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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Stephen White's THE BEST REVENGE.
Angelic808@aol.com
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
I have read all of Stephen White's novels.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I have read all of Patricia Cornwell's books, Jeffery Deaver, Aaron Elkins, Jeremiah Healy, a.k.a Terry Devane, Alex Kava, James Patterson, Faye and Jonathan Kellerman, Lawrence Sanders, David Wiltse, Greg Iles, Kathy Reichs, Robin Cook, Michael Connelly, Lawrence Block, Thomas Cook, Linda Barnes, Sheldon Siegel and Donald E. Westlake, a.k.a Richard Stark.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
THE BEST REVENGE is Stephen White's newest page turning, must-read-it-at-one-sitting, psychological thriller. Convicted of murder and sentenced to death, Tom Clone continues to plead his innocence. Now, after thirteen years of living on death row, he is to be released after an FBI agent has discovered and proven his innocence. Kelda James arrives to drive Tom home to his Grandfather when the two original arresting police officers arrive --- and the intrigue and suspense begin. Kelda gives Tom Dr. Alan Gregory's name. Dr. Gregory is a psychologist who tries to help him reenter the society that has changed since his imprisonment. As per Dr. Gregory's usual involvement, he is right in the middle of mayhem when he begins therapy with Tom. As usual, there are many twist and turns just when you think you have the plot solved. When the maze and journey are complete, you will have been subjected to the same "fear lessons" that Tom, Kelda and Dr. Gregory had been involved with during the ordeal. Fear will never be the same --- and the end will be a total surprise. Stephen White delivers a novel that continues to surpass his past novels. It is a book that every psychological thrill seeker must read.
bghayes@prodigy.net
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
I have read Stephen White before. I only found him when THE PROGRAM came out. I enjoyed that so much that I went back and read COLD CASE. Of course, when WARNING SIGNS came out, I read that too. I've enjoyed all of them. He's a very good writer.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Some of my favorite authors in the field include Ridley Pearson, T. Jefferson Parker, Harlan Coben, Robert Crais and Greg Iles. There are so many, I'm sure I'm leaving some good ones out!
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
Wow! What a book! THE BEST REVENGE is Stephen White's eleventh book in his series featuring clinical psychologist Alan Gregory. And, while there's plenty about Alan to keep fans of this series happy, readers new to White will have no problem jumping in with this book.
The story centers around Tom Clone, recently released from Colorado's death row when DNA evidence clears him. Kelda James of the FBI, a local hero since rescuing a kidnapped girl while being a rookie agent, is seeing Dr. Gregory to help deal with chronic pain. When Clone also begins seeing Dr. Gregory to help adjust to life outside of prison, Alan finds himself hearing different pieces of the same puzzle involving the violent deaths of two women. Bound by confidentiality he must piece the puzzle together, even while himself unsure of Clone's guilt or innocence.
This story deals with questions of revenge, justice and even vengeance sensitively in a post 9/11 world. What would anyone that suffered a great loss do if given ten minutes alone with the person who caused that loss? Would we behave in a way that would demonstrate morality or would we behave in ways that would bring us down to their level?
What makes this work so well is that Dr. White seems to understand that it's the common things, the things we can all relate to that can generate true terror in a reader. When the plot takes a turn in the middle of the book and the action picks up, this becomes a book you don't want to put down.
I highly recommend reading THE BEST REVENGE, but start early and when you have plenty of time or you may find yourself calling in sick the next day. I think you're going to get to a point in this book where you can't even consider sleeping until you know how it ends. This could be one of Stephen White's best books yet.
By the way, I enjoyed his story of the "Kitchen-Aid Lady" (though I would have called her Lady Kenmore). I thought it was a great way to show the silliness that a psychologist often has to put up with while searching for more important things to help people with
Candie1021@aol.com
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
Stephen White had me turning pages despite myself. Yes, I finished this book in one day. As each layer was revealed I became more engrossed and almost skipped to the end to satisfy my curiosity. Fortunately I didn't.
chuckdb@comcast.net
Have you read Stephen White before?
I really had not heard of Stephen White prior to asking to be a reviewer. I read the summary and thought that it may be interesting. I really enjoyed the book and will look for more by this author.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I've read many suspense/thriller authors, including James Patterson, John Sandford, John Grisham, Robert Ludlum, Michael Crichton, William Diehl and others. This book of course reminded me the most of the Alex Delaware books by Jonathan Kellerman --- similar main characters with policeman friends. I haven't read enough of White to judge his work overall, but I certainly would say THE BEST REVENGE stacks up well against Kellerman.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
I was surprised that more of this book was in the third person than the first person. The main (recurring) character, although important to the story, was really not a major character. However, the writer definitely made me care about the main character and I wanted to learn more about him.
