The Shepherd

Nov 18, 2012 Nic rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had mixed feelings about this book. Like others, I bought it because I love James Patterson & the writing style was similar in a lot of ways, also I got this book & The Prophet in a 2 for 1 deal. In my opinion you can tell it was a first novel & some of the scenes set were over-wordy & over embellished. I began to get annoyed at Marcus' constant self flagellating with regards to who he was & why he was that way. The constant references to his hatred of using guns was also a...more

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Aug 10, 2012 Vishal rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I bought this book because I'm a big James Patterson fan and I saw this was listed as a "if you like James Patterson..."

And reading the book, I saw the way in which this was written was in a style reminiscent of Patterson, however, this book wasn't an imitation and is brilliant! From start to finish I was enthralled completely.

The suspense and the way in which Ethan Cross leads the story from one possible theory to another in one swift move is incredible.

The way in which Cross actually makes yo...more

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Jan 17, 2012 Aimee Conner rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ethan Cross does a wonderful job at creating a story that sucks you in, and grips you until the end. I particularly enjoyed how he created Ackerman, the serial killer with a traumatic childhood. At times, you find yourself feeling sad and sorry for Ackerman, even though he is a ruthless killer with an animalistic appetite. I am drawn to characters like Ackerman, because I love the ethical dilemma that they put the reader in. Do I feel sorry for him? Do I hate him? What is he going to do next?

The...more

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Mar 01, 2011 Bookworm rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Marcus Williams is a former NYC homicide detective with a haunted past. After wanting to leave that life behind him, Marcus moves to a small town in Texas where he inherited a ranch from his late aunt.
On his first day in town he meets and helps Maggie, the Sheriff's daughter, out of a dangerous situation. Soon enough he meets the town Sherriff who informs Marcus about a killer on the loose.

There is a serial killer named Francis Ackerman Jr. who has escaped from a mental hospital and has been on...more Marcus Williams is a former NYC homicide detective with a haunted past. After wanting to leave that life behind him, Marcus moves to a small town in Texas where he inherited a ranch from his late aunt.
On his first day in town he meets and helps Maggie, the Sheriff's daughter, out of a dangerous situation. Soon enough he meets the town Sherriff who informs Marcus about a killer on the loose.

There is a serial killer named Francis Ackerman Jr. who has escaped from a mental hospital and has been on a murder spree. Suffering at the hands of his demented father as a child, Ackerman was almost 'trained' to become the monster that he now is.

His latest victim happens to be a woman named Maureen Hill, Marcus' neighbor. When Marcus stumbles upon the gruesome crime scene, he soon becomes a suspect and finds himself having to run for his own life.

What ensues is a hunt for the serial killer with a conspiracy that spreads further than Marcus could possibly have imagined. Marcus does not know who he can trust or if he will be able to stop Ackerman and save innocent people, let alone clear his own name in the process.
The book's storyline goes from Marcus to Ackerman and ends with the two finally facing off, good vs. evil.

Author Ethan Cross keeps the story going at full speed until the final page. This one has a shock ending that really took me for surprise.
He also creates interesting characters, each with a story of their own and as you read you get a sense of the rhyme and reason behind their actions.

Reminiscent of Dean Koontz, who is a favorite of mine, Ethan Cross' writing had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Well written and full of action, I really enjoyed this one.
Highly recommended for fans of this genre or for anyone looking for a thrilling read. The Shepherd is the first book in a series of thrillers. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book in this series.

read my full review here
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/201...
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Mar 01, 2011 Cheryl rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Francis Ackerman Jr. is a mad man. He has been terrorizing people across many states and the only trace that Francis was ever there was the wake of bloody bodies that he leaves.

Marcus Williams has just moved into a new town. Marcus could not expect that his first job would come so quickly. It seems that Francis has made his way into the same town as Marcus. Now these two men must face each other. There can only be one winner. Who will be the Shepherd?

A book that receives high praises from autho...more

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Mar 12, 2013 Forgetfulone rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, fiction

If I were the type of person who could abandon a book, I would have abandoned The Shepherd within ten pages due to the author’s blatant error in using the present perfect verb tense. More about that later. I just don’t abandon books. I have to finish what I start, and unfortunately, I finished this one. Apparently, the author didn’t, though. Thank goodness I got this via a 99 cent special from BookBub.

