Below average for Shreve
938037
I've been looking forward to a new Shreve novel for sometime, and was somewhat disappointed with this one.  It contains some of the typical elements of her novels that are so appealing - seemingly normal people faced with the complicated task of surviving through grief - it lacked much of the character development that Shreve's fans are used to seeing in her work.

I'd recommend this as a pleasure read, but comes short of displaying the real capability of the author.
3404917
Considering all the other Harry Bosch novels I've read, this was one of the weaker.  I don't know how much more mileage Michael Connelly can get from this very interesting and entertaining character.  This was weaker in plot and character than some of his older books. It was OK, but I wasn't bowled over by it.
1648988
I read A LOT, on average about 100 books a year and I usually am struggling to find something new and interesting to read. I pre-order books by my favorite authors and diligently check my Kindle on Tuesday mornings to see what was released that week. I know that most best-selling authors write a book a year on average, so when the frequency of new novels increases, I become suspicious. Granted, I hold David Baldacci, John Sanford, John Grisham, Michael Connelly and the like to a higher standard  because they set their own bar.  I gave up on James Patterson years ago, but at least he doesnt hide the fact that he puts his name on other writers work.  And, to his credit he has helped a number of good writers become popular writers.  After reading The Guilty and Baldaccis previous book, I am disappointed.  As others have noted, it seems like the writing changes mid-way through and someone far less talented than Baldacci takes over and finishes the book.  Three stars because it wasn't bad, but really, I expect much more from authors of his caliber.
3213840
For my money, this isn't one of the better Mike Shayne mysteries.  For one thing, despite the bloody corpses, there's not a whole lot of action.  Moreover, this is one of those convoluted plots involving a whole bunch of connected suspects but the twists and turns are simply not interesting.  And, the whole idea that every case has to involve Shayne withholding information from Chief Gentry for no special reason is a tired plot device.  You get a scandal reporter, threatening letters, gambling syndicates, and unhappy couples, but that's about all you get.
1658983
Smedes has done a lot of good work but this is not one of his best. There are far, far betterand more theologically correctbooks out their on shame.
1612922
This book is not as good as some of the others. It wasn't a very exciting read. Work harder next time. Look forward to a better 25
4391110
I enjoyed the book. A pleasant summer time read.
His stuff is usually so bloody good and this was so bloody mediocre that had it been my first exposure to Perry I would not have looked for more. He is one of my favorite authors and I would not like to see him judged by Strip.
3538377
An interesting read from an insightful author.  Shreve's detailed
descriptions and characters bring a story to life; however, not a
favorite compared to her other novels.
3425644
Lansdale is a serviceable author. Some of his stuff is decent. Alas, this is not one of them.  It starts out like a bad episode of Dragnet.  "It was December, but in East Texas the weather was as hot as fresh-poured asphalt." Jim Thompson he's not.

Predicable at best with characters that seem all too familiar to anyone who reads more than the NY Times bestseller list.
1601715
Although I haven't read all of this author's books, the ones I have read were fairly well written and plausible enough. However, this one did not live up to her previous novels. The story line stretched credulity, and the writing was somewhat immature. That being said, I'm not sorry to have read it; I only wish it had been a bit better, and perhaps some of you would find the plot more believable.
395270
*** POSSIBLE SPOILERS ***

I downloaded Dead in Red on the heels of reading Murder on the Mind, the first in the Jeff Resnick series.  I was looking forward to reading more about Jeff and his struggle to come to grips with his 'second sight'.

Sadly, this book was not as appealing to me as the first.  It somehow felt disjointed.  Jeff's straight laced half brother seemed even more judgmental and stiff in this book.  Rather than reading his actions as concern for his younger brother, he just seemed priggish and controlling.
Also, the woman with whom Jeff had connected in the first book was no longer the sympathetic confidant.  She had somehow become the best friend of Jeff's brother's fiance and took every opportunity to shove a past incident involving Jeff's brother in Jeff's face.  She came across as angry and shrewish.

