Jonathan K (Max Outlier) > Recent Status Updates

Interesting anecdote inserted about a carpenter who stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre and wasn't caught for two years. Silva makes a point of informing the reader that art theft crimes have gone unnoticed since focus is on all others and museums have poor security

A bit of the Good Lord Bird. The boy going along with Marder and Bubba turns out to be a girl. It's interesting that this was published recently when the original story was written many years ago

But UNLIKE Blazing Saddles, the 'N' word is used continually which is Everett's humorous way at poking at racism..I loved I am Not Sidney Poitier, but this one is equally wacky

As I read this, I can't help but think about the Mel Brooks film, Blazing Saddles, since the dialog and characters are equally nutty..when Marder, the main character discovers his ranch had been burned, wife abducted and dog shot, the community only cares about the dog! Hilarious

Classic Silva though here we find Allon has retired from his spy endeavors while taking care of his wife who suffered the loss of her unborn child. I love the stories that involve art since characters differ from the others

It's wonderful to explore the earlier writing from Silva. That said, his skill at narrative was equal, and mystery at the same level. Of the many characters repeated in the Allon stories we encounter two of the best with this story. Julian Isherwood and Oliver Dimbley the notorious London art dealers. Am confident this will be on par with others whose theme is stolen art works created by the masters

And it's rare we meet a preacher named Pickle Cheeseboro either, though all characters have oddball names, the mark of creative storytelling

Hilarious.. ".. I was struck by the number of men who had a gun strapped to their side but who, like me, would rather have put their head up a cow's ass than draw the damn thing.." Not exactly what we typically read in western stories.

Definitely not what we normally expect from Everett. So different in fact you'd be hard pressed to think it's one of his! Funny as heck too

Remarkable how Everett's earliest stories differ so much from his recent though in this case, you'd be hard pressed to think this was his. Madison Bell wrote the introduction and compares him to Twain. Since this was originally published in '94, I find it it interesting that he wrote James which spins one Twain' a most popular. The narrative style is like McMurtry, it's dark humor differs.

While the Elephant Whisperer was unique it lacked the insights from a seasoned author whose knowledge of Nature, science and literature merge. Profound, enlightening and immersive this is one of the more unique books I've read and well worth the time if you care about earth and nature

The author raises important questions of which most are related to the impact global warming has on Nature. As a scientist he shares his knowledge of the past which includes the Eocene age when the earth temperature was many times what is is today resulting in tropical climates at the poles. The ponderosa pines needles are so stiff it sings when the wind blows. Wonderful education here

Another solid Allon episode though I had hoped for a plot twist at the end. Regardless the precision operation with dabs of humor at the high points makes for great reading. A 5 star review tomorrow

Love the acerbic humor from Keller and Allon and the timing of it as well. Joking when they're about to close in on the monster

Haskell borders between scientist and naturalist, his knowledge of molecular combined with genetic, results in a 'mixed bag' that's unique, droll and informative

What's truly astounding is the fact that Silva has obviously traveled to the countless locations used in the plots of all his books which is evidenced by the smallest details of landmarks, business, climate and culture and that in itself is rare.

High suspense as we head to the finale, typical of all books by this author

Always refreshing to return to a Silva story especially when a long break from them was taken. No getting around the fact that he's the master of spy stories especially when Gabriel Allon is at the helm

Finally Allon is the ring master of the show and as expected doubts rise about the operation success. Yet another great one from Silva

The mouse trap set, but will it bite the cheese? Hmmm

Love how the biggest drug dealer with ties to Saladin refers to hashish as oranges as well as the dry, stone faced interactions between the head of the Alpha group and the minister. Allon seems to play second fiddle in much of this but without his schemes there would be nothing

Fascinating how Nature and humanity differ. The death of a tree becomes a factory that over time regenerates yielding unlimited possibilities. And it's song evolves as well.

Fun stuff!

Another fast paced plot which will likely twist like a snake as we near the finish

It often makes me wonder if elements of the Allon stories are modified and find their way into Mission Impossible scripts, though Silva narratives are far more complex

Haskell does an amazing job of integrating the effects of humans on nature using trees as an example of how Nature adapts that if studied offer solutions. The problem is few if any pay attention

Remarkable in all respects and the style of narrative is that of a scientific storyteller whose knowledge of the foundation of life goes far beyond trees. A must read for those who understand that Nature is a gift and in danger

Similar to the use of Saladin and the merry band of spies, Silva takes us to the Freeport in Geneva repeatedly where collectors and drug runners hide their purchases if you can call them that lol

I would add that of those episodes I've read this is first where Allon suffers injuries at the hand of terrorists. Fortunately he's a superman in way unimaginable