Third Degree: A Novel by Greg Iles
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Book Reviews of Third Degree: A Novel
Book Review: Better than MOST thrillers--but not as good as most of Gregs other stuff
Summary: 4 Stars
I like to think of myself as one of Greg Iles' fans from literally the beginning. From the day I saw and bought 'Spandau Phoenix' back in 1994, I have followed and purchased and read literally everything he's written--and never once has he let me down. The thing about Greg Iles is that he is difficult to pin down as an author of just one particular genre. His first book was an amazing thriller based on a world-class 'What If' scenario. His follow-up was an historical thriller that took place (well almost entirely) during World War II (STILL ranks as one of my all-time favorite books). After that he has stayed mostly with contemporary thrillers, but with Quiet Game he gave us the best legal-thriller novel I honestly believe I have ever read. He has written a Supernatural Thriller as well which you can place on the shelf next to Stephen Kings best. He has even come close to sci-fi with The Footprints of God--although I suppose it was more of a really technical Techno-Thriller. So as you can see, he is difficult to pin down as an author of just one particular type of story.
One other thing to note: Greg Iles on his WORST day is still better than MOST thriller writers on their BEST. I say this because even though Third Degree was a very good, very entertaining thriller with genuine thrills, it ranks as maybe my least favorite of his books (with the possible exception of Mortal Fear, which I did not like simply due to its objectionable and graphic subject matter). Once again, please do NOT see this as a mark against Mr. Iles...instead, just realize that with him, you NEVER get a BAD book, just varying degrees of great, really great, Awesome and Fantastic.
The idea of a novel this big taking place over the course of pretty much one single day is certainly ambitious at best, and in the wrong hands certainly would've been daunting and likely more than a little boring. Not so with Third Degree...while I DO admit that some careful editing could have been exercised to trim some of the unnecessary fat here (and probably would have earned that additional fifth star, too), the REAL talent of Greg Iles is in how he takes us deep inside a disturbed situation, and instead of boring us with repetitive and useless drivel, helps us not only understand, but almost sympathize with the troubled characters--NOT an easy task to pull off I can assure you. Add into the mix the characters of Warren, his wife Lauren and the personal problems they BOTH have, blend thoroughly and watch as the tension mounts. Why has Warren been up all night searching for a paper he insists has to do with an IRS audit of his medical practice? What does Lauren have to hide in regards to her pregnancy? Is the child Warrens or is the father actually Danny, a man she has been having an affair with? Everyone has issues here it seems, and they are ALL pretty big. The exceptional talent of Mr. Iles is on full display as he simply ratchets up the suspense, page by page until you are virtually certain it simply cannot get any higher (you'd be wrong, too).
Some have noted that Iles never really delves into some of the reasons for WHY his characters performed specific things (I don't wish to give away any major details--and I HATE it when others do) and I must admit, I really DID want to know why Lauren made some of her unsavory decisions and same for Warren, and while I certainly won't lose any sleep over it, I do understand why some feel ALL the loose ends weren't entirely tied up as a result (on the bright side: most of them were, though). The ending will either appeal to you or not, and depending on who you are will depend on your overall opinion regarding the characters and the reasons behind what they did and did not do. For me, I felt that it could've been drawn out for a more complete closure, but again, it wasn't that big of a deal. Again, I really enjoyed Third Degree, just not quite as much as most of Greg's other books.
Book Review: When the truth can do more damage than lies
Summary: 4 Stars
This was my second time reading Iles and it certainly won't be the last, on the contrary, even though this wasn't the best book I've ever read I am drooling for more. He seems to be the master of writing the husband and wife scenarios gone terribly wrong. The one person you crawl into bed with every night, one person you think you know almost as well as yourself can always turn on you and shock you when something ticks them off. That something in this novel is an affair. Quite common theme even in today's world it gets a royal treatment once Iles gets done tinkering with it. I was flabbergasted at what was going on in the novel and couldn't wait till I got to the end.
One morning Laurel finds out that she's pregnant. No big deal it seems, she's thirty five, married to a doctor with two kids, living a comfortable life, only thing is that the baby is probably not Warren's (who's her husband). She breaks out in cold sweat and sees that her husband is acting bizarre, throwing books of the shelves, looking for something all night wearing old clothes and behaving strangely. After leaving of work her migraine rings her back home, bad mistake...what she doesn't know is that the one person she felt safe with is about to become her biggest threat. Prepare yourself for a twisted showdown between man and wife and his paranoia to get to the bottom of his wife's secrets no matter what the cost.
The book albeit little long, reads smoothly and almost feels like a movie. I plunged thorough the pages fast and was satisfied with the ending but the buildup was driving me crazy, as soon as I thought the coast was clear something would ruin chances of a happy ending. This was a fun little domestic thriller that was a nice change from the usual stuff I read.
- Kasia S.
Book Review: An Engrossing Read
Summary: 4 Stars
Greg Iles is a fantastic thriller writer, with complex characterisations, interesting information, and thought-provoking scenarios. THIRD DEGREE is no different, and the Mississippi portrayed is one that perpetuates a common Southern stereotype: gun-totin', trigger-happy citizens. Indeed, it's the kind of America that we'd like to pretend doesn't exist.
Dr Warren Shields is usually a cool, calm fellow, popular in the community for not only being a top bloke but an ace doctor too. So it surprises everyone when he completely wigs out, taking his family hostage in a quest for answers that no one can really explain. His wife, Laurel, is desperate to hide the identity of her lover, and lies to Warren again and again. But Warren has secrets of his own, and when they're revealed have the power to change this entire scenario - and not necessarily for the better.
An engrossing read set in the timeframe of just one day, THIRD DEGREE should not disappointment fans, and will hopefully bring in new readers. Greg Iles is one of my favourite authors, and definitely one of the best thriller writers going around.
Book Review: Not quite the way you expect an affair to end...
Summary: 4 Stars
and not quite the story you expect Iles to write. But, the characters are well-drawn and the plot moves along with plenty of twists and roadblocks. I rushed through necessary duties to find the time to pick up the book again - which is a good test of whether a book has truly grabbed you. This one grabs and holds on - and you'll wonder which of the characters to root for - the adulturous wife, her lover, or the "good-guy turned strange" husband - which is a new feeling.
I reach for each new Iles novel, as I love to settle into the Natchez atmosphere, which he usually so artfully describes. He didn't have time in Third Degree - things were just moving too darn fast to allow us to stand on the bluff overlooking the great river. That's okay this time, as there was more than enough going on to keep me turning pages.
And, best of all, this wasn't the same-old, same old. Here's a really different treatment of a love affair gone bad - and then from bad to worse - and then when you think it can't get much worse...it does. Time well spent!
Book Review: Suspensful book - I finished it in less than a week because I was hooked.
Summary: 4 Stars
I've read two Greg Iles books - this one and "True Evil." "Third Degree" is the better one by far. I've read and enjoyed all of James Paterson's suspense/thriller novels and when I ran out of options, I chose Greg Iles. I fell in love with this book right from the beginning. I might even say I like "Third Degree" better than James Patterson's titles, but that's probably because I've read too many Patterson books and I'm tired of them. I was able to connect to Laurel in Third Degree and I loved all of the other characters.