dennis’s body is found in the water, the victim of the same killer. The lover of Dennis’s wife, who has ties to terrorists is probably the person who ordered the hit and Spencer wants him to pay for those crimes. Making sure that Susan is protected at all times Spencer blackmails Perry with the unedited tape that would bring the FBI on him. Tracing Perry’s background, he discovers things about the man that would earn him a lethal injection and he intends to gather enough proof for a successful prosecution.
All the Robert B. Parker trademarks are present in the latest Spencer tale including male bonding of a humorous sort, with teasing repartee and the use of dry wit to score points off one another. There is plenty of action and fun yet for the first time in a long time, Mr. Parker shows how deep the relationship between Susan and Spencer really is and how bottomless their love goes. Spencer shows a vulnerable side to his personality that endears him further to his fans. NOW & THEN is a great entry in this long running saga.
Harriet Klausner
Shoot Him if He Runs-Stuart Woods
Shoot Him if He Runs
Stuart Woods
Putnam, Oct 2007, $25.95, 304 pp.
ISBN: 9780399154947
Teddy Fay was a CIA agent for many years and he was perfect in his operations until he started killing people he believed were detrimental to the country he loved and served. When last seen in IRON ORCHID he was escaping from a building on fire and was assumed dead. It is now believed he is alive and living in the Caribbean island of St. Marks. The American public believes he is dead and if they find out otherwise, the chances of the president’s reelection are close to zero.
The president sends Agent Holly Barker, lawyer Stone Barrington and police officer Dino Bacchetti to St. Marks to see if they can find an identify Teddy. Holly has the best shot of doing so because she has seen him twice before albeit in costume. Down there, the new prime minister is closer to a dictator than a democratic president and his chief of security served in Haiti under Papa Doc. The three Americans run afoul of the government between their being bugged and Holly and Stone arrested. When they are free the two are ordered home but the PM has sealed off the island because his security chief was assassinated with all the trade marks of a Teddy hit.
Start Woods teams up Stone Barrington and Holly Barker and their collaboration in the bedroom and on a professional level makes SHOOT HIM If He RUNS one of the author’s finest works to date. They have much in common and work well together, so much so that they should be teamed up more often. Teddy Fay is such an expert in disguises and there are so many shady expatriates on the island that Holly and Stone have to work triple time to find out if Teddy is on the island.
Harriet Klausner
Stuart Woods
Putnam, Oct 2007, $25.95, 304 pp.
ISBN: 9780399154947
Teddy Fay was a CIA agent for many years and he was perfect in his operations until he started killing people he believed were detrimental to the country he loved and served. When last seen in IRON ORCHID he was escaping from a building on fire and was assumed dead. It is now believed he is alive and living in the Caribbean island of St. Marks. The American public believes he is dead and if they find out otherwise, the chances of the president’s reelection are close to zero.
The president sends Agent Holly Barker, lawyer Stone Barrington and police officer Dino Bacchetti to St. Marks to see if they can find an identify Teddy. Holly has the best shot of doing so because she has seen him twice before albeit in costume. Down there, the new prime minister is closer to a dictator than a democratic president and his chief of security served in Haiti under Papa Doc. The three Americans run afoul of the government between their being bugged and Holly and Stone arrested. When they are free the two are ordered home but the PM has sealed off the island because his security chief was assassinated with all the trade marks of a Teddy hit.
