- Hardcover: 506 pages
- Publisher: Time Warner Paperbacks (3 April 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0316860182
- ISBN-13: 978-0316860185
- Product Dimensions: 23 x 15.2 x 4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 3,214,209 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
SUNDAY TIMES
'She is a deft storyteller, and her writing has depth, grace and pace' TATLER
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
THE TIMES
'Truly unputdownable'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Susan Howatch is a master at storytelling, but somehow her recent books are not up to par. Her blend of theology and Jungian analysis was really amazing in the Starbridge series and she has tried to do it again in the St. Benet trilogy, but it is not as deep and meaningful as it used to be. Maybe modern day stories is not her forte. Maybe speaking through clergymen gave her more freedom to express herself and her views. Who knows? Where is the Nicholas Darrow of Mystical Paths? It's as if he's another person entirely. In fact, these books seem to have been written by another person entirely, a Susan Howatch wannabe. I gave the book three stars, only because it was written by her and, to be honest, there are some rare glimpses of her old self in it. Is that enough? I sincerely doubt it. If you are new to the Susan Howatch experience, you might actually enjoy this book, but if you want to find out what she is really all about, you should get the Starbridge series or The Wheel Of Fortune, the last book from her saga period. And then you will be able to witness the Howatch magic.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is another of Susan Howatch's gripping sagas which carrys you along with it. Many of the characters are familiar having featured in her other books about "St. Benets" in London. Of all her books though I found this was the most uncomfortable to read as the subject matter was unpleasant. This made no difference to the fact that it caught you up and carried you along with it from the very first chapter. Although it is a "stand alone" book the reader would find reading the previous one - High Flyer - very useful as it would explain the background to events.
70 of 78 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
My summary says it all really. As in her previous post-conversion bestsellers, she bases it all on a first person character with serious problems, usually of the mental or spiritual sort, but with plenty of hair-raising physical and supernatural danger thrown in. Then we see them saved in some way and cheer them on to some kind of potentially happy ending. This time its a high class rent boy mixed up with the seriously nasty people we met in The High Flyer.
It's about the victory of the human spirit, sort of. For her this is symbolised by ball room dancing, of all things. Two immaculately dressed prostitutes doing a John Travolta type solo at the Savoy to applause. All highly improbable and a creaky sort of plot and cliches abound, but hey, who cares? It's so battily improbable its must be based on real events. I couldn't put it down. She lays a spell on you. She has the gift.
It's about the victory of the human spirit, sort of. For her this is symbolised by ball room dancing, of all things. Two immaculately dressed prostitutes doing a John Travolta type solo at the Savoy to applause. All highly improbable and a creaky sort of plot and cliches abound, but hey, who cares? It's so battily improbable its must be based on real events. I couldn't put it down. She lays a spell on you. She has the gift.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
unflinching account of evil and redemption
Once again Susan Howatch enthralled me with her storytelling. I've read all the Starbridge & the other St Benets novels and this third in the St Benets trilogy was just as... Read more
Published 7 months ago by S. Robinson
Amazing read, had to reread straight away
Wow is about all i can say to this book. This is the first of her's books that i've ever read and i'm clamouring for more. Read more
Published on 23 May 2009 by Carol Barnes
Interesting plot, terrible (cringeworthy) dialogue!
I chose this book beacuse the blurb sounded interesting- sex, dark forces, healing powers, cults etc.. and it was! Read more
Published on 3 April 2008 by Rachel Willis
Another Magical book from Howatch
What can I say about this book except that it is EXCELLENT? Howatch is my favourite author so maybe I'm a little biased BUT it is great. Read more
Published on 18 Dec 2007 by Mrs. Judith Lugg
Good story, but the dialogue will make you cringe!
I've been a fan of Susan Howatch for years. The Starbridge novels had me gripped in my teens. However, when I read 'The High Flyer' (the book which precedes 'The Heartbreaker')... Read more
Published on 17 Sep 2007 by H. Eaton
Dark Versus Light
Susan Howatch has lived up to my high expectations once again in "The Heartbreaker". She writes with amazing quality and depth, mixing just the right amount of prose with a story... Read more
Published on 6 Jan 2006 by Jenna
Time for something new?
Howatch is such an excellent storyteller that this book is as compelling as her others, but her theme is becoming repetitive. Read more
Published on 3 Feb 2005 by Barbara
Great read, could not put down
Thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end, a definite one you can't put down until it is finished. What a life!!!
Published on 23 Nov 2004
Well worth reading
Although it took a little while to get into this book it was worth it in the end. Once established the characters took over and moved the story along apace whilst the author... Read more
Published on 11 Sep 2004 by sue
The Heartbreaker
Absolutely EXCELLENT!!! This is the first book I have read of Susan Howatch and cannot wait to get stuck into more. Read more
Published on 16 Aug 2004 by "mistycat1"
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