This book has everything: history, adventure, espionage, even a dash of romance. It's a page turner, with not a wasted word, and is unbelievably gripping. Definitely worth staying up all night and losing sleep for. It's also thought-provoking. How do you cope with sheer horror on a day-to-day basis without losing your sanity and humanity? Set in the concentration camps of WWII, it answers (in its way) the question of why Hitler never used his stockpile of poisonous gas. Get this book NOW and spread the word!

this was the first book about WWII i read and i must admit that i was a bit timid when i started, but the first line teased my curiosity and i felt compelled to read more. the characters: the angry Jewish terrorist, the american pacifist, the desperate Jewish mother, and the nurse employed by the Nazis were wonderfully and honestly written, which is truly the treasure of this novel. the last 100 pages held me at the edge of my seat as if i were on a rollercoaster and Iles conducted the story like a true master of fiction.

Greg Iles is a terrific writer. I have read his later books, which are gripping contemporary suspense stories. His career got jump started with this book and the previous "Spandau Phoenix" (which I haven't read yet, but am planning on starting soon).
"Black Cross" is an involving, complex story of trust, greed, love, evil, heroism, and change. As always, Iles' characters are superb, and not black and white stereotypes.
Join Mark McConnell, the pacifist, who joins in a suicide mission only to help defend, and finds himself in the position of having to risk the lives of innocent people to achieve a goal to save the invading Allied troups; Josh Stern, a daredevil Jew, whose bravery and macho charm, are equal to his selfishness and innate brutality; Anna Kaas, an undercover nurse, who has faced the horrors of the concentration camp and who realizes that she too must act to save more than the prisoners; Rachel Jansen, an incredibly brave, level-headed prisoner who watches both her husband father in law murdered, and then desperately tries to save her two children; and Wolfgang Schorner, the head of the camp who falls for Rachel and wants to help her, but who is still a murdering, consciously Nazi.
All of these leading characters are devastatingly real; but the supporting characters are stunning, too: Ariel Weisz, the "weasel" Jew who helps the Nazis; Frau Hagan, the burly woman who befriends Rachel and teaches her the tricks of the prison; Sergeant Strum, a heartless, mindless killing machine; Duff Smith, the arrogant general who recruits McConnell and Stern to do the bidding, lying to them in the process; Avram Stern, the shoemaker who also has another secret; and Ian McShane, the burly Scotsman who trains McConnell and Stern in how to get the gas bomb to the camp.
What a stunning book this is. At first, I thought I wouldn't get involved as I am not a fan of blending historic characters into fictional plots. (We have Churchill and Eisenhower here). But Iles is a genius. This is a great read and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Friends sharing books they love usually means you're in for a treat. Thanks, Anya! BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MUSEUM is a total triumph of a book. Voted a Whitbread Book of the Year when published in 1995 this extraordinarily entertaining novel was the first novel by Kate Atkinson and she surely knows her stuff. Not only is the writing of the first caliber, but the technique of storytelling is invigorating and fun and warm and tragic and in short, about as fine a coming of age novel as anyone has written.

Ruby Lennox narrates this delectable tale of her life in a dysfunctional geneology from the point of her conception ( thoroughly entertaining view of life from within the uterus) through her childhood and young adulthood up to the age of 41. Atkinson divides her book into Chapters and Footnotes: the Chapters are the chronological tale of the wonderfully crazy Ruby and her sisters and bizarre mother and father and the Footnotes after each chapter explore the history of her English family for the past century. This affords the reader with a history and an interpretation of that history by wily little girl who is wise beyond her antics. Ruby knows there must be a Lost Property Cupboard (her theory of the afterlife) 'where (when we die) all things we have ever lost have been kept for us - every button, every tooth..library books, all the cats that never came back...tempers and patience...meaning and innocence..dreams we forgot on waking, nestling against the days lost to melancholy thoughts....' That is just a sample of the beauty of Atkinson's writing gifts.

The world finally focuses for Ruby but to tell how would alter the joy of discovery this wonderful little character. 'I'm in another country, the one called home. I am alive. I am a precious jewel. I am a drop of blood. I am Ruby Lennox.' This is some of the best writing you'll find. After you've spent a rewarding time reading it, share it with someone you love. Again, Thank you Anya!

