Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Literally unbelieveable..., 10 Oct 2008
After quite enjoying Bone Yard and Body Politic - which at least tried to be a bit different, I bought this to read on a long flight. I literally haven't read a worse book. Other have commented on the throwaway use of things like 'knock out gas' - even the writer couldnt be bothered actually establishing a chemical compound. The 'twist' was obvious from thr first chapter, just ask yourself which character isnt given much background. The protagonist had a very handy set of friends, which was very convenient, one worked with demolition so could use explosives (and just happened to have a Glock pistol), one could hack into offshore banks from an internet cafe - although in fairness it took him over an hour, cos, you know, they've got so much security and that - one was an ex para, most had second homes to act as safe houses, etc. etc. As well as that, all of his acquaintances - not just friends, but ex employers - agreed to go on holiday to stay safe at his request, with no explanation from him.
With no exceptions, this is the worst book I have ever read, and I only finished it because it was either that or watch Iron Man for the third time - that and a sense of morbid curiosity. Truthfully, I'm no genius, and not that difficult to please, but this is poorly researched, cliche ridden, amateur and not even worth the £0.01 used.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heart racing, nail biting, wet yourself stuff. Loved it!!!, 29 Mar 2008
I can't remember how I came across this book but from the first page, I was hooked. I took it on holiday with me and every available opportunity I got to read it, I did.
It was easy to read, fast, thrilling and it's the only book I've read that has made my heart thump hard in my chest and also caused me to stay up till 6am to finish it whilst shaking as I turned the page. (Didn't help that I was alone in the house..silly me!)
I won't go into the details of the book as the other reviews talk about the plot in quite alot of detail, so no need for me to, but regarding the writing it was gory enough to make me squirm but didn't over do it for the sake of shock value. There are no fancy words, intricate sentences, hard to decipher paragraphs, the author says what he has to say and it hits...hard! I have read many crime books and the problem I find with many of them is they try and be too clever and by the time you've managed to figure out what the hell the author was trying to say, you've lost what they were going on about in the first place. A good book drags you in and keeps you there, wanting more without frying your brain. After all, it's supposed to be entertaining, not an algebra lesson. This book is better than good, it's great. I have a few of Paul's earlier books but they don't compare to this one. All authors seem to have there 'star' book, this is it as far as I'm concerned. Looking forward to reading more of his work, but slightly reluctant to for fear of dissappointment. Watch this space.
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9 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Paranoia and revenge encased in a furious and relentless plot., 29 Jul 2007
Paul Johnston's The Death List is not for the squeamish but for those who like their crime fiction fast-paced, bloody and hard-boiled to the point of burnt, this is a real treat. If you want a warm or intelligent police procedural, look elsewhere (I recommend Donna Leon's Brunetti series).
Matt Wells, a failed husband and a failing author, has his interest piqued by an anonymous email. What starts, however, as a simple mystery, becomes a relentless battle against time as grotesque murder follows grotesque murder, ever more gory and ever closer to home: Matt's family and friends are threatened. If this wasn't such a furiously paced thriller - and it is more a thriller than traditional crime fiction - it could almost be a rompish travelogue around London but the pace, fear and pressure for revenge keep it firmly on its single, narrow track from start to finish. Don't try to put this book down half-way through: it will haunt you. But don't worry, The Death List is both hugely enjoyable and accessible and best gobbled up at a single sitting.
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