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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Clinton McKinzie's CROSSING THE LINE.
shannon_scott@hotmail.com
Have you ever read Clinton McKinzie before?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
James Lee Burke, Philip R. Craig, Brendan duBois, etc. I read just about anything (except horror, and woman-in-jeopardy/child-in-jeopardy, serial killer stuff).
What did you think of CROSSING THE LINE?
It was OK. A little uneven in places (and it definitely had a point-of-view). There was some tension/excitement and was overall an enjoyable read. A bit too much testosterone for my taste, though. It seemed as if he was trying to cram a whole series worth of exposition into one book, though.
Would you ever read future Clinton McKinzie books?
Maybe.
sueh@olivia.lib.mn.us
Have you ever read Clinton McKinzie before?
This is the first Clinton McKinzie book I’ve read.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I’ve read a number of other authors in this genre including Scott Turow, Jonathan Kellerman, James Patterson, John Sanford, Phillip Margolin and Steve Martini to name a few.
What did you think of CROSSING THE LINE?
I truly enjoyed this book. For the last third I actually had to remind myself to breathe. It sometimes felt I had read a whole chapter without taking a breath. The characters were well defined and engaging. It is a challenge to an author to write about unspeakable acts in such a way to maintain their horror but not totally turn the reader off. I’ve had some experiences in the past where the book was too gruesome and I put the book down never to return to that book or author. This book is a fine example of horrible events for the sake of the story not for their own gore.
Would you ever read future Clinton McKinzie books?
I would definitely read additional titles by this author and now will probably read his earlier work.
pajead05@bellsouth.net
Have you ever read Clinton McKinzie before?
No, I have not read any of Mr. McKinzie's books before. I had never heard of him. But I plan to read his other books and look forward to his next one. He's now on the list of my favorite authors.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I'm reading Dan Brown right now. I also read Matthew Reilly, Lincoln Child, Douglas Preston, James Rollins, Steven Harriman, Joseph Finder and Michael Crichton among others.
What did you think of CROSSING THE LINE?
The story is about two brothers, one of which has made a deal with the FBI to help them get evidence against a murderous drug lord. I just loved it! I also learned a lot about rock climbing and how the drug trade in Mexico works. I lost a lot of sleep while reading it. I had to read just one more chapter no matter that it was three o'clock in the morning and I had to get up at seven for work. I was a bit of a zombie while I was reading it. The story grabbed me right from the beginning and wouldn't let go. I couldn't wait to see what happened. The characters were written so well that you cared very much what happened to them. I liked that the characters had a mix of good and bad qualities just like real people. Except for Hildago, the drug lord, he really was all bad. And I just loved the comment about the vehicle, the Hummer. I strongly recommend going out right now and buying it. Just start it on a night when you don't have to get up early the next morning.
Would you ever read future Clinton McKinzie books?
Oh yes!!! I plan to read his previous novels. I have a list of authors that I regularly check for on Amazon. He's now on my "I can't wait for the next book" list.
erichbug@bellsouth.net
Have you ever read Clinton McKinzie before?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
John Grisham, David Baldacci, Robert Ludlum, etc.
What did you think of CROSSING THE LINE?
A terrific book. Colorful descriptions, excellent dialog, good story, very well written.
Would you ever read future Clinton McKinzie books?
Yes. And I'm going to go back to read his earlier books too.
AnneK7@aol.com
Have you ever read Clinton McKinzie before?
No, this is the first.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Dennis Lehane, James Patterson, Sandra Brown, Laura Lippman.
What did you think of CROSSING THE LINE?
I enjoyed CROSSING THE LINE. It started out slow, but it ended up being a book I couldn't put down. I had to find out what happened next to Roberto and Antonio. I will definitely recommend it to my friends.
Would you ever read future Clinton McKinzie books?
Yes.
DaraXact@aol.com
Have you ever read Clinton McKinzie before?
I have read all of Clinton McKinzie's books. I love them.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Where to begin. James Patterson, Sue Grafton, Stuart Woods, Robert B. Parker, Robert Crais, Harlan Coben. Should I continue? I only read mysteries and suspense.
What did you think of CROSSING THE LINE?
I thought CROSSING THE LINE was good --- not my favorite of his. I of course didn't like that the ending left you hanging wondering if Berto lives or not. It sure did set up a great story line for the next one though. I like his characters, I like that he is torn between doing right or wrong, his inner dialogue always intrigues me.
Would you ever read future Clinton McKinzie books?
Yes, I look forward to future McKinzie books --- heck I have to know about Berto.
KPNIC1@aol.com
Have you ever read Clinton McKinzie before?
This is first time I have read a Clinton McKinzie novel.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Other writers of thrillers/suspense I enjoy --- George Pelecanos, Peter Robinson and Henning Mankeel, among others.