I could just kick myself for letting this book sit on my shelf for as long as it did before I picked it up to read. Behind the Scenes at the Museum has all the makings of a phenomenal book -- a little bit of mystery, humor, intriguing characters, and an enjoyable writing style. The novel is, in theory, a catalog of the life of Ruby Lennox from birth to middle age, but Ms. Atkinson manages to include the history of Ruby's mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother through her clever "footnotes." I would disagree with those reviewers who refer to the book as being about a "dysfunctional family"; it's more of a chronicle of four generations of women, all distinct entities who struggle with similar problems of family and self. Behind the Scenes at the Museum examines what it means to be a mother, a daughter, and a sister, as well as leading the reader through half of the 20th century. I can't wait to get my hands on more books by Ms. Atkinson -- I've been recommending this one to everyone! It's a pure pleasure to read.

I knew nothing about this book before I read it - I didn't even know anyone who had read it -- but now that I've finished it, I can't stop recommending it to people. This book is one of the best surprises I've had this year.

It's the story of Ruby Lennox ("I exist!" she shouts in the first line of the book, describing her own conception): the York, England-born daughter of disappointed Bunty, granddaughter of disappointed Nell, and great-granddaughter of the mysterious but still disappointed Alice, all of whose stories are told and interwoven with Ruby's own.

The story, which manages to cover almost the whole of the 20th century, from World War I to the present, is both hilarious and achingly sad at the very same time. It is rich with details and backstories in a way that does not crowd out Ruby's own story, which is essentially that of a girl trying to grow up in a family that all but conspires to forget she even exists. Her mother, Bunty, can't stand the sight of her philandering husband (and Ruby's father) George, the disappointment of a man that she married after the let-down that, for Bunty, was World War II. Anyone with a sister will recognize the simultaneous disdain and wise counsel that Ruby's dark older sister, Patricia, has for her, and will recognize the torture that Ruby's other older sister, the beautiful, mean Gillian, puts her through.

If it were just a portrait of Ruby's family of assorted losers, even that would have been enough to make a good book, but Kate Atkinson has done us the favor of giving us the stories of Ruby's maternal relatives, from her great-grandmother Alice Barker, who ran away with a travelling photographer, to her grandmother Nell Cook, whose fiances kept on dying on her before she could get married, and all of the other cousins and aunts and uncles in between. Their stories are intertwined with that of the major events of the 20th century, giving the story a sense of meaning and context.

This book is just a great read. Do yourselves a favor and read it. You'll thank me that you did.

This is the story about Oscar Schindler, a German, who had a factory with Jewish slave workers in Poland during the 2nd World War. Schindler is corrupt, a heavy drinker and loves women. A powerful and provoking book about Holocaust and the Nazism. But Schindler wasn't a Nazi, and most of the Jews, that worked for him, survived Hitler. Over 6 million Jews were killed, mostly in concentration camps, and Schindler stands as a symbol to those who survived because of him. He managed to do justice when no one else seemed to care.

This story was set in the early 1900's in Germany when Hitler was still in power and killing off the Jews.

The genre of this book I think is historical non-fiction.

The author of this book did a good job with dramatic scenes in this book and also the details and such in this book.

Schindler's list does a very good job at the descriptions in the book and they did a good job with the problem. The problem was that Schindler was trying to protect his men from Hitler because they were Jewish.

I would suggest this book to a audience who like historical novels and people who really love exciting interesting books.

This book reminds me of a lot of other books in the over all picture about discrimination and the fight to survive. The book it reminds of the most and that I would recommend if you liked this book is a One Day in the Life of Ivan Densavich.

The author in this book used a lot of metaphors and language and synonyms that I really didn't understand, but form what I understood I liked.

This book was very tough to read and I recommend reading it over a long period of time and in short intervals each time you read.

Schindler's List brought me to the edge of my seat every time I picked it up and it was hard for me to put it down when I started. The only reason that I would is because of lack of understanding but don't let that scare you from reading this book because it is a compelling and great story.

