Ted Dekker and Erin Healy

Reader Comments about KISS

Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781595544704
(January 7, 2009)

Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Ted Dekker and Erin Healy's KISS.

Beverly from Chicago, IL

Have you previously read a book by Ted Dekker?
Yes, I read THR3E. That was my first Ted Dekker book.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I read a lot of suspense/thrillers. My favorite authors include Sandra Brown, Jeffery Deaver, Lisa Gardner, Tami Hoag and Stephen Frey.

What did you think of KISS?
I like the book a lot. I enjoyed the pacing. Shauna's search for her memory and her newly found gift of "taking" memories of others is fascinating. The fact that the book deals with the human mind and its twists and turns could have made this a heavy-handed, hard-to-read book, but instead, it is well told and compelling to read. Shauna's obvious love (though she probably wouldn't admit it at first) for her father came across clearly, even though it looked from the outside that she was trying to destroy him; if she didn't care, she would not have been investigating him in the first place. Her boyfriend, Wayne, was an interesting character. Even though he seemed to be telling the truth, underneath, I felt all along that there was something he was holding back. I liked the way the authors peeled his story back.

I also like the authors' treatment of the Christian viewpoint; no “repent or die” scenarios, just a gradual acceptance of what we learn as a child --- that God is with us, even when we don't either know it or think we want it. That's what makes Shauna's slow but sure reconnection with God appealing, and the fact that it is interwoven throughout her new found “gift” and her search for her memory makes it realistic and easy to accept.

I did feel that the ending was a little rushed. Landon seemed to reach his conclusion of the deception a little too quickly, but that really is my only complaint.

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
Yes, I look forward to reading BURN!

Donna from Ashland, WI

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Other suspense/thriller authors that I read are Sandra Brown, James Patterson, David Baldacci, Harlan Coben and Lisa Gardner.

What did you think of KISS?
This is the first book I have read by Ted Dekker and I loved it! The book was hard to put down; it had a very intriguing plot and it wasn't filled with all the gore, swearing and sex that a lot of other suspense thrillers are. And it even mentioned God --- how refreshing!

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
I will definitely check out other books by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy as I really liked their writing style.

Holly from Crestview, FL

Have you previously read a book by Ted Dekker?
Yes, I have read several. My favorite one was BLINK OF AN EYE, although I also loved HOUSE and many others.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Frank Peretti is another favorite of mine.

What did you think of KISS?
I loved it! I finished it in two days, as I could not put it down. I was hooked from the first chapter. Very, very well done!

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
In a heartbeat!

Jeanine from Carlsbad, CA

Have you previously read a book by Ted Dekker?
No, this is my first book read by either author.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I truly enjoy Michael Connelly, John Grisham and Dennis Lehane. I also enjoy Phillip Margolin, Patricia Cornwell, and I love Lisa See's Red Princess mysteries.

What did you think of KISS?
I found it an easy read. I enjoyed it, but sometimes felt that the memory stealing became disjointed.

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
I'm not sure. I would have to find the topic interesting. I wasn't wowed with the book but I did read it through fairly quickly. One of the main reasons I always throw a few mysteries into my book choices --- they're quick and fun.

Lanae from Wallace, ID

Have you previously read a book by Ted Dekker?
No, I had not.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I read Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Clive Cussler, J.D. Robb and any one that the cover catches my eye. I usually read the ones that have lots of gore to go with the thrill and suspense.

What did you think of KISS?
I was very impressed. It was hard to put the book down, to be honest. I sat on the couch with my coffee cup and began to read. Let's just say that not much got done that day. Other than reading almost the entire book! It was hard to go to bed, knowing I only had about 100 pages left.

It was well written, captivating, never got boring or slow, and kept my attention the entire book through. It was very, very good!

It had a good story line, without being farfetched. Only when I had finished the book, did I realize I couldn't recall any graphic sex scenes or massive violent acts, or even the usual obscenities that I am so used to seeing in books. It was nice to realize that someone really can write a great story without all of the "extras".

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
I absolutely will be watching for more books by these authors!

Margi from Hornell, NY

Have you previously read a book by Ted Dekker?
No.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I read Christopher Reichs, James Patterson, John Sandford, Ridley Pearson, John Lutz, Iris Johansen, Vince Flynn, Patricia Cornwell, Michael Connelly and Dean Koontz.

What did you think of KISS?
I enjoyed the storyline --- the plot was different. It's a little “out there” but it's an enjoyable, easy read. The book had a religious undertone, but wasn't preachy.

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
Yes.

Monie from Arlington, TX

Have you previously read a book by Ted Dekker?
This is my first book by Ted Dekker.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Some of my favorite suspense authors are Dean Koontz, Steve Berry, David Baldacci and Sandra Brown.

What did you think of KISS?
KISS has a great twist that gives this thriller a unique storyline. Throughout the whole book, you're guessing who's a good guy and who's a bad guy with surprising revelations. The story flowed nicely with the action and the writing was filled with so many clues that by page fifty, I'd already come up with three different theories on what was going on. They were all wrong, by the way. I highly recommend this book to suspense/thriller lovers.

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
As a true suspense lover, I look forward to reading more from Ted Dekker and Erin Healy.

Nancy from Cincinnati, OH

Have you previously read a book by Ted Dekker?
I have not read a book by Ted Dekker previously.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
There are quite a number of them because I read a lot. Off the top of my head, a few authors I often read are David Baldacci, Lisa Jackson, James Patterson, Tess Gerritsen, Karen Robards, Robert B. Parker and John Grisham.

