The Front by Patricia Cornwell Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $0.01 You Save: $22.94 (100%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Front
Book Review: BRAVO! Another Winner!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was excited to find out what was in store for Win "Geronimo" after having enjoyed "At Risk" -- another great Cornwell book. This book was just what I was hoping for -- a great story and a chance to get to know this new cast of characters in what I hope turns into a series with many more books in the future. The story kept me on the edge of my seat and the length of the book was perfect to accompany me on my flight! It's a great book that won't disappoint!Book Review: Best Cornwell in a while, but questions, questions...
Summary: 3 Stars
Frankly, I had a hard time getting into this book. It begins dreadfully slowly. But, the last half is some of the best Cornwell in a while -- right up until it wraps up in too few pages, without a real finish.
Coupla points: This book is short -- like someone finished it just to be done with it, like, ya know, before a deadline (that one has perhaps received a generous advance for?!). And, the frantic second half of the book has numerous direct and indirect references to the housing-bubble burst, which didn't really take off until Winter 2008.
Thus, I suspect Cornwall contracted for this book some time ago, let it simmer until it was almost too late to finish it, then rattled off enough pages to call it 'done' in the last 2-3 months before deadline. The interesting thing is, she seems to have worked well under pressure, but just ran out of time to turn it in a truly good Cornwell work.
I bought the book-club edition this time instead of a First Edition, because it was cheaper. I'd skipped the last couple until they hit the remainders pile because I'd felt cheated too often in recent years. Thus, note to author: if you don't have the passion about pleasing your readers any more, STOP WRITING! While this was a good effort compared to the recent past, it's also obvious it was thrown together. You now risk losing the respect you spent the earlier part of your career gaining.
Book Review: Book review
Summary: 3 Stars
This book is not nearly as good as the authors other books. I have read them all and this one just doesn't keep my attention. I don't think I would recomend this book to others.Book Review: Boring!
Summary: 1 Stars
I look forward to reading each new book Patricia Cornwell puts out. This one was a waste of my time & money. As I plodded through the story line, I wondered when I'd find the plot, depth or usual intensity of her books. Nothing in this one. Oh well, maybe next time.Book Review: Brief but compelling story
Summary: 4 Stars
I was surprised that the book was so brief. The story itself is about a 40 year old cold case, which seems de rigueur these days in view of several TV shows that address this topic. It is somewhat interesting, but not up to Patricia's usual nail biter fare. For me, the primary focus seemed to be upon District Attorney Monique Lamont and her maddening personality and somewhat warped character. The lead Detective Win Garano, assigned to Lamont's agenda laden cold case investigation, is characterized as a self absorbed narcissist whose focus is upon "looking good". He does this by haunting second hand stores in search of used designer apparel and accessories. He is petulant, resentful and carries a huge chip on his shoulder. He seems both hero and nemesis for Lamont which is a nice twist.
I was very amused by the hardball, very sharp dialog between Lamont and Governor Mather when they played "politics" after her U-Tube videos appeared. It was so real I felt like I was in the room hearing it. Cornwell definitely excels at crisp dialog. Political maneuvering seemed to be the backbone of this story. How true to life!
Intriguing puzzle: Is Win a lover or a hater of Monique? There is an overtly seductive element in his conflicted feelings toward her. It is clearest when he and Lamont are together in a companionable yet edgy manner while dining at the Harvard Faculty Club. As the book ended I was left to wonder what happened to Scotland Yard's suspicion that Lamont is funding a terrorist organization under the guise of a Romanian Orphanage? Will this become clear in her next book in this new series? I like this yummy notion of nailing nasty Monique Lamont.
I love Patricia Cornwell's writing and I definitely look forward to her next novel about Kay Scarpetta coming in October. I hope it resolves the issue around Marino who disappeared in her last book.