Since I hadn't seen the movie before reading the book, it gave such a powerful impression. An amazing story that have been very well written by Keneally. And even the story behind the book is a story of it's own, which makes the book even more special.
This is the story about Oscar Schindler, a German, who had a factory with Jewish slave workers in Poland during the 2nd World War. Schindler is corrupt, a heavy drinker and loves women. A powerful and provoking book about Holocaust and the Nazism. But Schindler wasn't a Nazi, and most of the Jews, that worked for him, survived Hitler. Over 6 million Jews were killed, mostly in concentration camps, and Schindler stands as a symbol to those to survied because of him. He managed to do justice when no one else seemed to care.
You'll be filled with anger, sadness and other emotions throughout the book, as it's so very provoking and sometimes sad. Highly recommended for anyone and everyone. You will not regret reading this book, and most likely you will read it again, trying to understand...

This was a gripping book - disturbing, but not as grotesque as some Holocaust histories can be. Keaneally's portraits of Schindler and his adversary are exquisite. It's easy to see how the actors in the movie got their inspiration. If you liked the movie, this is an excellent accompaniment, as it explores the man, his life, and the history around him in much more detail than is possible even in the very long movie. Even though I've read a lot about WWII, the Nazis, and the Holocaust (Hitler's Willing Executioners seems to have been an important influence for the writer), it was hard at first to follow the detail in the book, particularly the German terminology and SS ranks. Ultimately, I didn't worry about that too much, and it didn't affect comprehension. Keneally's main sources are personal interviews with "schindlerjuden" and the testimonies of same given to fact-finding courts in Israel right after the War. This is the only story I know of that explores the fascinating idea of bribing, seducing, and schmoozing with the enemy to save lives.

Joe Lansdale is one of my top ten favorite authors. His short stories are creative, startling, frightening, gruesome etc. (read High Cotton or Electric Gumbo). However, I have always felt that Lansdale's novels fell short of the mark. He has a tremendous imagination and is able to come up with the most macabre of settings and events which work to his advantage in stories and novellas, but haven't worked so well in the novels. It is hard to create a totally outlandish world and keep the reader's interest through the length of a novel.

In The Bottoms Lansdale scales back his fondness for the bizarre--and it works. This is a beautifully crafted story of Depression era East Texas. And this is a story that the reader feels actually could have happened. Lansdale belnds in some supernatural aspects along the way, but these add to the suspense rather than distract from the realism.

Another aspect that works is the method for telling the story. The protagonist is an 11 year old boy (Harry)--just the right age for this type of story. Harry is at the cusp of young adulthood. He struggles with looking for answers through his waning belief in the supernatural (Goat Man) and searching for the truth through a common sense approach like his daddy (the small town constable). But what really works is the fact that Harry tells his story some 60 or 70 years later from a rest home. I believe that it is extremely difficult for an author to tell the story of a child through the eyes of that child. Eleven year olds talk and think differently than adults and most times we get stories where the child telling the story sounds very much like a 40 year old--to me that detracts from the tone of the book. In this case, Harry can sound like an adult, because he is an adult retelling a tale of his childhood. It is very effective.

Otherwise, Lansdale takes on the themes of poverty, racism and evil and sheds some light on each. Hands down this is Lansdale's best effort at a novel...so far.

Edgar first prizewinner Lansdale delivers the goods. He is a masterful storyteller nailing time, place, and people with bulls-eye accuracy. The narrative and dialogue flow, and the pace never flags. He captures the child's eye view with all the authority of Stephen King or Harper Lee.

Harry is an honorable boy caught in a dark story of racism, death, and folklore. The events gradually close in on him and his family creating an almost unbearable suspense. The characterizations are sharp and multi-layered. I particularly liked the non-message in dealing with racism. Mr. Lansdale is an unblinking recorder; all the indignities and intricacies are out there with no apology; for we are hearing a story as it was, not as we would like it to be.

"The Bottoms" transcends the mystery genre. It is a particularly fine coming-of-age story. Yet mystery-thriller fans will not be disappointed. Harry's and sister Tom's search and confrontation of the killer stretch the suspense until you feel as if you are humming like an overtaxed wire.

