- Paperback: 368 pages
- Publisher: Penguin; New edition edition (7 Jun 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 014029242X
- ISBN-13: 978-0140292428
- Product Dimensions: 18 x 11.2 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 947,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Gilstrap has produced some highly authoritative thrillers in which characterisation that leaps off the page is seamlessly melded to plotting of machine-like precision. At All Costs was a breakthrough book for the author, and the sheer panache of that book is replicated in Even Steven, which modifies the kinetic movement of the action into something richer and more subtle, with human longing as a key theme.
The Martins, Bobby and Susan, have one desire: to have a child of their own. While considering how their marriage could be consolidated by such a gift, the couple undertake a camping trip, little realising that this will utterly change their lives. An unkempt, dirty young boy, shivering with cold, appears at their campsite, and the Martins' parental urges are soon kicking in. But when the boy's kidnappers make a violent appearance, the couple find themselves caught up in the savage killing of a police officer. Soon they are outrunning a band of dangerous criminals, and while struggling to stay alive, dark emotions concerning their failed pregnancies add a disturbing spin to the situation.
Gilstrap has pulled off two difficult tricks in his invigorating tale: the narrative itself is fresh and innovative (very welcome in these days when many thrillers are content to warm over exhausted plot devices); but he has also adopted and customised a device once very popular in the thriller genre--the action takes place over the course of 24 hours, and Gilstrap ensures that the ratcheting up of tension always has a ticking clock as its motor. Finally, of course, however assured a thriller is at dispensing action, it's the characterisation that really lays claim to a reader's attention. And the conflicted couple at the centre of Even Steven are so roundly drawn that few readers will be able to avoid empathising with them. --Barry Forshaw --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"* 'Another tour de force! He makes reader's palms sweat at the same time that he tugs masterfully at their heart-strings' Jeffrey Deaver, bestselling author of The Empty Chair * 'Tight, suspenseful... tough action thrillers. EVEN STEVEN is no exception.' The Times * 'Gripping and fast-paced... the mounting tension tugs at the reader's heartstrings' The Times * 'Gilstrap has crafted that rare beast: a superior page-turner that manages to pull at your heart' David Baldacci, author of The Simple Truth and Saving Faith"
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First Sentence
BUNDLED TIGHTLY AGAINST the cold, the young couple lay on an outcropping over the Catoctin River, looking up at the cloudless sky, and wondering which of the countless millions of stars was truly the one that delivered wishes. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
BUNDLED TIGHTLY AGAINST the cold, the young couple lay on an outcropping over the Catoctin River, looking up at the cloudless sky, and wondering which of the countless millions of stars was truly the one that delivered wishes. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I found this a compulsive and original thriller, what a traumaticly riveting twenty four hours . Even Steven is set predominantly in the bleak wintry Viginian forests . A wealthy couple who long for a child, a poor young Mother with a useless husband,an underworld of drug dealers and villains and a poor innocent two year old called Justin .All these charecters merge together in some way via the FBI agents investigations on a murder which takes place. In Gilstrap,s advanced thriller which is quite dark and even in someplaces echoe Steven Kings macabre. The poor todler Justin touched my heart, and Even Steven's one hell of a read ,the charecters created powerfully. My only drawback were the flash backs of backward kidnapper Samuel I found unececery.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An exciting emotional ride that made me want to throttle the baddies! I could not put this book down and read it so quickly when it came near to the end I slowed down so as to prolong the agony of finishing it!
There is one thing for sure - I'll never go camping in the mountains of West Virginia - or if I do then that tent zip will stay securely fastened.
This book is great beachside/bedside reading - now I want to read the rest of John Gilstraps offerings!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Only just betterd by "At All Costs" just couldent put the book down once I started to read
Fast flowing action packed well worth reading
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not as gripping as At all Costs and Nathan's run
Unlike previous books, I never got to like the main characters, Bobby and Susan. In fact in a strange way the bad guys were more likeable. The ending was all too neat and tidy. Read more
Published on 15 Sep 2001
A thriller with an action packed pursuit
Having read John Gilstaps previous 2 novels Nathans Run and At All Costs I thought he could not sustain the suspense and tension in another book. Read more
Published on 29 Nov 2000
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