I found the constant shifting of time a bit annoying. Having an initial flashback is fine, but the technique of flashing back an hour or so didn't seem to have a purpose and only made me annoyed.
The author did a good job in maintaining suspense, although some of the techniques were a bit odd. During third person, we often were able to be in the mind of the character, but critical items, although known to the person, were not really revealed. I'm not sure of the correct terminology for this technique, but I really think the author was being dishonest with the writer and a more "ignorant" third person narrative should have been used
clschomer@dmci.net
Have you read Stephen White before?
I have read all of Stephen White's novels.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I worked in a public library for seventeen years so I have read most of the "popular" suspense writers. The latest being CHASING THE DIME by Michael Connelly, DECEMBER 6 by Martin Cruz Smith and FOUR BLIND MICE by James Patterson. I read Nelson DeMille, John Grisham, Robin Cook, Robert Ludlum, John LeCarre, A.J. Quinnell (a special favorite whose identity I could never uncover), Stephen Hunter, Wilber Smith, Jonathan Kellerman, Andrew Vachss, Michael Crichton, James Lee Burke, some Stephen King, some Dean Koontz, John Sanford, Jeffery Deaver, Thomas Harris, Tom Clancy, Lisa Scottoline, David Morrell, Stuart Woods, Steve Martini, Brad Meltzer, William Diehl, Dale Brown, Jack Higgins, Clive Cussler, Michael Palmer, Douglas Preston and David Baldacci, among others. I visit the local library at least once a week.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
The first half of THE BEST REVENGE is Stephen White at his most suspenseful. Unfortunately, this tension level does not hold up throughout the novel. The second half of the book leaves something to be desired. It is not his best work.
Using DNA to establish guilt or innocence is very newsworthy. The reactions in THE BEST REVENGE to a released "innocent man" were very realistic. These themes did what good fiction should do --- they left us questioning the reality around us.
However, I hesitate to recommend THE BEST REVENGE for a number of reasons:
1) Alan Gregory seems unnecessary. His connection to the story seemed to be a convenient way to continue a series. Chapter 62 should be deleted. I felt as if the book was written first and his character was inserted later.
2) Kelda's pain, psychological or physical, was never resolved or explained. This screams sequel. Her character, so believable in the beginning, was flat at the end.
3) The torture of Tom was distasteful but not terrifying in the Thomas Harris or Dean Koontz sense.
Dvbjo@aol.com
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
I have previously read WARNING SIGNS and REMOTE CONTROL.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Nearly all of John Grisham, Stephen King and David Baldacci's books; Linda Fairstein (DEADHOUSE); Kimberly Kafka (TRUE NORTH); and Nelson DeMille (PLUM ISLAND).
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
I enjoyed THE BEST REVENGE. He used flashbacks quite effectively, so much so that the confusion that often occurs with this technique did not happen during this read. The narrative flowed smoothly and was unfailingly interesting. I was eager to move on to the next chapter. I also found the technique of using the first person toward the middle of the book fascinating --- this usually occurs at the beginning. Mr. White's use of descriptive phrases was excellent throughout the book. An example would be: "... an uneven ribbon of pink grays hugged the fractured tops of the mountains of the Divide..." (page 97). One character I would like to have seen developed further was Boca. He seemed to be somewhat of a "throw in" near the end of the book and didn't seem to add much to the plot
GERBAM@aol.com
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
I have read all of the 11 novels Stephen White has written. He is one of my favorite writers.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Thrillers/Suspense/Mystery fiction comprises 2/3 of my reading fare. Among my favorite writers (in no particular order) are P.D. James, John LeCarre, Elizabeth George, Robert Ludlum, Martha Grimes, Reverte-Perez (translated), Ruth Rendell (Barbara Vine), J.F. Freedman, Kate Wilhelm, John Katzenbach, Karen Kijewski, Michael Connelly, Lisa Scottoline, David Morrell, Agatha Christie, Sir Conan Doyle, Dorothy Sayers, Ridley Pearson, Kirsten Ekman (translated), George Simenon (translated), Val McDermid, Robert Barnard, Sara Woods, Rex Stout, Margaret Yorke and Mark T. Sullivan. The list goes on and on and on and on.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
In his eleventh suspense novel, Stephen White brings back his familiar cast of characters: Dr. Alan Gregory, PhD; his wife Lauren, a prosecutor and new mother; Diane Estevez, his partner cum sounding board; and Sam Purdy, his cop buddy. THE BEST REVENGE is a thoughtful morality tale that raises questions about our justice system, vigilantism and the psychological impact of taking revenge on another human being. In this well paced, provocative and interesting novel, readers are asked to move beyond the parameters of the thriller genre and explore the nihilistic self-destructiveness of vengeance --- to examine exactly what taking an eye for an eye can do to everyone involved.
