Winter Prey by John Sanford

"Winter Prey" is one of the prey novels by the bestselling author John Sanford. He is known as the Iceman. he is on a mission to keep his secret buried. He goes on a killing spree to get rid of everyone who may be able to expose him. He is skillful, intelligent, meticulous and deadly. The setting is Wisconsin during the winter.

Lucas Davenport has his hands full. The Iceman is about to throw false flares that direct the attention to others other than himself. He watches and positions himself to hear things that help him to be a step ahead. When Davenport and his team think that they have him he slips off. "Winter Prey"  is certainly a page turner, beautifully plotted and skillfully written. It is a first rate thriller and the characters are alive and interesting.

Roses Are Red by James Patterson

"Roses Are Red" is a great novel in all respects. The plot is very complicated and interesting. The Mastermind is masterminding some of the most audacious armed robberies and killing sprees that are totally mind-boggling. He also had a "great treat"  for his recruits after their job is done.

He is a dangerous psychopath  who is very brilliant, calculating and has a flair of remaining hidden. He is mysterious. You see his plan in action but he remains hidden. His modus operandi is different and totally unique.
Alex Cross and the FBI agent Betsy Cavalierre and the team of police investigators are puzzled. The mastermind watches all things. He can strike anyone. Even the Police and the FBI are not immune from his attack if he so wishes. Alex Cross and the FBI team led by Betsey Cavalierre are determined to nail him. He is actually having fun because he knows that he is on top of the game. He is in control.The Mastermind is indeed a mastermind pulling the strings.

"Roses Are Red" is indeed a masterpiece. It attest to James Patterson's pedigree as a great novelist. Patterson is imaginative and creates one of the most intelligent and dangerous psychopathic characters ever. It is a great thriller. It feels more like reading a Jeffrey Deaver.  Honestly I can't wait to read "Violets Are Blue".   

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

It is indubitable that " The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a great novel. It is a classic that is an interesting read and mirrors society. The plot is built around the protagonist Dorian Gray, a young man of extraordinary beauty, fresh and untouched by the aging process. There was innocence about him which was appealing. He seemed untouched by the evil of the world.

His personality including his extraordinary beauty and charm drove the great artist of the time Basil Hallward to make a portrait of him. He seemed emotionally attached to the splendid portrait that he had made that he was unwilling to display it to the public. Basil Hallward's friend Lord Henry Wotton met Dorian Gray. He initiated him into a world outside Dorian Gray's own. He made him see the word differently. From then on Dorian Gray became a different person much to the dismay of Basil Hallward. The portrait also affected Dorian Gray and changed the course of his life.

It is a tragic story and hammers home our fear of aging and the inevitable destruction of our best features of our youth. The lesson one can draw is that the inevitability of aging should be embraced and not be a source of worry.

The novel places Oscar Wilde in the category of the greatest storytellers of all time. The language is beautiful. The plot is simple but shows a deep understanding of the human condition. It is full of words of wisdom and practical advice mostly spoken by Oscar Wilde through the characters.

“The Road to Omaha” –A review

“The Road to Omaha” is a thriller novel by Robert Ludlum. He is nicknamed the Madman but his real name is General MacKenzie Lochinvar Hawkins. He is a former General in the United States army. He is bent on hitting back at the US government and fight for justice for the Wopotami Indians.

The Wopotami Indians signed a treaty with the US government but for over a hundred (100) years the terms of the treaty has not seen the light of day. General Hawkins aka Madman, self proclaimed fighter of the oppressed sets in motion a well thought out plan though dangerous but he remains undeterred, very characteristic of the Madman. He indeed shows his through courage and strategy that his title as General was earned.

There are forces within the US government who are bent on thwarting the plans of the General. They will use all means necessary to silence the Madman and his aides including the respected lawyer Aaron Pinkus, Sunrise Jennifer Redwing and Sam Lansing Devereaux.

This thriller is full of suspense and humour. “The Road to Omaha” cements Ludlum on a high pedestal as a Thriller King. The denouement is totally unexpected but realistic.

“Friday’s Child” – A review

“Friday’s Child” is one of the finest novels by Georgette Heyer. Isabel Milborne is referred to as the Incomparable. She was very beautiful  and hence nicknamed the Incomparable. Every suitor wealth his salt and heritage desired to win her over and make her his better half. Winning her over was much more difficult than searching for a needle in a haystack.

Among the suitors competing for her hand were three frontrunners Lord Sheringham, Lord Wrotham and the Duke of Severn. Lord Sheringham could best be described as very daring  and the novel opens with the Lord asking for her hand in marriage. As expected from a lady well aware of her superior physical qualities as well class, she does not desire to be taken easily and refuses Lord Sheringham.

As to whether the Lord will persevere for her hand or give up, I live it for you to discover through the interesting pages of the novel.  Though a thriller aficionado I find this novel very exciting, well written with a nice story line and plot. Other characters other than the major characters are added to spice up the novel and give it a realistic outlook.

 “Friday’s Child is a classic in every sense of the word. It is readable and simple but with an exciting plot which appeals to readers of other genres.

Review of “The Hope”

The Hope is a historical novel by Herman Wouk set in the Middle East during the time of the establishment during the state of Israel. It is a very moving story based on historical facts. It chronicles the sacrifices, dedication, tenacity and hope of the Israelis in the midst of overwhelming opposition to the founding of the state of Israel.

The resilience, pride and dedication to the Israeli cause are astonishing. Zev Barak, Don Kishote, Yael Luria are characters who in diverse ways dedicate their lives for the cause. Historical characters such as Ben Gurion among others feature prominently in the novel.

The fight against the Arab States, the strategy and sheer audacity in the face of what seemed like inevitable defeat make this defeat highly commendable. The writing style of Wouk is very lively. He breathes life into his characters. He mixes fiction with history in a very interesting and commendable way. The novel is thrilling and full of suspense.

The reader feels the pain, hope, sadness, loss in the novel. The reader more or less feels part of the unfolding story. The ability of Herman Wouk to make you feel like a witness or a participant in the unfolding events makes “The Hope” a must read.

However, some characters made the ultimate sacrifice in order that others may live and realize the dream. This is a story that saddens as well as inspires. It proves that no matters the odds, you can shatter the odds create hope and win through imagination, dedication and audacity.

“7TH Heaven” by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

The duo Hawk and Pidge are arsonists of the worst kind. They bind their victims in their house and burn it down. They refuse to kill poor folks but rather enjoy killing the rich. Their modus operandi are brilliant, brutal and meticulous.  Detective Lindsay Boxer and his team are overwhelmed by the duo. The more acts of arson they commit the more it seems that they will never be caught.

Junie Moon, a hooker is also being tried for murder of Michael Campion, the son of the former governor of California, Connor Hume Campion. The mystery surrounding his death or disappearance when revealed is totally shocking.

This novel depicts top notch writing and editing. It is carefully written and holds your attention. It is certainly Patterson and Paetro at their best. I still cannot figure out why the novel is entitled “7^TH Heaven”.