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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about S.J. Rozan's ABSENT FRIENDS.
tcarrico@adelphia.net
Have you previously read a book by S.J. Rozan?
First, as an introduction, I am a physician living in Lynchburg, Virginia. I write book reviews monthly for our Central Virginia physician's newsletter which has a distribution of about 600. It is my custom to annually read and review the novels nominated for the Edgar Award. REFLECTING THE SKY was the first S.J. Rozan novel that I read and reviewed, followed by WINTER AND NIGHT. Subsequently I have read NO COLDER PLACE. I like all three of these books very much, especially REFLECTING THE SKY. I always felt that the strength of this author's work was her descriptions of settings and place. For instance, I feel like I know Hong Kong after reading REFLECTING THE SKY even though I have never been there.
What did you think of ABSENT FRIENDS?
ABSENT FRIENDS is fantastic. It is the best novel I have read in quite some time. I think that this story could only have been written by a native New Yorker who lived the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Again, her ability to describe the city after the attacks is eye-opening. I guess it is her architect's eye for detail that allows her to so eloquently and accurately describe settings. This book's strength, however, I think, is in the characters. These people, Jack and Tom, Marian, Sally, Phil, Jimmy and Markie are all very human, very flawed and very believable. The plot line reminded me a little of MYSTIC RIVER by Dennis LeHane. That is, a flawed decision comes back to haunt a group of adults who were childhood friends. The difference here is the emotional back-drop of the events of 9/11 and how they changed everyone's perception of reality and view of life.
Would you ever read a future title by S.J. Rozan?
I would definitely read any S.J. Rozan future novel and will also try to read through her previous works that I have not read yet. It is frustrating that our local Barnes and Noble does not carry her backlist, but I order them online.
bmailward@gmail.com
Have you previously read a book by S.J. Rozan?
No.
What other authors do you regularly read?
John Grisham, C.S. Lewis, Jeffery Deaver, Harlan Coben, etc.
What did you think of ABSENT FRIENDS?
I thought it was very insightful in it's way of showing the attitude and feelings of New Yorkers after 9/11
Would you ever read a future title by S.J. Rozan?
Yes.
Egbar19@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by S.J. Rozan?
I've never read a book by Rozan, prior to ABSENT FRIENDS.
What other authors do you regularly read?
The authors I normally read include Robert B. Parker, Robert Crais, Michael Connelly, Minette Walters, Greg Rucka, Lawrence Block, Herman Wouk, Dick Francis, Robert Jordan, Lee Child, Bernard Cornwell and Terry Goodkind.
What did you think of ABSENT FRIENDS?
I enjoyed ABSENT FRIENDS, although I felt the solution to the "mystery" was clear enough to trip over halfway through the book. That being said, I loved the detailed and mournful atmosphere of post 9/11 NYC. In this respect I think Rozan easily surpassed Lawrence Blocks disappointing SMALL TOWN. The writing itself was poetic and sharp, and the characters were extremely thought out --- trapped by their personalities to act out their tragic destinies.
Would you ever read a future title by S.J. Rozan?
Although I don't think Rozan breaks into my "must read" list, I would definitely give her another look in the future.
linda@mcdscreations.net
Have you previously read a book by S.J. Rozan?
No.
What other authors do you regularly read?
Patricia Cornwell, Tami Hoag, James Patterson, Jeffery Deaver and Elizabeth Berg.
What did you think of ABSENT FRIENDS?
I found it interesting. I wanted to get to the real story --- my interest was piqued --- but it moved a little too slowly for my liking. Her writing style intrigued me, I suppose in part because I write for a living. In some ways I found it distracting because I think that may be what slowed down the read for me. It was not at all what I expected. Feelings and reactions, and certainly the firefighter aspect, wove the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, into the story but it was less about that then I anticipated. I would definitely recommend it to others, with the caveat that they need to give it time...it will pick up.
Would you ever read a future title by S.J. Rozan?
Yes.
Wellwoman1@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by S.J. Rozan?
I have not previously read a book by S.J. Rozan.
What other authors do you regularly read?
I enjoy reading James Patterson, Robin Cook, John Jakes, Sue Townsend, Dan Brown among others.
What did you think of ABSENT FRIENDS?
I enjoyed the style of writing in ABSENT FRIENDS. I got a little confused with the characters and their relationships to each other when jumping back and forth through the years. Good storyline. How much is true? How much is fiction? I have a friend in NYPD who experienced 9/11. I will have her read it next. Fascinating subject matter. Just enough mystery to prevent putting the book down.
Would you ever read a future title by S.J. Rozan?
I would, indeed, read another book by this author.
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