I would rate this book the best I have read this year, and it has a permanent place on my bookshelf. Highly recommended.

I've been reading Joe Lansdale for just over ten years now, and I think this is just about the best book he's ever written. I picked up "The Drive In" when I was about sixteen, and I've been hooked by his terrific writing and his great senses of humor and story ever since.

If you've never read anything by Joe Lansdale, you're missing out on a truly unique, authentic American writer. It's true you probably need a strong stomach to make it through an average Joe Lansdale novel, but I think it's also true that you need a sharp sense of humor which enjoys being tickled, a sensitive soul and a hightened appreciation for the poetic in everyday life. Joe delivers on all of these fronts. He's like no other author I've read. He's a little bit like Mark Twain, he's a little bit like Stephen King, and something like Harper Lee. But that comparison only works if you put all of those in a blender and hit puree.

In "The Bottoms," Lansdale, who is a master of the folkilsy-gruesome character-driven story, charts some new territory. Not geographically--this one takes place, like most of his other tales, and like his real life, in East Texas--but rather stylistically.

Ever since reading my first Lasndale book I've been a huge fan. His writing is always exretemely fluid. It just makes you feel like writing must be one of the most natural human activities, like walking or breathing or taking a long drink of water when your throat feels like sandpaper. But in this book, Lansdale seems to have tightened the linguistic screws a few notches. Not only is the writing fluid and fun to read, but it is of a consistently excellent quality. Before "The Bottoms" I probably would have only recommended Joe Lansdale to people who have a taste for the weird. If you've seen "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2" more than once for example, I know you'd like Joe Lansdale. He's an excellent writer, but that's the kind of taste you have to have, at least on part of your palate, to appreciate him.

The style and characterization in "The Bottoms" just blew me away. There are four excellent books that I was reminded of while reading this: "To Kill a Mockingbird," by Harper Lee, "The Green Mile," by Stephen King, "Huckleberry Finn," by Mark Twain and "Montana 1948" by Larry Watson. If you've read and enjoyed any of those books, please do yourself a favor and read Joe Lansdale's "The Bottoms." Even if you haven't read any of those others, read this one (and then go read those also).

The only real complaint I had about this book was that the mystery was a little too easy to figure out. That almost didn't matter, though, because I was having such a good time with the writing and the characters.

One other thing was that all of the narrator's similies are mouth-wateringly food related. This become a little trying after a while, especially if you haven't eaten for a few hours. I half expected to find out at the end that the young protagonist had grown up to be a chef. I thought that would have been great.

An excellent read, though. Well done, Joe! Keep up the good work!

If you like the feel and style of this book, I also reccomend the music of guitarist John Hiatt, particularly his latest CD, "Crossing Muddy Waters." I got to know this CD at the same time I was reading this book, and they blended together very nicely in my imagination.

'Joy School' is the continuing story of Katie, whom we were introduced to in 'Durable Goods.' Army brat Katie now lives in Missouri with her father and a housekeeper Ginger.

The reader can see how Katie has grown up since her move from Texas and the problems that plague her as a teenager like her classes at school, friends (good and bad) that aren't all true and a crush on an older man. This novel expands more about Katie's life, what she is thinking and how her life has changed since she's moved away from her best friend, Cherylanne. 'Durable Goods' seemed to introduce us to the characters and 'Joy School' expands on them. However, this book can be read on its own without reading the first novel.

I enjoyed this book more than 'Durable Goods.' I feel that Elizabeth Berg was able to tell us more about how Katie was feeling and there were more scene actions than the first book. The author also leaves the ending open so that there could be a continuing story of Katie's family.

As her readers have come to expect, Elizabeth Berg's book, Joy School, is a wonderful sequel and continuation of the story about Katie, whom we first meet in Durable Goods. And while this book can easily stand alone, I do suggest that both books be read.

Joy School now finds Katie once again living with her father but this time on a different army base and in a different part of Texas. Her sister is still off with her boyfriend and instead of her neighbor and confidant Cherylann, Katie now has a housekeeper who becomes her close friend.

Although Katie has found it difficult to find true friends, after an accident she does meet an older man, and he becomes her main interest.