What did you think of CROSSING THE LINE?
Haven't finished reading the book but thus far I am finding it to be a good read.
Would you ever read future Clinton McKinzie books?
Yes, I would read another of his novels.
rvick@neo.rr.com
Have you ever read Clinton McKinzie before?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Way too many to list
What did you think of CROSSING THE LINE?
AWESOME.
Would you ever read future Clinton McKinzie books?
Definitely.
Screamy8@aol.com
Have you ever read Clinton McKinzie before?
No, I never have.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
James Patterson, Phillip Margolin, Janet Evanovich, Jonathan Kellerman.
What did you think of CROSSING THE LINE?
I really enjoyed the way it was written and the character development. The story was a little slow at the beginning, but it speeds up quickly. I enjoyed this book, but I felt it would be enjoyed by men much more than women.
Would you ever read future Clinton McKinzie books?
Maybe.
suekdittmar@charter.net
Have you ever read Clinton McKinzie before?
No, I haven't read Mr. McKinzie before. I am always looking to try a new author.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Other suspense authors: Steve Martini, Dennis Lehane, John Le Carre, Robert Harris, Caleb Carr. I could go on and on.
What did you think of CROSSING THE LINE?
I quite enjoyed the novel. The opening scene was just perfect. The reader was kept off-balance just enough to keep asking questions, "Why are these people here?" "What are they doing?" It is obvious Mr. McKinzie loves the outdoors and it shows in the details. That is a sign of someone who enjoys what he is writing. I will admit I wasn't all that enthusiastic about the drug culture --- seems many novels have that as a writing hook BUT I was happy it wasn't the true central core. The people and situations were enough to keep me going. This was truly a suspenseful novel. I never knew where things were going and enjoyed losing myself in the story. I give this a true thumbs up and have loaned it out so others may enjoy it.
Would you ever read future Clinton McKinzie books?
Quite possibly I will read other McKinzie novels. I enjoyed my experience.
walt.latimer@bingham.com
Have you ever read Clinton McKinzie before?
Yes, the prior 3.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Grisham, Ludlum, P. D. James, Turow, etc.
What did you think of CROSSING THE LINE?It met all my expectations, as did the prior books. The combination of a crime novel and outdoor adventure keeps the reader interested and on edge.
Would you ever read future Clinton McKinzie books?
Yes .
Anonymous
Have you ever read Clinton McKinzie before?
I have never read any of Clinton McKinzie's books.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I do not usually choose thrillers, but I have read Tom Clancy, John Case, and Harlan Coben.
After reading the back cover of the novel and the first few pages, the book did not seem like one that would appeal to me, but the rock climbing incident in the first chapter drew me in. The facts about the climb were fascinating and made me feel as if I were there. The incident also tells much about the character of the two brothers --- the daredevil Roberto and his fiercely loyal, yet anxious younger brother. You have to admire Roberto from the very beginning after that crazy jump off the cliff. One drawback to thrillers is often a lack of character development, but this book was able to do a good job on this without being heavy handed. The plot races ahead, but with good pace. The reader understands what motivates the characters. There is a sense of being kept in the dark about the motives of Mary and Tom, but that only heightens the suspense.
The depth of detail about Hidalgo and the wars with the other drug lords in Mexico seemed plausible and added to the book's authenticity. Much is heard in the news about the drug wars. This book makes this problem come to life as the horrible conditions of the mine workers and the prostitutes is shown in this book. Also, Hidalgo's cave became almost like another character in the book, so menacing, so alive. I dreaded Antonio's going back into the cave almost as much as he did.
On Page 46 there is an account of Antonio's proposal to Rebecca. I did not understand that part. Antonio said he had gotten down on his knees to propose on top of a ridge high above a forest fire and an arsonist topples off a cliff to his death. What happened there? Where was Rebecca while he was proposing?
The climbing scenes were so well-written. The author's "passion" for climbing alpine walls serves him well, adding interesting depth to an already fascinating book.
Would you ever read future Clinton McKinzie books?
I will definitely look for other books by this author. I noticed that he has published other books which I will look for as well.<
cathom@starpower.net
Have you ever read Clinton McKinzie before?
Haven't read Clinton McKinzie before. Hadn't heard of him as a matter of fact.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I like to read James Patterson, Dan Brown and Patricia Cornwell.
What did you think of CROSSING THE LINE?
The book didn't do much for me. I had trouble getting into it and staying with it. The characters didn't appeal to me and the storyline didn't seem likely to me.
Would you ever read future Clinton McKinzie books?
I probably won't read anything else by this author unless I hear good things about his book from a personal friend or a trusted reviewer.
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