Review: Nice story of suspense, but a slow build up
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 24, 2011
Let me first say that I really do enjoy this author's work. He's sent me a few books for review, including this one, and I always end up buying them so I can share his books with others. This book was no different, I purchased it after reading the review copy provided by the author.Let me start by saying that I'm a book cover snob. This one doesn't do the content any favors. It's uninspired and looks a bit homebrewed, especially when compared to the fabulous cover art of his last book. I can say that if I didn't already know who Dave Conifer was, I probably wouldn't have picked it up and read it. I'm certainly glad that I did, though!This book, like others I've read from this author, was very well written. The author has a knack for bringing some serious suspension of belief into great characters and locations. It's okay, it's a thriller/suspense/mystery book. We're supposed to just go with it a lot. I think I was most impressed with how easily he made me believe that this was a real location... and then I googled and realized that the bridge does exist! After looking at the photos, I must say that he did a really great job because it's nearly exactly as I pictured it.The story line is well laid out, if a bit slow to get going. I think we could have jumped into the action a little sooner, but it also allowed for some really nice information about his characters. Billy, the main character, is really well fleshed out. I felt like we were able to learn about it without being "told about him", if that makes sense. It was all woven into the book so very well.The story is engaging, you want to keep reading to find out what happens with Billy and what is going on around him. You want to know the "why" and "how". You know something isn't adding up, but I (at least) didn't figure it out until he told me, to be honest. That's usually the makings of a good novel. It's tied up with nice bow, but it ended too soon for me. I think maybe it felt a little too pat, too rushed. It doesn't hurt the story and it's the journey that makes this such a great ride of a book, but it did feel as though it were missing some elements.Overall, a very worthy read for those that enjoy suspense books and fans of this author's work.