Hobby Stash » Espionage

The Messenger by Daniel Silva

Linda — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:46:35 +0000

The Messenger focuses on Saudi funding of Islamic terrorism. Silva does an excellent job of fleshing out the characters, maintaining an intricate and fast-paced plot, and provoking thought on how to deal with terrorism in today’s world.

Unlike my recent read of Silva’s Moscow Rules, The Messenger kept me riveted until the very end.

My Rating: ★★★★☆

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Moscow Rules by Daniel Silva

Linda — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:06:15 +0000

I actually finished this novel last week but have been trying to motivate myself to write a review. It’s not that the novel was bad…it wasn’t. The first chapter hooked me in right away. But about two-thirds through the novel, it was like someone else took over the reins. It changed to a stereotypical action-packed rescue the victim theme and the ending was disappointing. Ho hum?

My Rating: ★★★☆☆

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The Chopin Manuscript by Jeffery Deaver (et al)

Linda — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:19:01 +0000

This suspense thriller was written by 15 different authors with each author taking a different chapter. Deaver introduced the characters in the first chapter and then passed it on to the next. Deaver brought it all back home in the last chapter.Frankly, it meandered all over the place as one would expect it to given that many authors. This concept was developed for Audible and was serialized with a new chapter published each week. I’m not sure I would have had the patience to finish the novel over that extended period of time. Suffice it to say, not one of your better thrillers. I felt like okay all the authors have contributed…time to finish…bye. I suspect each author’s chapter was written in an afternoon then passed on. Not bad, not good, and doubt I’ll try another one of these collaborations again.

My Rating: ★★½☆☆

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Divine Justice by David Baldacci

Linda — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:00:19 +0000

Okay, I loved Stone Cold. There was no way, in my opinion, that David Baldacci could top that ending and continue this series. Well darn if he didn’t do just that. At this rate, I’ll have have to rework my rating system. But seriously…

What a great follow on to Stone Cold. This sequel delves more into Oliver Stone’s past and the Camel Club takes a background seat for the first half of this book. But that doesn’t hurt the story in the least and I really enjoyed the rounding out of Stone’s character and history. As over the top unbelievable as the entire prison storyline was (in addition to the total inaction on the part of the town sheriff), the plot had me turning the pages as fast as I could trying to figure it out.

I suppose there’s a possibility for a sequel but I hope not. I liked the ending…finally some justice and the hint of a future for Stone.

My Rating: ★★★★★

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Stone Cold by David Baldacci

Linda — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:03:00 +0000

This is the third installment of Baldacci’s Camel Club series. Unlike the Sean King/Michelle Maxwell series, this one still rocks.

In this novel, Oliver Stone’s mysterious past is delved into and his resurrection provides danger to all. I hate to be mysterious but I don’t want to give away the plot. I’ve always enjoyed espionage plots and this one is no exception. I must say it is most helpful to start at the begining of the series: The Camel Club and work your way forward.

The WOW ending leaves me wondering…where does Baldacci go from here???

My Rating: ★★★★★

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The First Billion by Christopher Reich

Linda — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:41:25 +0000

The plot centers around Jett Gavallan, CEO of Black Jet Securities, an international financial-consulting firm and his business venture to bring a Russian high-tech company to the U.S. Stock Exchange. I found the storyline improbable and long-winded.

My Rating: ★★½☆☆

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Simple Genius by David Baldacci

Linda — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:59:20 +0000

I have read all of Baldacci’s books and until now thoroughly enjoyed them. This is third in his Sean/Mchelle series and the series is going downhill fast. The plot was confusing, unrealistic, and written like an action movie. Even the characters are becoming unlikeable. I have two more of Balcacci’s books yet to read and I’m hoping they IMPROVE.

Time to retire this series!

My Rating: ★★☆☆☆

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Act of Treason by Vince Flynn

Linda — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:58:01 +0000

This another in the Mitch Rapp series. A presidential candidates wife and 18 other people are killed when a bomb detonates during a vehicle procession. Terrorists are suspected and Mitch Rapp, CIA agent, is assigned to investigate. Unbelievable plot but an enjoyable read.

My Rating: ★★★☆☆

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The Bancroft Strategy by Robert Ludlum

Linda — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 13:35:45 +0000

Another novel in Robert Ludlum’s name written after his death that does not live up to the quality of his works. However, the plot on this one was a little more interesting and less predictable. The twists and turns kept me interested until the surprising end.

My Rating: ★★★½☆

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Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn

Linda — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:14:54 +0000

This book is part of the Mitch Rapp series, which I have not kept up with, although I have read another one in the series. This book is rather timely in that it deals with a fanatical Iranian regime and its intent to discredit the U.S. in the eyes of the world. Although I enjoyed the book, I found it overly violent and Mitch Rapp rather unlikeable and stereotypical…Die Hard type of save-the-world character.

My Rating: ★★★☆☆

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