Start Woods teams up Stone Barrington and Holly Barker and their collaboration in the bedroom and on a professional level makes SHOOT HIM If He RUNS one of the author’s finest works to date. They have much in common and work well together, so much so that they should be teamed up more often. Teddy Fay is such an expert in disguises and there are so many shady expatriates on the island that Holly and Stone have to work triple time to find out if Teddy is on the island.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, August 3, 2007
Bones to Ashes-Kathy Reichs
Bones to Ashes
Kathy Reichs
Scribner, Aug 2007, $25.95
ISBN: 9780743294379
Forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan needs a diversion as her love life seems to be collapsing with her relationship with Detective Andrew Ryan, shaky at its optimistic best. Thus, when she is asked to look at the remains of a cold case in New Brunswick, Canada, she leaps at the opportunity. The skeleton is that of a a teenage girl, which leads Tempe to believe that the bones are the remains of Evangeline Landry. Three decades ago when Tempe was eight, her fifteen year old friend Evangeline vanished without a trace. Looking back Tempe vaguely remembers being told to forget Evangeline ever lived.
As she recalls the warning from her youth, Tempe wonders what caused the lesions on the bone structure. At the same time Ryan investigates three cold cases involving missing teenage girls eventually found dead with the same scenario as that of the Jane Doe that Tempe feels is Evangeline. Both think their cases are the result of the same serial killer and share the fear factor that this predator still operates freely after all these years.
Tempe’s tenth forensic whodunit is a superb investigative thriller that hooks the audience from the first moment that the heroine begins her inquiry. The fast-paced story line is action-packed with the two subplots tied together as much by the investigations as it is the relationship. No one plays with Bones better than Kathy Reichs does as the latest Temperance Brennan cold case mysteries retains the series trademark of fresh suspense enhanced by the latest forensic breakthroughs.
Harriet Klausner
Kathy Reichs
Scribner, Aug 2007, $25.95
ISBN: 9780743294379
Forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan needs a diversion as her love life seems to be collapsing with her relationship with Detective Andrew Ryan, shaky at its optimistic best. Thus, when she is asked to look at the remains of a cold case in New Brunswick, Canada, she leaps at the opportunity. The skeleton is that of a a teenage girl, which leads Tempe to believe that the bones are the remains of Evangeline Landry. Three decades ago when Tempe was eight, her fifteen year old friend Evangeline vanished without a trace. Looking back Tempe vaguely remembers being told to forget Evangeline ever lived.
As she recalls the warning from her youth, Tempe wonders what caused the lesions on the bone structure. At the same time Ryan investigates three cold cases involving missing teenage girls eventually found dead with the same scenario as that of the Jane Doe that Tempe feels is Evangeline. Both think their cases are the result of the same serial killer and share the fear factor that this predator still operates freely after all these years.
Tempe’s tenth forensic whodunit is a superb investigative thriller that hooks the audience from the first moment that the heroine begins her inquiry. The fast-paced story line is action-packed with the two subplots tied together as much by the investigations as it is the relationship. No one plays with Bones better than Kathy Reichs does as the latest Temperance Brennan cold case mysteries retains the series trademark of fresh suspense enhanced by the latest forensic breakthroughs.
Harriet Klausner
Deeper-Jeff Long
Deeper
Jeff Long
Atria, Aug 2007, $25.00
ISBN: 9780743284547
Ten years ago, incredible inner earth labyrinths were discovered. A scientific expedition beneath the trenches of the Pacific Ocean occurred with most of the humans who came to explore Hades killed by the indigent predators who have terrorized the surface dwellers for millennia. The humans believed that they managed to kill the ruler.
One of the humans, linguist Ali von Schade, survived captivity by the Hadals to eventually return to her home on the planet surface with a vow to never go inside the earth again. Instead Dr. von Schade, suffering from the Stockholm syndrome especially after her time with the glamorous Satan, studies anything related to the several diverse Hadal peoples.
As a great war seems imminent on the Asian continent, children suddenly begin disappearing and ritual massacres occur. She knows who is responsible. Unable to resist, Ali joins the children rescue effort as all the evidence points towards Hades. Ali knows Satan lives as her affinity to him from her incarnation remains strong; she needs to see him as she remains attracted to Satan, yet also wants to kill him.
