When Mr. Adler asks book reviewers to read and post their thoughts on his latest book he surely could count on me to volunteer. I cannot pass over any of his books: they are unpredictable, so diverse in topics and style. I simply love how generous this prolific author is: a book in exchange for a post.
“High Noon in Hollywood” is the story of Zane Galvin, a failed producer that is so deep in debt he would go to extreme to raise the money. At the heart of the plot is his scheme to get out of trouble and the wicked game that came out of it. This story is all about blackmail, betrayal, greed and the machinations of Hollywood.
I have mixed feelings about this story, way too predictable and rather slow moving for my tastes. I could visualize miles ahead what would happen next. I guess the idea of becoming a sewer rat, making tunnels to reach the vault of a bank is not a new idea at least in my book. We saw this numerous times always with a similar outcome, nothing original here. The players are the run of the mill, none really stood out.
Having said this, the story is well-done in imagery and effect. This is a fun read but no more. Unfortunately this latest is not my preferred book in Mr. Adler’s huge library but I still enjoyed passing time reading it. Some books you like and other a little less…..
This is an action packed thriller from beginning to end. Someone is placing bombs in cars and then detonating them with untraceable cellphones striking fear in the heart of Chicago. Wrigley Field station, Millennium Park, the Museum of Science and Industry, O’Hare Airport, Hyde Park train station have been targeted. The bomber has shut down a major US city.
Comes detectives Gold and Battle on the hunt across Chicago’s colorful neighbourhood for what they believe is a “long wolf” but this “terrorist” has an agenda up his sleeves and plays a taunting cat and mouse game with Chicago’s finest.
Enjoy this book for what it is: a captivating suspense of improbable moves: a wicked plot that unwraps at a rapid speed and two Detectives always one step behind the killer. Bombs are bursting everywhere, this is so well described you can see and feel this happening and you almost smell the aftermath, tremendously well written action scenes. The author definitely spins a good yarn that held me spellbound and interested from the first page. The suspense is undeniable. Keep guessing, the usual suspects are there but the ending may surprise you……The characterisation is great: well-defined and portrayed cast of players. Gold and Battles are likeable detectives and I hope they return soon to entertain us.
This story is in many ways scary, could this really happen? Could one person cause all this mayhem and shut down a city?
“The Terrorist Next Door” is a great read.
Book#4, in The Blitz Detective series
The London Blitz may be the background for this story but the murder mystery could have been staged anywhere and could have taken place in recent years. In this 4th installment Detective Inspector John Jago and Detective Constable Peter Cradock are called to the scene where a young woman was murdered, strangled with a nylon stocking and near her they found a sailor’s cap.
I love how the author drips slowly clues to Jago in his investigation to keep the tension going and our interest at its peak. The plot is very well written to takes us through the investigation without any fluffs, it is simple and to the point. Questioning witnesses is the key to a thorough investigation and the story does not shy away from doing a lot of it. A good murder case has its moment of emotional strain evidently we see how Jago and Cradock face those moments while searching for answers. Why stay with only one case, on a second front and during the painstaking search the inspectors stumble into a robbery at the theater that need also their full attention. What excels in this mystery is the interrelation between the two protagonists, how they communicate and complete each other. Mr. Hollow knows how important good dialogue is. We are well served with a good dose of excellent exchanges.
To sum up:
“Firing Line” is a well-plotted storyline with excellent narration and dialogue played out by two wonderful protagonists and great secondary characters….what’s not to love. I am looking forward to book #5.
I received this ARC from Lion Hudson LTD via NetGalleys