As Katie forms a serious crush on this 25 year old, it's as if all of the bad in her life is somehow being erased and she thinks to herself that "He will be my joy school."

This is a poignant and memorable story of young love which I imagine many readers will identify with from their own first love experiences.

I was on vacation and needed some books to read while I was away. I finished the books I had already read and needed more. There was a display of Elizabeth Berg's books at the bookstore and something struck me to buy this and Durable Goods. I usually buy different types of novels than this but I thought I would try something new.

I am soooo pleased that I did! It has been 11+ years since I was the heroine's age of 12/13 but this book brought me back to my childhood in a beautifully vivid way. Although I was not an Army Brat and my father is very loving and my mother is still living I connected with this character. I was moved by how Elizabeth Berg captured being a preteen. I had a crush like Jimmy, I wrote letters just like Cherylanne, admired misfits like Taylor, and had a friend like Cynthia. Katie's thoughts are put to paper so vividly you will feel like you are watching her in real life or reliving your own childhood.

You don't have to be a teenager to relate to this book. Although this (and Durable Goods) would be a wonderful book to introduce to a young girl. If you just want to be taken back to the thoughts and feelings of your childhood (the good, the bad, and the innocence of it all) then read this and Durable Goods. It is truly a moving experience.

Jimmy's story recreates the same characters he's been singing about for years, puts them together in a mad dash across the Carribean and brings them to an unexpected ending which cannot be anticipated. If Indiana Jones were a parrot head, this would be his story. I've been a fan of the music for years and I read the book in two days. The story line grabs you in the first thirty pages and builds all it's characters until you feel you know them all, not just the headliners. The same wit and wisdom in the music exists in the book and it's not just a good story, it's pure entertainment. You'd expect nothing less from Jimmy. Best book I've read in a long, long time.

Parrotheads rejoice! The mayor of Margaritaville has tickled the imagination with this offering. As a lifelong Jimmy Buffett fan, I was thrilled that Jimmy chose to put his talents to the rhelm of the modern novel. Was this book what I expected? Absolutely not! That is what makes it so good. With pen and laptop in hand, Buffett has boldly slapped his creative license on the nightstand and provided perhaps the tallest tale ever. The story opens as a normal day in Key West, but Jimmy's roller coaster is just getting started. Buffett takes us into his own "little world" with some extremely dynamic characters that I found quite intriguing. Inspired by the many adventures of his remarkable life, Jimmy creates Frank Bama, a seasoned seaplane pilot with a love for his dog, his plane, and a woman who has capivated his heart. Through his many exciting - and quite deadly - adventures through the mysical Caribbean islands, Frank makes a few good friends, and learns how to truly open his heart to Trevor, the love of his life. This book is loaded with detailed descriptions of life as a "flying boat" captain, as well as the cutthroat pirates that still sail the tropics today. Jimmy also provides insight into the inspiration of some of his most beloved songs, producing a wonderful marriage between his writing and his music. Jimmy freely injects a touch of tropical fantasy with the storyline, allowing the reader to truly be swept away. This is not a book to be read at the library, however. Slip on the flip-flops, and head to the beach for this read. And let your imagination run away with Frank Bama on a heart-pounding journey. Jimmy Buffett recently said, "...I sell escapism". You've done just that, Jim. After a half hour with this book, I had to pinch myself to remind myself where I was. Thanks for a great adventure. Overall, a terrific, fast-paced read that's tough to put down. So pack up your suntan oil and pick it up today!

Jimmy Buffett is best known for his songs about life in the islands. Though many people enjoy he songs, they would not consider Buffett to be a major contributor to contemporary literature. However, Where is Joe Merchant? is a wonderful tale. It is a fabulous book that everyone should read. No one has come close to the intracy of story telling as has Buffett, and almost no one has been able to match the sheer likability of Frank Bama. Buffett does a masterful job of weaving the story around and through his audience. It brings back the idea of sitting around the hearth, listening to the great tales told by true story-tellers. Jimmy Buffett is the essence of story teller. There are many writers in the world, but we are running dangerously short of story tellers, take advantage of one of the best left around.