Dr. Gregory has two new patients: FBI agent Kelda James and former death row inmate Tom Clone. Agent James is responsible for finding new DNA evidence that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Clone is innocent of the horrendous murder for which he was convicted. She fights alongside his attorney for his release, picks him up at the prison, treats him to elaborate meals and, by playing hard to get, seduces him for what, at first, seems like perfectly normal reasons. He's scared, lonely and extremely vulnerable. They date.
As always in White's books, nothing is as it appears at first glance. Readers enter Gregory's world and are privy to the therapy sessions so important to solving all kinds of dilemmas and riddles of humanity. As he ruminates and asks questions, he slowly unravels the mystery. This is not to say that we don't get a fair share of clues and are not exposed to the thoughts and actions of the "bad guys/girls" too. We are and that makes it all the more exciting --- we get to know their secrets and motives, the riddles and conundrums they wrap around themselves.
This time the good doctor senses that his patients, neither of whom tell him they know each other, are either deliberately not telling him the truth or they believe their fantasies. As events unfold, readers are treated to sidebars that explain how the therapeutic process works and what is happening to the people Gregory is treating. With this in mind, we are able to understand what makes the characters tick.
All of White's novels are well plotted, very interesting, multi-layered and convincing. Alan Gregory's dilemmas are never so arcane as to be beyond the reader's ken. And, while now, eleven novels comprise this popular series, readers can pick up any one of the books and not feel as if they missed too much. White's gift is that, in just a few sentences, he can recap how the characters function in each other's lives and, in a few words, inform the reader about what came before.
The leitmotif of THE BEST REVENGE is how does one get it. And if you get revenge, what does it do to you; how do you take your vengeful motives and channel them into actions that leave you "untouched" or "unchanged"? Can it be done? White also asks how much or what kind of revenge is "appropriate", if any; who is so wise that he or she has a right to take a pound of flesh; and who should decide if the avenger should now be punished?
Stephen White has never shortchanged his fans. With THE BEST REVENGE he has delivered another intelligent, engrossing page-turner. This series gets better and better with each book; the characters grow, become more interesting with each appearance and White has never repeated a plot. Enjoy! This writer, this series, this book are all winners!
bencanada1@yahoo.com
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
I have read all of Stephen White's novels and have enjoyed them thoroughly. I was somewhat disappointed with the characters and the plot in THE BEST REVENGE.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read John Grisham, Tess Gerritsen and David Baldacci.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
Boulder psychologist Stephen White's book is a fast paced, well-written and solid thriller set in the descriptive Colorado landscape. There is plenty of action and insight into the human psyche. White is a weaver of words and his narrative is smooth and flowing
grudolph@ixi.net
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
This was my first Stephen White book. I loved it!
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I have read Dean Koontz (one of my favorites), James Patterson (another favorite) and others not coming to mind.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
Tom Clone, a prisoner at Colorado State Penetentiary for 13 years, is set free after startling new evidence is found exonerating him of murder. The evidence is found by Kelda James, Special Agent of the FBI, who picks him up and takes him home. Alan Gregory, a clinical psychologist, is faced with the ethical issue of confidentiality --- whether to tell and perhaps save a life, or remain silent. Kelds, Tom and Alan are forced to face some of their fears and past secrets in this involving story of murder, mayhem and retribution. The ending is quite a surprise. This is the first time I've read Stephen White and I will be reading more of his work
jessieface@aol.com
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
I have not read any other Stephen White books but I am going to now.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I also read Lisa Scottoline's new book over the summer that was good.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
It was an extremely gripping book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I can honestly say it was one of the best thrillers I have read in quite a while. I especially liked that the lead was a strong woman.