This exciting sequel to THE DESCENT (not read by this reviewer) is a fast-paced exhilarating gory thriller that never slows down once Ali realizes that the devil in her dreams remains alive inside the earth. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action and more action. Ali is the only multi-dimensional character and much of her flaws come from real demons and not her exploration of the cultures of Hell, but fans of non-stop action will not care as hell comes to earth through subway tunnels and humans go to Hell.
Harriet Klausner
Jeff Long
Atria, Aug 2007, $25.00
ISBN: 9780743284547
Ten years ago, incredible inner earth labyrinths were discovered. A scientific expedition beneath the trenches of the Pacific Ocean occurred with most of the humans who came to explore Hades killed by the indigent predators who have terrorized the surface dwellers for millennia. The humans believed that they managed to kill the ruler.
One of the humans, linguist Ali von Schade, survived captivity by the Hadals to eventually return to her home on the planet surface with a vow to never go inside the earth again. Instead Dr. von Schade, suffering from the Stockholm syndrome especially after her time with the glamorous Satan, studies anything related to the several diverse Hadal peoples.
As a great war seems imminent on the Asian continent, children suddenly begin disappearing and ritual massacres occur. She knows who is responsible. Unable to resist, Ali joins the children rescue effort as all the evidence points towards Hades. Ali knows Satan lives as her affinity to him from her incarnation remains strong; she needs to see him as she remains attracted to Satan, yet also wants to kill him.
This exciting sequel to THE DESCENT (not read by this reviewer) is a fast-paced exhilarating gory thriller that never slows down once Ali realizes that the devil in her dreams remains alive inside the earth. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action and more action. Ali is the only multi-dimensional character and much of her flaws come from real demons and not her exploration of the cultures of Hell, but fans of non-stop action will not care as hell comes to earth through subway tunnels and humans go to Hell.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Once Bitten, Twice Shy-Jennifer Rardin
Once Bitten, Twice Shy
Jennifer Rardin
Orbit, Oct 2007, $12.99
ISBN: 9780316020466
Jaz Parker left the Helsinger elite team of vampire killers to become a CIA. paranormal operative. She prefers to work alone as she trusts no one; the critical element for an assassin to stay alive.
However, two and a half century old Romanian expatriate Vayl the vampire wants Jasmine as his partner; anyone else would appreciate the honor of having the top CIA. paranormal agent as her cohort, but not her. Still she has no say except to agree to serve as an expendable bodyguard to the revered Vayl though she wonders why her as he is not telling. Vayl believes Jaz has some unique abilities including the skill to sniff out vampires. As they work in Miami investigating Assan, a plastic surgeon with ties to terrorists, she proves worthy when his blood supply is tainted, Jaz gives him her throat. Vayl knows that Jaz and he belong together beyond lead assassin and apprentice assassin; however, his ex-wife Liliana the vampiress with ties to Assan has plans for her former spouse that exclude Jaz, who must die.
This is a terrific contemporary paranormal CIA thriller starring two likable good guys and an assortment of nasty mortals and vampires. The counter terrorist story line is fast-paced with a chick lit bite as Jaz’s in your face comments are fun to follow although she needs to be kept on decaf. Vayl is her mentor and much more and yet much less. Although Liliana and Assan show no redeeming qualities beyond perfect matches for Gonzo at Guantomino, fans of supernatural suspense thrillers will want to read ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY.
Harriet Klausner
Jennifer Rardin
Orbit, Oct 2007, $12.99
ISBN: 9780316020466
Jaz Parker left the Helsinger elite team of vampire killers to become a CIA. paranormal operative. She prefers to work alone as she trusts no one; the critical element for an assassin to stay alive.
However, two and a half century old Romanian expatriate Vayl the vampire wants Jasmine as his partner; anyone else would appreciate the honor of having the top CIA. paranormal agent as her cohort, but not her. Still she has no say except to agree to serve as an expendable bodyguard to the revered Vayl though she wonders why her as he is not telling. Vayl believes Jaz has some unique abilities including the skill to sniff out vampires. As they work in Miami investigating Assan, a plastic surgeon with ties to terrorists, she proves worthy when his blood supply is tainted, Jaz gives him her throat. Vayl knows that Jaz and he belong together beyond lead assassin and apprentice assassin; however, his ex-wife Liliana the vampiress with ties to Assan has plans for her former spouse that exclude Jaz, who must die.