How did I miss this book in hardcover? It's exactly the kind of story I love--full of emotion, beautifully but simply written, totally romantic, and so TRUE in feeling that every single character comes fully alive. This isn't a pretentious story and, yes, it's a tearjerker but of the best possible sort. I felt so good when I finished reading it--despite the fact that I wished it would never end. So, for anyone who loves good women's fiction, who loves a good love story, who loves to read about families and their complex relationships, this is the PERFECT choice. I can't wait to read more by this author.

As an avid reader and almost always a lover of Luanne Rice's books, I never thought I would ever find another title by this author which I enjoyed as much as Blue Moon or Home Fires. Now after reading Cloud Nine I am happy to say I have have another Rice title to add to those I loved the most. Despite that parts of this book were fairly predictable, I found myself moved by both the story of the main characters and their joining together as they race against time. I also found the plot had many of Rice's signature themes such as the love of a mother for her child and parent, the love of a man for a woman and a budding romance between two young people. If critics feel that Rice's books are too sad and sappy at times, I say while this may be true at times, nobody does these emotions better. Now I can hardly wait to read her latest book, The Secret Hour, inwardly hoping that once again I have another title to add to my best loved books by Luanne Rice.

I just finished reading Cloud Nine and could not stop crying, nor could I put the book down until it was finished. Be sure to keep plenty of Kleenex handy, as you will need them for this book!

This was one of the most beautiful love stories I have read and Luann Rice is quickly becoming another favorite author of mine. I just finished reading Home Fires by her the night before and now Cloud Nine - what an emotional ride!!

Rice writes stories that grip your heart and soul and she does not let go until the story is over. Her character portrayal, especially of teen-agers, is so realistic, that you feel that they are your next-door neighbors and closest friends! Cloud Nine embraces all the nuances of family life, which has experienced death and familial loss, and the heartache that that causes. It embodies tragedy in multiple scenarios consisting of divorce, remarriage, cancer, and several deaths, yet, contained within all of these facts, there is a ray of faith and hope that life can and will get better. There is hope of reconciliation and the miracle of love working its magic. The character's live are not portrayed here as "perfect", but are wrought with dysfunction and pain, due to real-life experiences.

I found this story's ending to be bittersweet and wish that it did end differently, but once again, I am reminded that life is not perfect and life sometimes does not play out as we want it to - it is just fe being life. Rice expertly captures that feeling with Cloud Nine and conveys it so beautifully to her readers. You are swept up into the emotions of the drama and you cannot help it.

I absolutely loved this book and once again Rice demonstrates to us that love has a powerful and healing effect, on both the young and the old. Her message is of embracing life each and every day as a gift to yourself and to your loved ones, as one never knows what the next day will bring.

Vince Flynn's latest novel revisits old characters and wraps up loose plot lines from previous books. In particular, his previous novel, The Third Option, concluded with major issues unresolved; now, in this book, Senator Hank Clark, a methodical behind-the-scenes sort of villain is up to additional mechanations to satisfy his desire for the Presidency.

On the side of the good guys are Irene Kennedy, the President's nominee for the directorship of the CIA and assassin/super-soldier Mitch Rapp. They are out to find out who were the conspirators from the Third Option and at the same time counteract a nuclear threat from Iraq. Add to this complications in Rapp's love life and there is a lot going on.

Flynn writes a generally good suspenseful novel, but there are imperfections, especially with pacing. It takes a while for any real action to occur, and then the concluding acts just zip on by; the book needs a faster start and a slower finish. Nonetheless, this should satisfy Flynn's fans and spy novel fans in general.

Picking up where The Third Option left off, Vince Flynn has another winner on his hands. Mitch Rapp and Dr. Irene Kennedy are back, along with the other characters from his previous two books, in a very compelling political thriller. Separation of Power is clearly another fast-paced page turner, bringing together several storylines with more than ample amounts of action, suspense, and geopolitical intrigue. Mitch Rapp desires to move on with his life, while simultaneously attempting to bring closure to the turmoil and lingering danger that carried over from the previous book. Dr. Kennedy is facing scheming politicians and business moguls who oppose her confirmation as the head of the CIA and desire to embarrass the President. The President must deal with Saddam Hussein and Iraq who are just weeks away from operational nuclear weapons. Flynn grabs the reader in the first few pages and doesn't let go. This is a must read!!! (But don't start with this. First read Balance of Power and The Third Option.)