JWIsley@aol.com
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
I had never read any of his books before.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I usually read the Book of the Month recommended suspense/thrillers that interest me. I was glad I read it and enjoyed it very much.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
It is a fast-paced, psychological story with many levels to it --- a lot of the characters seem to be entering into the tension. Mr. White presents a vivid description of the area in which his story takes place (I'm from Colorado and I know the areas he describes). It was a bit confusing to me as to who was the dominant character until I read further. It paints a different picture of the penal system and if justice is really served
lin111@juno.com
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
I have not read any other Stephen White books.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I have read TELL NO ONE by Harlan Coben and KILLING FLOOR by Lee Child, to name a few.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
I found this to be a totally different scenario than any book I have ever read. It was exciting but I found little to endear me to the characters. While I realize this IS fiction, I was disenchanted with the fact that the most important characters compromised positions of trust. I found them to possess vigilante mentalities. I did not love this book.)
OLTLFREAK@aol.com
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
No, this is my first.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Mary Higgins Clark, Alex Kava, John Saul, Jonathan Kellerman and Patricia Cornwell.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
I like mysteries and suspense and figured I'd like this book too. I liked the plot and how the twists came about. But the book didn't flow, mostly because some of the chapters would change to another character's point of view and it wasn't clear who was talking until you read a bit into it. I think having the name of the character at the beginning of the chapter, as a headline, would help. I also did not like when White kept flipping back and forth from past to present --- when particular events were taking place should have been made clearer. I am hoping that, when the final proofing is done, they keep this in mind. I'd recommend this book to others. I would give it 2 1/2 out of 5 stars
PDBlackCloudx2@aol.com
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
I have never before read anything by Stephen White.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
THE BEST REVENGE by Stephen White is one of the best suspense/thriller books that I have ever read. The characters are all very carefully woven together and are revealed to the reader at just the precise moment. I know exactly what page started my heart racing and my palms sweating and, even after that, when you think you know, Mr. White skillfully throws in yet another exciting twist. I can't wait to read his previous books and experience that heart-pounding revelation that awaits me
Pooki93226@aol.com
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
This is the first book I have ever read by Mr. White and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I enjoy reading suspense/thriller books by James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Patricia Cornwell, Nelson DeMille and others. Stephen White has indeed written a book that puts him on my future read list.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
It was a great "whodunit" keeping the reader guessing until the very end. Even though the DNA showed that Tom Clone had been falsely accused and imprisoned, the reader still wonders if he may have been involved, if not guilty. I found myself hoping that he would be innocent and actually felt sorry for all that he was forced to endure, both in prison and afterwards.
Kelda James was a very complex character, haunted by people and events of her past, causing her physical pain and mental anguish. The reader is torn between rooting for her and/or begging her to "grow up, stop whining and take control of your life!"
Dr. Gregory was a compassionate and trusting character who was forced to come to grips with his professional self-doubt in order to help Kelda and Tom work through their inner demons and begin their healing processes.
It was a real page-turner and I could hardly put it down. I will definitely look forward to reading more of his books
realbencann@yahoo.com
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
I have not read any other Stephen White novels before.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I have read BLOOD WORK by Michael Connelly and THE ANALYST by John Katzenbach.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
Stephen White has written an intelligent and action packed thriller set in the Colorado Rockies. The twists and turns in the plot keep the reader on the edge. I found the characters and the psychological input interesting and the conclusion totally unexpected
rojosho@hotmail.com
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
I have read a few of Stephen White's books and this one was totally different. I did enjoy it but not as much as his others.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I have read other thrillers by Tami Hoag, Jonathan Kellerman and Faye Kellerman.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
THE BEST REVENGE was a tension-ridden, great psychological thriller. It was entertaining with many unexpected developments. Characters were well portrayed, especially the main character, the psychologist, who had to deal with his guilt and within his own psyche. His integrity is brought into question as he is torn. This is an unusual story for a Stephen White reader
RTex57@aol.com
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
Yes, I've read all of Stephen White's other books.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I'm not sure which authors fall into the suspense category - maybe Jeffrey Deaver? I've read his books and I read all types of mysteries.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
Suspenseful? Without a doubt. Surprise ending? Definitely. Light reading? No way! I found myself constantly arguing with the author and thinking about the issues presented in this story. Stephen White consistently raises some thought provoking ideas in his books, but generally they are left behind once you (or at least I) close the book. I can't stop thinking about this one. We have Alan Gregory's usual ethical dilemma regarding how much to share with Sam Purdy, along with a bit of career soul searching thrown in. However, the main action of the story seemed to focus more on Kelda James, an FBI agent, leaving Dr. Gregory to assume something of a secondary role. I was initially disappointed in the ending and with Kelda's actions. After thinking about it I've decided (and what else would you expect from a book written by a psychologist!) that the author presented a very real personality in Kelda. In her actions, it is all too easy to see the struggles we all deal with.
