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davidpaige's review against another edition
4.0
This is a series of stories donated by thriller writers. It's what would happen if, say, Hercule Poirot met Nick Charles. There are 11 short stories in this anthology. Some of them I know, and some of them are new to me. I already know I want to explore some of these characters the next time I run short on books to read.
canada_matt's review against another edition
4.0
The premise of the FACEOFF collection is one sure to intrigue any fiction buff; pit popular characters from best-selling series together or against one another and see what falls out. As Baldacci explains in his introduction, it is more of a headache than two authors teaming up to create a crossover, thanks to the legalities of publishing contracts. While I choose not to summarise each of the stories within this collection, I will admit that seeing the likes of Nick Heller and Jack Reacher, Patrick Kenzie and Harry Bosch, and even Sean Reilly and Glen Garber working in tandem opens the reader's mind to many interesting possibilities, all of which are realised in a number of short stories. This collection of authors have spun some wonderful tales, all filled with thrills and spills, with twists that keep the action growing from start to finish. While I am not familiar with a number of the characters, each has some interesting traits sure to intrigue readers familiar with at least a handful of them, as they live out short adventures on the page. A wonderful collection featuring many interesting characters living and working in their own respective elements.
While this collection was full of wonderful stories, each unique in its own right, there is a downside of bringing so many authors together. Learning about new characters and their individual nuances has looped me into wanting to discover more about them, as well as read about their stand-alone adventures. With a pile of books sure to drown me already, I cannot afford to add new authors to my overflowing quiver. I will keep this collection close at hand, as there were some characters who piqued my interest and left me wanting more.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, et al. for all your hard work and dedication to this project. I had a blast reading these short stories and hope a similar collection comes out again soon, perhaps from other members of the thriller guild.
While this collection was full of wonderful stories, each unique in its own right, there is a downside of bringing so many authors together. Learning about new characters and their individual nuances has looped me into wanting to discover more about them, as well as read about their stand-alone adventures. With a pile of books sure to drown me already, I cannot afford to add new authors to my overflowing quiver. I will keep this collection close at hand, as there were some characters who piqued my interest and left me wanting more.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, et al. for all your hard work and dedication to this project. I had a blast reading these short stories and hope a similar collection comes out again soon, perhaps from other members of the thriller guild.
skullfullofbooks's review against another edition
2.0
I don't like short stories, and I don't know many of these characters. I'm sure if you like both of those traits, you'll probably like it. I loved the R.L. Stine twist.
suzrobinson1's review against another edition
4.0
A collection of stories that combine some of fictions best heroes. I loved seeing some of my favorite literary characters blend with characters that I have never read before. I now have some new authors to check out.
andydcaf2d's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this book up because I wanted to see what it looked like to see Lucas Davenport go at it with Lincoln Rhyme and was delighted with their teamwork as well as the other 10 collaborations set in this collection of short stories by many acclaimed thriller writers whom I have had the pleasure to read over the years. I am looking forward to reading the next installment from the International Thriller Writers, it should be another #1.
booknerd44's review against another edition
While some of the authors I enjoyed, and the stories were enjoyable, life is too short to spend time on books that you are having to will yourself to finish.
northstar's review against another edition
3.0
The International Thriller Writers is a professional organization that does not charge dues. Instead, it raises money by selling compilations of stories by its members, and for this volume, pairs of mystery/thriller authors were asked to submit stories in which their series characters meet to solve a case. Like most anthologies, the quality of the stories varies. I enjoyed the twists in the Jeffery Deaver/John Sandford story and the Steve Berry/James Rollins collaboration wraps a suspenseful and tight mystery into fewer than 30 pages. Most disappointing was the Michael Connelly/Dennis Lehane story. I am a fan of both of these authors but the story didn't gel. Maybe short-form is not a strength for either writer.
srchief's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this anthology!
I normally don't really go for the short stories but this was too interesting to pass up and I was glad that I did read it. I like some of the pairings and the stories are inline with each of the characters that I have read and enjoyed. Plus the proceeds go to a good cause.
Highly recommended to fans of mystery/thrillers.
I normally don't really go for the short stories but this was too interesting to pass up and I was glad that I did read it. I like some of the pairings and the stories are inline with each of the characters that I have read and enjoyed. Plus the proceeds go to a good cause.
Highly recommended to fans of mystery/thrillers.
1tolkienfan's review against another edition
4.0
enjoyed so much, I think i need to buy it for my collection
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