I had been waiting for this sequel and didn't realize that it had been out for a while. I purchased it during my busiest month (May) and couldn't start it until Memorial Day weekend. Mr. Flynn did it again. The story begins only two weeks after his last story, The Third Option, ended. I really had to think back on all the events of that book, which I absolutely loved. This book COULD stand on its own...however, you'll enjoy it much more if you read Mr. Flynn's other books first. Mitch Rapp is back and better than ever. I love Dr. Kennedy. The President and Anna Reilly came out looking a bit weaker than the prequels. In fact, I didn't even like Anna in this story. She didn't resemble the cool reporter Mitch saved at the WH. But I loved Donatella, and I hope she'll be back. It was good to see Scott, the Navy SEAL, back in the story. The problem with the ending is that some of the loose ends have been tied up and I'm not sure where Mr. Flynn will go from here. I hope Mitch and Donatella can work together. I hope Scott is involved. How long can President Hays stay in office? Oh, I can't wait for the next one!!

James Siegel has created a novel with shock value as its vantage point -- and I mean that in a good way. This fast-paced, engrossing and gripping thriller will have you turning the pages onto the late hours of the night.

Charles Schine lives quite an ordinary, if perfunctory, life. However, things haven't been going so well as of late. His white-collar position as creative director at an advertising agency never fails to stress him out, his daughter's childhood illness has him in a state of turmoil, and his marriage has fizzled out. But in a twist of fate he meets a beautiful stranger on a late morning train ride to Manhattan. Little had he known that meeting said woman would change the course of his life in ways he'd never envisaged...

There are some rather gruesome scenes in this novel. At first I thought some of the scenes were an attempt to shock the reader, but as the story progressed I realized that those scenes were essential, for they emphasize the ongoing terror the protagonist encounters throughout the novel. The narrative is excellent and the characterization is precise. I take one point off because the dialogue is resonant to that of a suspenseful film at times. Sometimes I got the impression that Mr. Siegel leaned the novel toward notable film script material. Other than that, Derailed is one of the most entertaining and gripping thrillers I've read in quite a while. Highly recommended...

Beware! Once you start reading Derailed be prepared for your life to be derailed until you finish it. Simply stated, Derailed is about an ad executive who makes one stupid mistake that derails his (and others) whole life. The word to summarize this book is "great." Great writing style (in ways it will remind you of James Patterson's style but Siegel is a MUCH better writer), great characters, and great plot. If that's not enough, Derailed is chock full of suspense and excitement. And if that's still not enough, it's filled with surprises that will keep you guessing and panting for breath right up to the last page. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a book that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat. I had previously planned to read Harlan Coben's new book (No Second Chance) as my next book, but I enjoyed Derailed so much that I've gotten a copy of James Siegel's first book, Epitaph, and am going to start it right after writing this review.

If there were a measurement for the addictive character of a book ' that subtle quality that hooks the reader early and makes the book virtually impossible to put down ' 'Derailed' would be the Gold Medallist. First time author James Siegel tells the story of Charles Schine, a New York advertising executive who, meeting a beautiful female executive while commuting on the Long Island Railroad, soon finds his typically mundane life spiraling ever more deeply out of control. Siegel's prose is fast, tight, and riveting, with just enough non-linearity to keep the reader on the edge. Yet despite the leanness, characters and settings are fully developed and wholly credible. Think of Tom Wolfe's 'Bonfire of the Vanities' on pure adrenalin, written with the economy of words and razor wit of a master advertising creative director (which Siegel is). Reviews have paralleled 'Derailed' with Hitchcock ' a valid comparison in the unexpected twists. But much of the allure is in the pure believability of the plot - the realization of how fragile the boundary between 'boring but comfortable' and sheer, unmitigated terror is. Bottom line: if you are only going to read one thriller this year, make it 'Derailed'. Just make sure you don't have any plans for the next several hours when you start.