This is a terrific contemporary paranormal CIA thriller starring two likable good guys and an assortment of nasty mortals and vampires. The counter terrorist story line is fast-paced with a chick lit bite as Jaz’s in your face comments are fun to follow although she needs to be kept on decaf. Vayl is her mentor and much more and yet much less. Although Liliana and Assan show no redeeming qualities beyond perfect matches for Gonzo at Guantomino, fans of supernatural suspense thrillers will want to read ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY.
Harriet Klausner
Once Bitten, Twice Shy-Jennifer Rardin
Once Bitten, Twice Shy
Jennifer Rardin
Orbit, Oct 2007, $12.99
ISBN: 9780316020466
Jaz Parker left the Helsinger elite team of vampire killers to become a CIA. paranormal operative. She prefers to work alone as she trusts no one; the critical element for an assassin to stay alive.
However, two and a half century old Romanian expatriate Vayl the vampire wants Jasmine as his partner; anyone else would appreciate the honor of having the top CIA. paranormal agent as her cohort, but not her. Still she has no say except to agree to serve as an expendable bodyguard to the revered Vayl though she wonders why her as he is not telling. Vayl believes Jaz has some unique abilities including the skill to sniff out vampires. As they work in Miami investigating Assan, a plastic surgeon with ties to terrorists, she proves worthy when his blood supply is tainted, Jaz gives him her throat. Vayl knows that Jaz and he belong together beyond lead assassin and apprentice assassin; however, his ex-wife Liliana the vampiress with ties to Assan has plans for her former spouse that exclude Jaz, who must die.
This is a terrific contemporary paranormal CIA thriller starring two likable good guys and an assortment of nasty mortals and vampires. The counter terrorist story line is fast-paced with a chick lit bite as Jaz’s in your face comments are fun to follow although she needs to be kept on decaf. Vayl is her mentor and much more and yet much less. Although Liliana and Assan show no redeeming qualities beyond perfect matches for Gonzo at Guantomino, fans of supernatural suspense thrillers will want to read ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY.
Harriet Klausner
Jennifer Rardin
Orbit, Oct 2007, $12.99
ISBN: 9780316020466
Jaz Parker left the Helsinger elite team of vampire killers to become a CIA. paranormal operative. She prefers to work alone as she trusts no one; the critical element for an assassin to stay alive.
However, two and a half century old Romanian expatriate Vayl the vampire wants Jasmine as his partner; anyone else would appreciate the honor of having the top CIA. paranormal agent as her cohort, but not her. Still she has no say except to agree to serve as an expendable bodyguard to the revered Vayl though she wonders why her as he is not telling. Vayl believes Jaz has some unique abilities including the skill to sniff out vampires. As they work in Miami investigating Assan, a plastic surgeon with ties to terrorists, she proves worthy when his blood supply is tainted, Jaz gives him her throat. Vayl knows that Jaz and he belong together beyond lead assassin and apprentice assassin; however, his ex-wife Liliana the vampiress with ties to Assan has plans for her former spouse that exclude Jaz, who must die.
This is a terrific contemporary paranormal CIA thriller starring two likable good guys and an assortment of nasty mortals and vampires. The counter terrorist story line is fast-paced with a chick lit bite as Jaz’s in your face comments are fun to follow although she needs to be kept on decaf. Vayl is her mentor and much more and yet much less. Although Liliana and Assan show no redeeming qualities beyond perfect matches for Gonzo at Guantomino, fans of supernatural suspense thrillers will want to read ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY.
Harriet Klausner
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