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ronilynnreads's review against another edition
I never finished this book because the premise was kinda dumb. But I actually thought it would be exciting. And t wasn't. Basically this guy Danny, who spent much of the years of his life robbing folks, decided he wants to go clean. But his ex-partner in crime is out of jail and wants to get Danny back in the business "one last time". Blah. I only got through a third of the book. Next.
ntembeast's review against another edition
2.0
I should probably shelve this, but it left me a little underwhelmed after many of the thriller books I've read and placing it into the category seems like putting a Chihuahua under the Dog category even though it resembles a rodent more in size. It was a bit of an underwhelming read for me, but that didn't make it an altogether bad book. The characters are solid, and the threats within the storyline are quite real. If anything, this is a realistic look at how people might have to deal with a blackmail situation against themselves and their loved ones today. It's not the happiest of books, and it's not super-espionage thriller either, but it's a solid book overall.
I have my issues with the decisions the main character made in this book, and that was the little hang-up I had for the most part, but it's nice to see that towards the closing chapters of the story, it picked up in a direction that I'd been wanting it to go for a long time. There were some tragic losses, and a good amount of tangible danger points throughout the story that could not be ignored, thus adding to their threat to the characters.
While I've been spoiled with the fancy mass-espionage, country-against-country, world-of-double-agents galore, this was a very down-to-earth take on the thriller piece. While it didn't tickle my fancy for the bigger honchos in the thriller and espionage world, it definitely played a steady, defensible part as a book in the thriller genre, taking on the flavor of crime novels as opposed to the espionage I usually like to tread in when I read the main genre.
The characters are intelligent, make realistic decisions, fit their roles believably, and make some sound, very human points by the time everything in the story wraps up. If you want a read that's a little less complex, espionage thriller and prefer an everyday guy dealing with a very believable blackmailing problem in the only way he can-- this book will suit you just fine.
While I've rated it according to my personal taste, it stands on its own well, and will probably receive higher reviews and ratings from others than myself. Definitely give it a go if anything about the book appeals to you. It'll hold its own if you're looking for the particular situation it describes in general.
minniepauline's review against another edition
3.0
I read this one because Brilliance was so original, so good, that I wanted more by Mr. Sakey. This novel is a little more predictable, a little more 'traditional psychological thriller.' Still good, just not a genre I go gaga for, in general.
jgoalder's review against another edition
4.0
Good airport read, characters and situations well placed and done. A few unrealistic situations meant this is a four not a five, but well worth reading.
jamesvw's review against another edition
4.0
In a genre that can so easily sink to rote story lines and facile emotional manipulations using violence and sexuality, this book stands out for its compassion and its literary creativity. Though playing within a world where the past cannot be left behind, the author strings together more lofty questions about the role of class in crime and the ability - or lack of ability - for anyone to truly rise out of a life growing up amidst poverty and resentment of the established order. Smart, at times darkly funny and rarely predictable, I recommend it to those, like me, who are addicted to mystery novels. It certainly is a welcome respite from the trite that often fill paperback shelves.
lisaarnsdorf's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! Fast-paced from the beginning. Especially great if you know Chicago. A little unrealistic, but that's why it's fiction! Can't wait to read another by Sakey.
jshettel's review against another edition
5.0
Hey mystery lovers - have you tried this guy yet? I loved this debut novel and can't wait to read some of his other novels!
maureenmccombs's review against another edition
3.0
This book suffered from too high expectations. If I hadn't read Sakey's [b:Brilliance|17171416|Brilliance|Marcus Sakey|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1368425876s/17171416.jpg|23599367] before this one, I probably would have liked this one more, but [b:Brilliance|17171416|Brilliance|Marcus Sakey|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1368425876s/17171416.jpg|23599367] was well, brilliant, and so this book had a lot to live up to. I will read more by this author, but after a break to allow some time to lower my expectations.
penelope46's review against another edition
4.0
This book was gripping and suspenseful. I was enraptured by the crime and the mentality behind the criminal. He is an excellent writer, I was transported to the streets of Chicago, as rough and gritty and cold as it can be.
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