Review: Good Writing, But Torn
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 19, 2012
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS***Cheated By Death -This book had a pleasant change from the previous two.  In this story we see Jeff Resnick starting to live more of an autonomous life.  He is able to be of assistance to his brother and sister-in-law and it is nice to read about his abilities rather than to have the story surround his limitations.  I was also happy to learn that Jeff and Maggie are pursuing their relationship and seem to be on much more even ground.Jeff finding out about family he never knew he had adds a new dimension to the story as well.  I like that the author does not feel the need to tie things up in a pretty, tidy bow.  Jeff losing a member of his newly found family when there were still many unresolved issues was true to life and I feel adds depth to the story and its characters.The mystery surrounding the stalking of Jeff's sister-in-law was interesting and the outcome surprising.  As usual, my favorite characters are Jeff and Brenda.  They seem to be the only steady, likable characters in a cast of pretty dysfunctional players.Bound By Suggestion -This book was very well written, but it must be said that it seems to tear down most of the positive forward movement that Jeff has made since the mugging changed his life.  An established character surprises the reader with less than stellar behavior.I had a hard time putting this book down once I started reading it.  The subject matter can be pretty dark at times, but is fascinating nonetheless.I found myself really pulling for Jeff as he battles those determined to use and harm him.  It was nice to see Richard advocating for Jeff a bit more than usual as well.This book had a satisfying ending.  To say more would take away from a potential reader's anticipation though.~~~ In summary, I would actually give Cheated By Death 3.5 stars and Bound By Suggestion 4 stars.  There are three reasons why I just couldn't bring myself to rate either one with 5 stars:1) I find myself becoming very tired of people telling Jeff how he should feel.  I sympathize with this character as he seems to be battling not only his physical limitations and the resulting financial and emotional burdens they bring about, but he also must fight against key people in his small circle of trusted family and friends.2) Both Richard and Jeff's morose demeanor can get tiresome at times.  I appreciate that the writer portrays them in a more realistic light than you'd typically find in a fictional work, but it can bog the story down.Both characters drink entirely too much and I find it aggravating that the adult children of an alcoholic mother who drank herself to death, one of them a doctor no less, do not seem to consider it unwise to imbibe so frequently in a known depressant.3) Lastly, and most significant for me, is the character of Richard.  Once again, I get that the characters are not sanitized.  They are shown with their flaws.  However, I see the trio of Jeff, Richard, and Brenda as a team.  Sadly, Richard is definitely the weak link.  From the very beginning of this series of books he has shown himself to be an elitist, self absorbed, entitled ingrate.  I get tired of hearing about how 'bored' he is rattling around in his huge mansion or driving his wonderful car that is getting too 'old' since he's had it for 4 years.  Any time there is 'dirty work' to be done he has to take his wife's car so that his precious car can remain pristine.  On the subject of his wife...she is absolutely lovely, and so loyal and supportive of him. He, however, seems to have very little respect or understanding for her, not to mention he seems to feel it's okay to be at least emotionally unfaithful to her.  This has occurred in more than one book.I'm not going to lie, if this guy was real I'd really love to kick some sense into him.This author definitely makes you feel something...which is the goal...and makes for some very interesting and enjoyable reading.