This was a great story --- my only quibble was with the evidence used to free Tom Clone. I'm not sure that if I were a judge or jury member viewing it that I would have been convinced.
SBanton343@aol.com
What suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Authors who I have enjoyed in this genre, and this list is by no means all-inclusive, are Lee Childs, Michael Crichton, Jeffery Deaver, Nelson DeMille, Frederick Forysth, early Stephen King and early Dean Koontz, Robert Ludlum, Gayle Lynds, Phillip Margolin, Perri O'Shaughnessy, Michael Palmer, T. Jefferson Parker, the Pattersons, (both Richard and James) and Ridley Pearson. Douglas Preston's collaborations with Lincoln Child are currently my favorite not to miss. I have to stop here because the rest of the alphabet is on high shelves that I am too lazy to get my ladder out to review. When I moved in to my house seven years ago, I had over 92 cases of hardback books. I dread moving again.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
THE BEST REVENGE has a timely plot line that starts with a death row inmate, Tom Clone, being freed based on DNA evidence provided by an unlikely savior, Kelda James of the FBI. An obsession for revenge can make a person crazy and you might believe this is where our favorite Colorado shrink, Alan Gregory, comes in. But is it?
With the Governor of Illinois recently freeing inmates and commuting death sentences, this story is very relevant to the news of today's headlines. This freeing of a death row inmate sets the scene for an obsession of revenge that eats at its characters and manifests itself in several ways.
I do not mean to be cryptic, but feel I shouldn't say too much or I might reveal things that should be discovered by the reader. Although I felt the build up came out of left field, once events started unfolding in the latter part of the book, I learned the meaning of fear.
THE BEST REVENGE is an enjoyable read --- a good book but not a great one. It had an interesting plot twist that I did not anticipate, which is a rare occurrence for the voracious reader that I am. Again, this plot twist came out of left field and at first I could not fully believe it. Perhaps the necessity to make it a surprise kept it from being fully developed. But the twist felt "rushed" to me.
I also felt certain dialogue interactions between Tom Clone and FBI Agent Kelda James were stilted, several of their conversations did not seem real and I had to stop myself from skimming. Reflecting back with the knowledge of the entire plot line, this could have been deliberate.
The interactions between Alan Gregory and recurring character Detective Sam Purdy were sharp and enjoyable as always. I missed Alan's wife Lauren and his partner Diane --- they do not appear as major characters in this tale. This book introduces Kelda James as an FBI agent and I had anticipated her as a major spin-off character for a future book. But, what do I know?
Stephen White continues his usual practice of changing his narrative voice from the first person to the third and using flashbacks. It was disjointed in a few places but the story was still easy to follow. There is plenty of action and, as I stated, a plot twist that was unanticipated. All in all, an enjoyable read that I could recommend to my friends.
whpeters@citlink.net
Have you ever read Stephen White before?
This was my first exposure to White but I do not think there will be a second.
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
THE BEST REVENGE was somewhat of a disappointment to this reader. Although I am not a die-hard mystery fan, I expected to be entertained and have a heightened sense of anticipation. Neither of my expectations was realized. White has written a competent book, but none of the characters seemed real and none of the situations seemed totally plausible. I was unable to attain the "willing suspension of disbelief" state that would have made my reading more enjoyable.
sharhaas@charter.net
What did you think of THE BEST REVENGE?
Ponder these questions for a moment: What do you do when you KNOW something is wrong, know that someone may be in grave danger and know that you are the only one who might be able to stop it? What if the only reason you know is that the people telling you know that you can't tell? This is what faces clinical psychologist Allen Gregory when he realizes that the lives of two of his patients are linked in what may be a dangerous game.
Tom Clone has been released from prison after serving 13 years on death row for a murder that new evidence says he didn't commit. Kelda James is the FBI agent who helped release him --- but she has secrets of her own.
This book has so many twists and turns that you might need a scorecard to keep track. Just when you think you have it all figured out, you are in for a new revelation.
No one in this story is who they seem to be at first look, not even the caring doctor. A terrific read for those of us who always seem to be able to figure out who done what to whom way before the end of the book!
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