What did you think of KISS?
Having never read a book by Ted Dekker, I did not know what to expect from the book, KISS. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put the book down. The plot is very intriguing and fast paced. I liked the different aspects --- political, medical, family dynamics --- that he develops within it. Shauna's ability to steal people's memories adds another dimension to the storyline. I would definitely recommend this book to other mystery readers. It's a great read, but be prepared to get nothing else done once you start it.

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
Now that I've found Ted Dekker, I will be reading his other books.

Sheldon from Englewood, CO

Have you previously read a book by Ted Dekker?
No, this was the first time.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I read James Patterson, Vince Flynn and Robert Ludlum.

What did you think of KISS?
I liked it from the very beginning. It was a good thriller with a lot of plot twists.

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
Yes, I plan to read some of their other books.

Teresa from Toledo, OH

What did you think of KISS?
I was really engrossed in the read!

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
These were new authors for me and I will be looking for more by them. Thanks again for the opportunity at the read.

Tiffany from Amelia, OH

Have you previously read a book by Ted Dekker?
My first Ted Dekker book was SKIN. I loved it! I have nothing negative to say about it. He pulled me in and I lived in the pages of the book until I was finished reading it. Wow. It was one of the best books I had read in a long time.

So I thought, if my new friend Ted could write one great book, odds are he could write another. I picked up the Circle Trilogy. I adored BLACK. It was just strange enough to grab my attention. RED was a different story. A little too much "red" for this chick. Then of course, I had to finish with WHITE. It seemed predictable and I found myself reading it just to finish. However, I am readily awaiting GREEN.

I tried SAINT. Not a fan. Hey, can't love them all. I didn't even finish it.

I was going to lay off Ted Dekker books for a while, but I saw ADAM and was intrigued. Great book! It scared me. Not many books can do that. ADAM is as good of a read as SKIN, just different.

I am planning to read SINNER soon. I hope it is another slam dunk.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I love James Patterson, though I stay away from his series books. I just don't enjoy them. I fell in love with Patterson when I read WHEN THE WIND BLOWS. That is one of my all-time favorite.

I just discovered Tess Gerritesen. I have read two of hers and will continue to read more. I dare say I have read all of Kay Hooper's and most of the more recent books by Heather Graham.

Your website led me to Joseph Finder with POWER PLAY and Lawrence Goldstone with THE ANATOMY OF DECEPTION. Both were excellent books.

What did you think of KISS?
I enjoyed KISS and after I got settled in the plot, I could not put it down. As the drama unfolded, I found myself reading faster and faster. I loved the storyline. There were areas that I wish I had gotten to see more. I didn't feel like I got to know Miguel or Landen until it was over and time to say goodbye. I really wanted to have more depth to the relationships between the good guys. This read is far from being packed with romance as noted on the cover, though the potential was huge. How could you not adore Miguel after you got to know him? And what about the child trafficking storyline? Only the surface was touched on this, or the bust of the bad guys. Bummer. Maybe this should have been a trilogy? The Memory Loss, The Love Story and The Bust.

I also found that I like the bits of Christianity mixed in with a message at the end. It was subtle. I would have enjoyed a little more, but I think there is a balance somewhere and I wouldn't know where that would be.

Overall, I enjoyed KISS. It was a suspenseful, heartwarming tale.

I do have to say that I am very upset that I will have to wait until January 2010 for BURN.

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
Most assuredly.

Tommi from Keysville, VA

Have you previously read a book by Ted Dekker?
No.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
John Grisham and Harlan Coben.

What did you think of KISS?
I enjoyed it. It would not typically be something that I would choose to read. However, I enjoy an occasional mystery/thriller to give me some variety in my reading. The book was very enjoyable. I found it very difficult to put down the more that I read the story.

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
Yes.

Joy from Southfield, MI

Have you previously read a book by Ted Dekker?
No, I had never read a book by Ted Dekker until KISS.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Some of the suspense/thriller authors that I usually read include Harlan Coben, Robert Crais, John Grisham, Dean Koontz and Cody McFadyen.

What did you think of KISS?
I enjoyed the basic premise of the storyline; however, the paranormal element was a surprise and not a welcomed one.

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
Yes, I would read a future book by these authors, but I would need verification that there weren't any paranormal elements in it.

Kathy from Richmond, VA

Have you previously read a book by Ted Dekker?
No.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
James Lee Burke, Iris Johansen, Tami Hoag, Patricia Cornwell, P. D. James, Kathy Reichs, Katherine Neville, and too many others to list

What did you think of KISS?
To be honest, I couldn't finish it. The plot was predictable and the characters were pretty unlikeable.

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
No.

Michael from Chelsea, OK

Have you previously read a book by Ted Dekker?
No.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
John Grisham, Tom Clancy, and Dick Francis.

What did you think of KISS?
I had a hard time getting into it. The writing was good, but the storyline didn't really catch my interest, and [the relationship between the father and daughter at the end] didn't seem probable [Editor's note: this comment was edited to prevent a spoiler].

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
Very probably --- I would like to find out if it was just this particular story line that didn't absorb me.

Susan from Hopkinton, MA

Have you previously read a book by Ted Dekker?
No.

What other suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I read Kellerman and DeMille.

What did you think of KISS?
It was definitely suspenseful. It kept my attention but there were loose ends, in my opinion. Human trafficking became a topic, but was never developed. Where is the entourage that would be trailing around a presidential candidate?

Would you ever read a future book by Ted Dekker and/or Erin Healy?
I would, but I'd get it from the library versus purchasing it.