Jeff and his future sister-in-law, Brenda, remained likable characters, however.

The mystery itself was good.  Decent twists and turns and a not so fairy tale ending were appealing.

Some of the nitty-gritty about some of the character's sex lives was a little bit too much.  I could have done without reading about what some of these people did in the privacy of their own bedrooms.
That's just me, however.  I am not a huge fan of sexual detail or even romance in books.

I have downloaded the two story set of the 3rd and 4th in the series though.  Jeff is an endearing character and I like following his journey.
4847217
Lately, at least with the last half dozen Stuart Woods efforts, things seem to be uneven, going from terrific to mediocre and back again. "Santa Fe Dead" pace feels rushed. The plot is strong but unfolds too fast with the author simply "telling" instead of the more entertaining "showing." Dialogue is so flat it is predictable and weak as it telegraphs the unfolding plot with cliches and an over abundance over triteness and overwriting in places.

I wouldn't usually recommend that an author write more in order to make a better story but I feel that the pace would have worked much better if things unfolded slowly and that not all the red herrings end up being exactly what they are presented as. there are few if any real surprises to keep a reader guessing. I truly feel that this manuscript went to the editor too soon and didn't receive the work it needed to be a great Stuart Woods. When Woods was writing one very good well thought out effort every year to year and a half they were much better, but now it seems that there are two or three every ten to twelve months and the speed shows and the results are very disappointing. That such a good plot, and interesting resurrected characters are used in the way they are in "Santa Fe Dead" is a shame. My suggestion is for Stuart Woods to take more time and explore more fully realized plots, settings, characters and action. For those introduced to Woods with such a great book as "Chiefs" this is even more of a disappointment for long time fans.
1907530
Not nearly as good as some of his other books particularly Tell Me Your Sorry. This book was far to wordy and the lead female characters were just not that believable or interesting. The book was fine for a thriller, just not a thriller by this author, who has produced far better books in the past.
4133209
I'm a Jeffrey Deaver fan, but have never read any of his short stories.  Like his novels, this story had the unexpected twists.  However the little that was revealed about the protagonists did not make them "likable" to me.  Overall the best I would give this story is an average rating.
3401848
First off, let me say that I am (still) his biggest fan. My biggest mistake is reading Red Storm Rising first. All the rest cannot compare to his masterpiece. Don't get me wrong. A bad Clancy novel is better than a good "any other" novel.
If this were written by any other author, it would have gotten another star. The book has Jack Ryan's son as the hero, taking over much of what his father use to do. It stretches credibility a bit but not incredibly so. What stands out for me is the lack of action or, more importantly, tension throughout the novel. There is just no excitement until the near end. Most of it is background laying. At just over 400 pages, it is one of his shorter novels. Another critique is the short abrupt ending. No doubt, there will be part II to this story. In Clancy's earlier works, the novel would be more "complete." Boo for making us wait another two years and spend more money. Overall, I would say that this is one of my least favorite novels from him.
388717
Finding a good SHTF book can be difficult. This is one of the better ones, but not 1 of my favorites, which is either "One second after" or "Lights out".
As for "Going Home" - the character development is lacking and character personalities are inconsistent. Quite often the author is redundant and unnecessarily long winded. The author puts a spot light on the main characters equipment, and guns, referring to them often and always by brand name. I never got pulled into the book and felt like I was there along side the characters. I can't picture what any of the characters or scenes look like since neither are described in detail.
I purchased the book through audible with extra credits I had, but it's not worth the list price.
I sincerely appreciate the independent author but feel the book would have been better served had the author had some type of formal creative writing training.
940660
Of the books in this series, this one is second best, but not a close second. A real disappointment in comparison to Patriots. Too much of the same story line from his other books, too much puritanical romance back story, too much "telling" the reader what happens and not enough "showing" the reader what happens. I have said the same thing about the other books in this series, but it bears repeating. Your loyal readers deserve better Mr. Rawles.