Rules of Deception by Christopher Reich
|
List Price: Our Price: $2.87 You Save: $5.12 (64%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Rules of Deception
Book Review: Nice book
Summary: 4 Stars
An honest to goodness spy novel. I haven't seen many of these since the demise of the cold war. Of course, now with Putin flexing his muscles, the CIA might see more action.
This is my first Christopher Reich book so I didn't know what to expect at first. I do not like novels that begin in the middle of the story and doesn't explain stuff until you read along. The same thing with relationships, you don't really understand them until they are explained later on. I'd rather they were explained in the beginning so you know who's who.
To plagarize a comment from below, that's the book trying to be too clever. Lemme tell you, there's no need to do that. If your writing is good, your plot, your writing and the characters will keep your reader hooked, there is no need to resort to "clever" plot devices.
Having said that, the book was easy to read once I got past the first few chapters. I thought there were 1 or 2 logic lapses where the events didn't make sense, but that's a minor quibble.
On the basis of the book being easy to read, the characters being mildly likeable, I'll definitely try another Christopher Reich book. The fact that: I was able to put this book down a few days at a time before continuing, that I read this book a month ago, have read some other books since then and have not tried very hard to buy any of his other books will tell you how much I really like it, but I will definitely try another one.
Book Review: reads easily
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is a bit long at over 550 pages but it reads easily enough. The chapters are short: 3-8 pages usually. Contrary to other reviews, I didn't think the plot was too complicated to follow. I felt the first half of the book was very enjoyable with more interesting dialogue, wordplay, and character descriptions. I particularly liked the Ghost. The 2nd half was boring at times and it was then that I wanted the book to end. It's obvious Reich knows his stuff with lots of technical references and detailed descriptions. He put his work in on the book and therefore deserves the 4 stars. Jonathon Ransom and the Swiss detective are likeable characters trying earnestly to get the job done. As far as creating an environment of intrigue and espionage, this book does it much better than most. Most of the plot line is believable. At times author tried a bit too hard at trying not to sound too coincidental in his plotline--adding extra story to explain away these instances. I felt it was unnecessary. But I was tolerant and understand sometimes authors will do this; It's human to want to cover your tracks. Nevertheless, I do intend on reading Numbered Account in the future.Book Review: An Entertaining Thriller
Summary: 4 Stars
Although I would not put it in the same class as a novel by Clancy, Ludlum, etc., 'Rules of Deception' is a well written story that will keep the reader interested throughout.
It features Dr. Jonathan Ransom as a physician working for 'Doctors Without Borders'. His work takes him to various hot spots around the world.
Ransom and his wife Emma are in Europe when she is killed in a skiing accident. After her death, a baggage claim check comes in the mail. Rather than answering questions, this arrival merely serves to raise many more. It appears that Emma was involved in some sort of espionage activity.
This novel has some good action and a decent plot. It certainly kept me interested, but it is less than great. It has intrigued me enough to pick up another one of his books. It is a worthwhile read.
Book Review: Likable story
Summary: 4 Stars
This is the first book I read of Christopher Reich. I enjoyed that the plot took place in Switzerland. The story remained focused on the subject rather describing the place in too much detail, that was a nice change from some other authors!
Like every other thriller plots, this one has holes and you may have hard time believing it at times. In addition, I was perplexed seeing some details about A380 pilot when he had no role to play in the story. But overall, unlike some reviews here I did not find plot too complex and enjoyed reading it.
I can see myself reading another book from the author.
Book Review: Worth a read
Summary: 4 Stars
RULES is a fun read that keeps the reader turning the pages. Dr. Ransom is a credible character who finds himself widowed in a freak accident and stuck in the middle an international terror investigation. You will love to root for him. Sure, like any thriller, the plot has some developments that test the bounds of credibility. But, all in all, RULES is a book a recommend to anyone looking for novels in the Ludlum tradition.