Ethan Cross is the author’s pen name. I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that he chose the name...more If I were the type of person who could abandon a book, I would have abandoned The Shepherd within ten pages due to the author’s blatant error in using the present perfect verb tense. More about that later. I just don’t abandon books. I have to finish what I start, and unfortunately, I finished this one. Apparently, the author didn’t, though. Thank goodness I got this via a 99 cent special from BookBub.

Ethan Cross is the author’s pen name. I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that he chose the name Cross. I believe he wanted to invoke thoughts of James Patterson’s iconic hero, Alex Cross. But Ethan Cross, James Patterson you are not.

First of all, the reader is assaulted by a barrage of characters that have no obvious link until too far into the book. The first few chapters seem like they are pieces of different stories. Second, there are numerous mythological references throughout the story which I find to be trite. Third, the characters are completely unbelievable. They say things to each other and to themselves that no normal, logical person would say. And Cross does not create any likable characters in the whole bunch, including the protagonist.

I am happy to suspend belief when I read crime thrillers, but Cross crossed a line. His protagonist fought six or seven men in the first chapter of the book and wasn’t even sore. He received a gunshot wound, yet continued to act as though it only gave him strength. Cross didn’t develop a hero and a villain; he developed a super-hero and a super-villain. No one could do the things these men did and continue to function. And why would approximately ten people have a clear shot at a serial killer and not take it, no matter that they want to use him to meet their “organization’s” goals. I found that ridiculous!

I felt cheated when it was revealed that the whole plot with the sheriff was an elaborate audition for a new recruit. That plot device is just as bad as the “it was all a dream” scenario. And I was cheated again when the Dempsey brothers were introduced, likely hoping to hook the reader into the next novel. And there is no way Ackerman would be alive after walking into the fire. Even if he were, there is no way the police wouldn’t have had all of the entrances sealed off including the tunnel he supposedly used to escape. I felt cheated when it was mentioned there was a connection between Ackerman and Marcus, and that connection wasn’t revealed.

Cross is guilty of overuse of clichés such as “It’s meant to be.” He’s guilty of allowing his characters to over-soliloquize. And he’s guilty of thrusting his symbolism in the reader’s face as though we can’t see that darkness is the antithesis of light. I believe the reader can infer symbols in darkness, light, shepherds, wolves, flocks, vigilantes, and so on, if given the chance instead of having it forced upon him or her. He also uses far too many words when few would have sufficed.

Now let’s get to the way Cross butchers the English language. How in the world did this get past the editors? I counted at least four instances of using the incorrect present perfect verb tense (saying “have went” instead of “have gone” which makes the author sound uneducated, in my opinion). I truly almost abandoned the book when I read the first one. In addition, Cross uses the nominative case “he” instead of the possessive case “his.” He puts a comma outside his quotation marks. I frequently read “gonna” and “wanna” instead of “going to” and “want to.” There are misplaced modifiers, inconsistent verb tense, and a malapropism as well. Cross’s spelling of homophones is atrocious! (“sorted” instead of “sordid,” “poured” instead of “pored,” “horded” instead of “hoarded) I expect some mistakes might make it past an editor, but there were just too many.

I believe that Cross can craft a clever story, but it’s the manner in which he tells it that will make a difference in whether or not he ever rises to the level of James Patterson.
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May 18, 2011 LORI CASWELL rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Marcus Williams is a retired New York City Homicide Detective that has left New York to move to a farmhouse in Texas that was willed to him by his aunt. He made a choice to save others and due to that choice it was definitely time for a change. Small town life has a great appeal.

At the same time Francis Ackerman, Jr. makes a different choice. He chooses to inflict pain and suffering to as many people as possible and happens to arrive in Texas at exactly the same time as Marcus.

They both become v...more

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May 04, 2011 Heavensent1 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Shepherd is an action-packed thriller that will keep you interested until the very end.

Marcus Williams is an ex-cop who has seen his fair share of human brutality. He has inherited a house from his aunt and begins to settle into the quaint and charming town when he finds himself on a path he has no control over.

