Scan barcode
lou1sb's review against another edition
4.0
The continuing adventures of my aim to read every book written in 1959.
dgrachel's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
This was definitely one of my least favorites. The writing is just as good here as in previous novels, but the plot and characters were not ones I enjoyed. It's peopled with the sleaziest, nastiest characters who make my skin crawl. I found the ending unsatisfying and the characterization of women is still...problematic, to say the least.
whatmeworry's review against another edition
4.0
Another great tale of the 87th from McBain. This time the mystery isn't who, but how. To be fair it's not too much of a head scratcher, but McBain throws in some memorable characters and enough commentary on the human condition that I was kept riveted.
guiltyfeat's review
3.0
Nice kidnapping procedural with focus on the kidnappers and the victims more than the police work done to catch them. 10 books into the series and it really feels like McBain is laying the groundwork for every TV series and movie that has had anything to do with crime ever. I understand that Kurosawa used this book as the basis for one of his films and there's no doubt that Ron Howard's movie Ransom also lifted elements from this book. Good stuff, although I could have done with a bit more Carella in this one.
More...