|
Here are comments from our group of Signed Copy Readers about Todd Buchholz's THE CASTRO GENE.
Margaret from Jacksonville, FL
What did you think of THE CASTRO GENE?
This book wouldn't let me go. There were numerous love-hate relationships with characters I felt I knew personally, plus gut-wrenching decisions that had to be made in the blink of an eye. The twist at the end? Marvelous. I would recommend this book to my favorite friends, and perhaps my not-so-favorites as well.
J. from Baton Rouge, LA
What suspense/thriller authors do you read?
My favorite two thus far are David Baldacci and James Grippando.
What did you think of THE CASTRO GENE?
Love it --- just love it! His direct, graphic style of writing puts the reader up close and personal with the novel’s characters. I also appreciate that the [writing] wasn’t mudded with needless description. It was an action-packed story from the first page all the way until the end.
The surprising ending was the best, but I loved all the many twists and turns --- a great thrill ride!
Would you ever read a future book by Todd Buchholz?
Definitely!
Thank you for the opportunity to review this book. Towards the end, I couldn’t put it down and had to hide in my office in order to finish it.
Norine from New Rochelle, NY
What suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Tami Hoag, John Grisham, Faye Kellerman, Jonathan Kellerman, Richard North Patterson, Tess Gerritsen, Stephen White, Stephen J. Cannell, Nelson DeMille, James Patterson, Harlan Coben, Lee Child, Brad Meltzer, Lisa Gardner, J. D. Robb, Greg Iles and many others
What did you think of THE CASTRO GENE?
At first, I was not immediately thrilled about reading a book about pugilism. Then, when the other characters began to develop, I was hooked. It is an amazing premise --- the entire twisted plot concerning Castro, the Kennedy Assassination, money, the evil that can be generated by power, and the twisted power of love. I remember the Bay of Pigs, the assassination (I had a flashback of where I was when I heard this horrendous news), and Castro's rise and the horrible fall of Cuba. It was an extremely powerful read.
Would you ever read a future book by Todd Buchholz?
I look forward to reading Buchholz again. He is a powerful and enticing writer.
Kenny from Albuquerque, NM
What suspense/thriller authors do you read?
First of all, thank you for the book. I really enjoyed it. I don't know if these books/authors are "thrillers." I can honestly say, though, that I am thrilled to read each and every one of them. I am a lover of series. I enjoy growing with the [recurring] characters these authors create. Many of my favorite authors are: John Sandford, Reed Farrel Coleman, Lee Child, Reggie Nadelson, Harlan Coben, Robert Crais, Barry Eisler, James Lee Burke, David Baldacci, Michael Connelly, Lawrence Block, Ridley Pearson, Andrew Vachss and Jonathon King. That's just a few of the many that I read and collect.
What did you think of THE CASTRO GENE?
I really enjoyed THE CASTRO GENE and all the time and research put into the writing of this story. I had just finished James Hall's new book and it also dealt with Castro and Cuba. I did have to use lots of imagination regarding Luke Braden going from broken boxer to security guard to corporate executive, in such a short period of time. And, Paul Tremont --- are there really people like that? It was a terrific read and I totally enjoyed the experience.
Thanks for the opportunity to voice my opinion and to have received the book.
Sue from Fairbanks, AK
What suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read Stephen King, Joe Hill, John Lescroart and many others.
What did you think of THE CASTRO GENE?
I really liked it and the ending just really impressed me --- it was hilarious. The pages kept turning, it was fast-paced and continued to draw my interest. It was an interesting concept and a great first novel.
Would you ever read a future book by Todd Buchholz?
Yes, I would, in the fiction category, of course. He seems ideally suited for this medium and certainly has the talent for it. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book, and if you can, please express my delighted sentiments to the author.
Again, I really enjoyed this book, and thanks for these contests!
Helen from Clarksville, TN
What suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Some of my favorite authors writing suspense/thrillers are Robin Cook, James Patterson, Nora Roberts, Dean Koontz, Nicholas Evans, Annie Solomon, Dan Simmons and Nelson DeMille. Todd Buchholz's book fits right in there with the best of them.
What did you think of THE CASTRO GENE?
I just finished THE CASTRO GENE by Todd Buchholz. WOW!
For a debut by someone who usually writes non-fiction, or for anyone, this is a powerful, well-written story.
It's similar to THE DA VINCI CODE in that it raises 'what if' questions about history. I well remember the tension of the Cuban missile crisis, and the sigh of relief when the ships were turned around. My pensions and investments have suffered through the ups and downs of the stock market through twists and turns of history. Even after putting the book down for a while, I found myself out on the porch with a cigarette, wondering what if....
This well thought-out story about the behind-the-scenes manipulation that goes on to control companies, countries, politics, people, and finances might seem to be dry reading if that was all it was about. That's not even the half of it, as the saying goes. Mr. Buchholz builds so many major and minor characters, all with a story to tell, and pulls the reader into a relationship with the heroes and heroines. There are so many different points where tension builds to grab onto you, put you on the edge of your seat turning the pages as fast as you can, but not daring to skip a word because they all say something important. It kept me reading with very few interruptions until I could finish it.
The human failings and strengths of the characters, their stories as human beings that he developed so well, made them either likable or detestable throughout, depending on their roles. I need that in a book, and Mr. Buchholz delivered well.
Would you ever read a future book by Todd Buchholz?
I certainly hope Mr. Buchholz continues to write fiction! I look forward to more of his work.
Mark from Alpharetta, GA
What suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read Lee Child, David Baldacci, Stuart Woods, Nelson DeMille, John Grisham, Michael Connelly, Vince Flynn and John Sandford.
What did you think of THE CASTRO GENE?
THE CASTRO GENE was a good story idea and I enjoyed the book. It lacked some depth and detail.
Would you ever read a future book by Todd Buchholz?
Yes, I would read another. Thanks for the book.
© Copyright 1996-2008, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.
Back to top.
|