After getting into a fight with some locals while walking the Sheriff's daughter, Maggie, home, we learn of Marcus's skill in combat and his quick thinking actions in high adrenaline...more The Shepherd is an action-packed thriller that will keep you interested until the very end.

Marcus Williams is an ex-cop who has seen his fair share of human brutality. He has inherited a house from his aunt and begins to settle into the quaint and charming town when he finds himself on a path he has no control over.

After getting into a fight with some locals while walking the Sheriff's daughter, Maggie, home, we learn of Marcus's skill in combat and his quick thinking actions in high adrenaline situations. Maggie and Marcus begin to look forward to their future together, each seeing in the other a magnetic spark. After Maggie takes Marcus to meet his next door neighbour, they learn that the sweet kind grandmother has been brutally murdered. From here things begin to escalate and the powers in control are dancing the unbeknownst players like puppets.

Francis Ackerman Jr. is a intelligent and good looking, however, he is also sadistic, brutal and a serial killer, a very good serial killer. He likes to play games with his victims, play with their minds, and make them do horrific things in order to survive. If the victims play by the rules, he allows them to live to win his game, however, Francis Ackerman never loses. When Francis comes to realize that he is a pawn in a game he did not create, he realizes that the stakes have become greater and while he is willing to play, he first, needs to change a few rules.

As good and evil come together to figure out the reason fate has joined them on this mission, we are caught up in the turmoil and the aftermath, and taking on a ride through hell and back. Who do you trust?? How does the government play into all this?? Who holds the strings that makes everyone dance?? Francis and Marcus are lead to the answers, with one believing he could be good if his need to be evil wasn't precipitated and the other who believes he could be evil, if he was to release the control he keeps upon his soul. Together the two must wrestle their own demons to find the truth about why they have become who they are.

I liked The Shepherd very much and found it to be an easy read, however, the crime scenes are descriptive in their brutal nature, if you are squeamish, be forewarned. I found the character of Ackerman to be well-written, and very believable as the serial killer. I felt torn between liking him and being repulsed by him. I liked how even though he was a serial killer, he had a side to him that was almost humane, there were a few testimonies of this throughout the story. I liked the fast paced plot and the flow of the story was good, without much back-tracking to keep everyone in mind. I enjoyed how the characters were well distinguished from the other.

I didn't like how Maggie was introduced in the story near the beginning and then you hear nothing about her for most of the story. The explanation before the mad hatter chaos ensued wasn't enough for me to have her ignored for most of the story after building her up to be a larger part, even though she is eventually re-introduced, you almost forget about her until she does. I'm also not sure if I liked the government conspiracy and the serial killer aspect, I think one or the other would have made a more enriching story instead of entwining the two together, but that is just me, and others may not find a problem with the two crossing together. All in all, the book is not a disappoint and you will find enjoyment in reading its pages if you like intelligent thrillers with some gore.(less)

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Feb 25, 2011 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-books

Marcus was once a New York homicide detective, but after a bad experience, he left that all behind and moved to a ranch in Texas. In an attempt to escape his checkered past, Marcus tries to settle into life in the south. But soon, he finds himself running from the law. And to make matters worse, there's a psychopathic serial killer in the area, torturing his victims and then tearing them apart (this book is not for the faint of heart).

One minute we're with Marcus as he tries to evade the cops wh...more

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Dec 27, 2012 Tea Time with Marce rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-on-kindle

From my blog 4 1/2

Now this is what i'm talking about, a thriller for those that want to know the details of torture, blood and death, whooooah Ethan Cross, what a delivery in the crime genre. Do you wanna play a game is the perfect tag line. The serial killer plays the cruelest torture games on his victims, totally on the edge of your seat, eyes wide open scenes. Who can be like that, only a monster with sadistic thoughts for sure. This thriller is not for all, some will not be able to handle th...more

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Mar 15, 2011 Carol rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, first-reads

The blurb on the cover of ‘The Shepherd’ by Ethan Cross states that this book is the “Silence of the Lambs meets the Bourne Identity”. I totally agree with that description. The villain Francis Ackerman, Jr. is truly frightening. His father trained him to be that way from the beginning of his childhood. Why did his father want to create such a monster?
This book flowed very quickly but the descriptions of the violence against the victims chilled me so much that I had to take breaks from reading...more

