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cjmichel's review against another edition
4.0
The Keeper by John Lescroart starts with Hal Chase falling under suspicion for the death of his with Katie Chase after reporting her missing the night before Thanksgiving. His alibi of picking his brother up from the airport was suspicious because Hal had too big a time frame as he left home early and then the plane came in late. When Hal returned home, Katie was gone. A very small amount of blood was found in the kitchen so the missing person case was bumped up to the homicide department. Besides the fact that it is apparent that someone has it out for Hal, a corrections officer, who shouldn't be suspect for murder with no evidence of that particular crime, the story was riveting. I developed my own suspects, but twists in the novel, kept me second guessing the identity of the actual perpetrator. Hints were provided but often so subtly that they could be missed. I really enjoyed this novel.
michaeldrakich's review against another edition
3.0
I've read Lescroart before and my expectations for this book were higher than the rating. Although a fan of alternating POV's to give a story depth, in this one John switches with such alacrity I never get a chance to settle in with the characters. Although listed as a Dismas Hardy, this is really an Abe Glitsky as Hardy is merely a side character, which was fine by me because I always liked Abe better as a character. As a result, the only character you get a flow from is Glitsky.
Here's a spoiler, so don't read on for those who don't want to know. I think the most disappointing thing in the novel is the antagonist admitting all at the end. So Perry Masonish. They always did that on the television series. I would rather the arrest occur and the evidence procured in detail.
I won't give up on Lescroart, but hopefully this was a one off that won't get repeated.
Here's a spoiler, so don't read on for those who don't want to know. I think the most disappointing thing in the novel is the antagonist admitting all at the end. So Perry Masonish. They always did that on the television series. I would rather the arrest occur and the evidence procured in detail.
I won't give up on Lescroart, but hopefully this was a one off that won't get repeated.
canada_matt's review against another edition
4.0
In his latest legal thriller, Lescroart offers up a great novel, which fans and newbies alike can praise. When Katie Chase goes missing, all eyes turn to her husband, Hal, as having something to do with the disappearance. Pre-empting what is sure to be a legal conundrum, Hal seeks the counsel of Dismas Hardy, renowned defence attorney in San Francisco. When SFPD begin circling like vultures and soon turn their Missing Persons case into a Homicide investigation, even before a body can be found, trouble surely looms for Hal and Hardy alike. Hardy turns to his long-time friend and recent retiree, Abe Glitsky, to help out with the investigative leg of the case, hoping that he might use his long-time connections on the force to weasel out some information before it gets too hairy. Alas, once a body turns up, the investigation kicks into high gear, leaving Hal Chase behind bars while Glitsky and Hardy scramble to put together a strategy. Professing his innocence, Chase is left to hope that he is not incarcerated for too long. Like a dog with a bone, Glitsky leaves no rock unturned and opens up more cans of worms that anyone thought possible, putting his own life and honour in jeopardy. With a slew of possible suspects at every turn, the real murderer may be not only eluding authorities, but tying up loose ends as they emerge. Lescroart at his best in this thrilling novel that kept the intensity and twists coming right until the final chapter.
Reading a Lescroart novel is like coming home; always a handful of characters ready to advance their own story just a little more. For those long-time Lescroart fans like myself, they will note that no matter which angle the author takes (he has three main series, all of whom deal with the same central set of characters), you're sure to learn a great deal. Hunt, Hardy, and Glitsky in particular all have their own nuances, but each plays off one another so seamlessly that it doesn't really matter who is standing in the spotlight, you just want to ensure you get a dose of them all. And, in this most recent Hardy-centred novel, Lescroart does not disappoint in the least. He has much to say and even more to present. I often wonder what else he could pull out of his bag of tricks, but am rarely disappointed with what he offers up to his fans.
Kudos, Mr. Lescroart on this excellent piece of work. Always a pleasure to sink my teeth into one of your thrilling legal mysteries.
Reading a Lescroart novel is like coming home; always a handful of characters ready to advance their own story just a little more. For those long-time Lescroart fans like myself, they will note that no matter which angle the author takes (he has three main series, all of whom deal with the same central set of characters), you're sure to learn a great deal. Hunt, Hardy, and Glitsky in particular all have their own nuances, but each plays off one another so seamlessly that it doesn't really matter who is standing in the spotlight, you just want to ensure you get a dose of them all. And, in this most recent Hardy-centred novel, Lescroart does not disappoint in the least. He has much to say and even more to present. I often wonder what else he could pull out of his bag of tricks, but am rarely disappointed with what he offers up to his fans.
Kudos, Mr. Lescroart on this excellent piece of work. Always a pleasure to sink my teeth into one of your thrilling legal mysteries.
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