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May 12, 2013 Germano Dalcielo rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Questo romanzo ha un incipit ansiogeno davvero sorprendente. La marcia sin da subito è la quinta, metaforicamente parlando, ma di lì in poi, ahimè, si scala sempre più inesorabilmente fino ad arrivare al deludente coup de theatre che, a mio parere, rovina tutto l'impianto narrativo fin lì costruito.
Lo stile martellante, verosimilmente nella versione originale, è sfociato in una traduzione troppo secca e prosaica.
Per quanto riguarda i personaggi, le sfaccettature psicologiche non sono memorabili,...more

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May 15, 2011 Ginny Palmieri rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not my usual genre - so far this crime-thriller is a quick read, though heavy on the gruesome. Poorly edited - something has been "contributed" to something, instead of "attributed,"; something is "alright," instead of "all right." "All right, already" was apparently a rote lesson left out of many people's elementary educations, but having it slip past an editor makes me feel that I, in turn, have slipped out of my usual, literary category of reading. This was a Kindle freebie. So far, I'm think...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Lesli rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I live to read and I get really excited when I come across a new author who can capture and hold my attention through the whole book. The Shepherd is a fast-paced book with lots of twists and turns; each time I thought I had figured something out it changed. I also love when an author can tell a very good story and not use profanity (I believe I counted 3 or 4).

As I read the story, I found myself pondering about some of the moral dilemmas the protagonist faced, I wondered what decisions I might...more

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Apr 12, 2011 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: book-reviews, fiction, mystery, suspense, police-proceedural

Article first published as Book Review: The Shepherd by Ethan Cross on Blogcritics.

Can evil flourish without goodness? Is it possible to be a murderer and yet not be evil? Often what lurks inside the mind makes the difference. In The Shepherd by Ethan Cross, we meet evil head on in his serial killer, Francis Ackerman. Cold and cunning, ruthless and bold, he shows no fear as he stalks his victims. Even the police are not immune to his cunning, when one of their finest is cut down along with his f...more Article first published as Book Review: The Shepherd by Ethan Cross on Blogcritics.

Can evil flourish without goodness? Is it possible to be a murderer and yet not be evil? Often what lurks inside the mind makes the difference. In The Shepherd by Ethan Cross, we meet evil head on in his serial killer, Francis Ackerman. Cold and cunning, ruthless and bold, he shows no fear as he stalks his victims. Even the police are not immune to his cunning, when one of their finest is cut down along with his family. To Ackerman it is a game as he twists the tables and reduces his victims to terror, offering them the worst possible avenue in an opportunity to save themselves. It is all a part of his game, a horrible psychological game with unlivable circumstances regardless of how the game plays out.

Ackerman is the monster from your nightmares, and possibly worse. Ethan Cross creates such a believable character that you can feel the frost when he is in the room. The hairs rise on your neck and you can feel that faint sense of doom along with the victim. With short work he is able create a feel for the victim themselves, he draws them from parallels of our own life, whether it be our mother or father, our children or sister, it is all personal, and horror provoking.

Being a shepherd is tantamount to being a keeper. In days gone by the shepherd watched over the sheep and kept them safe, and nurtured them. With that in mind Cross has created a foil of goodness, to counter act the evil. Marcus Williams is in the wrong place at the wrong time, and drawn into the path of the killer. However, Williams is more than what meets the eye, he has found darkness within himself that he continues to try to purge. Having worked in law enforcement, he is conversant with the ins and outs of procedure, and when he meets the sheriff’s daughter Maggie, he is smitten. When he discovers a murder close to where he lives, he realizes that the serial killer lurks in the very heart of his home.

As Marcus digs deeper into the investigation, he finds that things do not add up. There is more going on with the police and the corruption seems to come from someone high up in the ranks. Can he keep the townspeople safe from a sadistic killer? Who can he turn to for help?

In Williams, Ethan Cross has developed a hero full of flaws and with a hint of darkness in his own soul. He has faced evil before and flourished. He is hardheaded, smart, quick on his feet, and seems to be able to think his way out of the worst situations. He maintains his calm in the toughest environment and has the ability to calm the reader as well as the victim. He is charismatic and people are drawn to him. However, he is not sure whom he can trust.

This powerful thriller keeps the pace at a rapid fire. Once I started reading, it was difficult to put the book down. Right when you think you have an understanding of the situation it takes a difficult turn, throwing you off stride. It is must have for the action and thriller fan, and a great addition to any library. The Shepherd is full of surprises to the very end, you won’t be disappointed and you won’t see it coming. (less)

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Dec 14, 2011 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love, love, love reading a book that exceeds my expectations! I was fairly sure I'd enjoy reading The Shepherd but I wasn't quite ready for all the surprises Ethan Cross had in store for me. And by surprise I don't necessarily mean plot twists, although there were plenty to go around. The Shepherd was an exceptional read and I am so looking forward to reading whatever Cross comes out with next. I wouldn't really call the ending a cliffhanger but I definitely want more of both Marcus...more

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May 02, 2011 Patty rated it 2 of 5 stars

Wow...although it was fast paced and sort of unique...I just did not care for any character long enough to enjoy this book. I have read other reviews of it and it seems as though people love it but it was not a good book choice for me. It was overrun with brutal violent killings that were extremely distasteful to me. I did not enjoy the plot at all. I am sure that Mr. Cross is a gifted and amazing writer but his work, although exciting and suspenseful, was too edgy and too politically far fetche...more

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Aug 13, 2011 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-new-authors, 2011-books-read

I wasnt sure what to expect going into this story. But as a lover of suspense I really wanted to find out and see how it was. I am really glad I did now. Those quotes on the cover are pretty powerful but definitely well deserved.

Francis Ackerman Jr. is a serial killer the likes that we havent seen in books since Hannibal Lecter. While not exactly on the same level. He reaches a level of madness and insanity that keeps you guessing and reading.

But he is not the only one in the story. We also have...more

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May 16, 2011 Mishel Zabala rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review, signed, pump-up-your-book

My Rating: 5/5 stars!

I absolutely love, love, love reading a book that exceeds my expectations! I was fairly sure I’d enjoy reading The Shepherd but I wasn’t quite ready for all the surprises Ethan Cross had in store for me. And by surprise I don’t necessarily mean plot twists, although there were plenty to go around. The Shepherd was an exceptional read and I am so looking forward to reading whatever Cross comes out with next. I wouldn’t really call the ending a cliffhanger but I definitely wan...more My Rating: 5/5 stars!

I absolutely love, love, love reading a book that exceeds my expectations! I was fairly sure I’d enjoy reading The Shepherd but I wasn’t quite ready for all the surprises Ethan Cross had in store for me. And by surprise I don’t necessarily mean plot twists, although there were plenty to go around. The Shepherd was an exceptional read and I am so looking forward to reading whatever Cross comes out with next. I wouldn’t really call the ending a cliffhanger but I definitely want more of both Marcus and Ackerman.

There was a depth in the characters that really astonished me. I actually couldn’t believe how involved Cross became with the victims. It was hard not to become attached to each of them because their stories were summed up perfectly before Ackerman struck. Cross was able to make the victims actual characters within the story. Their short but detailed snippets made the victims stand out. I also liked how I wasn’t bogged down with the main character’s stories. Cross could have spent a long time developing them relentlessly but he chose not to. I could just foresee problems with wanting to go on and on about some of the characters because the way they were written but Cross did an excellent job of writing to the point and still packing a lot of informative details about each of them.

I also loved the fact that the violent parts weren’t over the top or outrageous but they weren’t sugar-coated either. Violent acts (i.e. murder, torture, etc) are hard to read about for most people. And if one is going to detail the act through words there is a fine line between going overboard with unnecessary gory description and actually not having enough depiction in fear of pushing the reader away. To me, the violent scenes in The Shepherd were very well done. They were reasonable and realistic and packed a punch to the point where I was scared for the victims and held my breath at certain parts.

I don’t want to go into the actual plot details because the entire story and crazy twist at the end is one not to be ruined. The Shepherd was definitely a thriller! I loved the characters. I loved the fast-paced detailed story. And I loved the fact that it made question my personal stand on the justice system and made me think "Well, what if that were me? What would I do in that situation?" And I found no real reason not to rate it five stars. I’m crossing my fingers that Cross will continue with the world he has created with The Shepherd. If not, I’ll still be picking up anything he comes out with next.(less)

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May 25, 2011 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: lovers of crime novels, thrillers and conspiracy novels

Shelves: rbtwbc-reviewed

WOW! This book hit the ground running and didn't stop! I love a story that catches me right away and The Shepherd did it.

From the very first chapter the reader is thrust into the twisted mind of a depraved serial killer. There is no telling what he will do next and the author definitely keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with anticipation. I often found myself holding my breath as I was reading, felt my heart racing or realized I was clenching my fists as I read each line. And just when...more

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Apr 04, 2013 Allen 'gramps' rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindel

Sit down and strap in as you will be taking the ride of your life. The Shepard has more twist and turns than an old wooden roller coaster. Just about the time you catch your breath and think you have it all figured out another one of the turns happens. This goes on until you roll back into the station at the end.

The book keeps you on the edge of your seat and it's hard to put down. It also leave the Mr. Cross in the position to write a squeal if he hasn't already.

If you like mystery & adven...more

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Feb 10, 2012 Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Disclaimer - this was a Free Friday ebook from B&N.

This was a very convoluted plot, everything came out in the end and this is an opening left for more stories with the same characters. All in all I liked the story line.

I did have some problems with the constant questioning about wrong/right, it felt very heavy handed more a morality tale than a story. This faded to the background as the story progressed which made it a more enjoyable read.

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May 11, 2011 Kristy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: serial-killer, ebooks, read-in-2011, vigilante, free-kindle-downloads

AMAZING BOOK!!! :P Everyone who has ever had any doubts about the rightness of vigilante justice, NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK!! There is a VAST difference between taking a life because you NEED to, in order to save other lives, and what most people judge vigilante actions as being which is pointless murder. READ this book; I don't think anyone on either end of the spectrum will ever view things the same again. And even other than that element, this is a phenomenal story-line, great action, nonstop s...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Connie Hildebrand sult rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Honestly, I had a hard time getting into the book at first. I think this was only because the first chapters jumped between seemingly unconnected people, some of which die just after getting to know them. Although I imagine that was deliberate. Getting to know someone just to have them snuffed out makes it more personal. Anyway, I'm glad I stuck it out because this is a great book. When dealing with serial killers, books sometimes skip over the morality of it all. Not this book. This is as real...more

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May 25, 2011 Paul rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 08, 2012 Shauna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: i-own-a-copy, 2012, crime-fiction, serial-killers-fiction, ethan-cross

I never really knew where I stood while I was reading The Shepherd. Did I like it or not? Where the characters believable? Having finished it, I have to admit that though some of the events seemed a little out there, I found it absorbing and within the realms of possibility.

I have to admit to being on the serial killer's side, not unusual for me. (What can I say? I have a fondness for psychopaths.) I liked the questions asked about good and evil. (My opinion: Serial killers are NOT evil. They a...more

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May 12, 2011 Thierry Nguyen rated it 2 of 5 stars

Decent thriller-you'd-pick-up-at-the-airport. Then has a ludicrous twist in the last few pages that leaves the ending open to become a series. Lot of hype for the serial killer character which, while having an interesting foundation and some neat moments here and there, ends up being too talkative and a bit clichéd. "Bourne Identity plus Silence of the Lambs" is a bit too hyperbolic -- more like "Criminal Minds with a dash of X-Files government craziness."

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Jun 04, 2012 Rachel rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this as I hate to leave anything unfionished...but yet again feel cheated that the book was not what was described.
The 'twist' was completely implausible, there were plot holes you could drivea truck through and I coudln't have cared less about any if the characters.
The only good thing was that the chapters were short.

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May 29, 2011 Jeremy Johnson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book reminded me of a darker, edgier "Unbreakable". I enjoyed the twists and turns, though there were a few instances in the book that required me to suspend belief just a smidge too much. The vivid imagery was appreciated added a fine touch. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys crime thrillers and moral conundrums.

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Jul 22, 2011 Christine rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book from the first chapter was exciting and gripping. I liked it alot but admit that the ending didn't flow well in my opinion. I was a bit disappointed. I would like to read the next title in the series (assuming there is one) to see if the author improves on it. If there isn't a 2nd to this book than that changes my review to 2 stars.

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