Customer Reviews

7 Steps to Midnight

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I found this at my local library I since I am a Matheson fan I gave it a try. It is very reminescint of Hitchcock's falsey accused man on the run theme. It has some very good twists and will keep you guessing until the very end. I was pleasently suprised by this book so if you can find it give it a try.

After 300 pages of growing suspense and confusion, the final explanation for everything seems a little tacked on, to be frank. The entire story, until the final 10 pages or so, pulls very strongly at our desire to believe what is happening, but as far as conspiracy theories go, the eventual explanation seems a little too convenient as if every loose thread was picked up in a half-hazard sort of way. The book draws you in, irresistibly so, and that is definitely the book's strong suit. I found myself periodically putting down the book just to try out various explanations, to see if they worked, to see if it accounted for all the little twists and turns. It gets at you and is worth it for that. However, the ending doesn't live up to the suspense created by the rest of the novel, and indeed, it doesn't jive with the rest of the novel.

This book had me hooked in no time. I couldn't put it down. At the end of every chapter you're left with a strong desire...a strong need to continue with the next chapter. You're constantely surprised and stunned as the events of Chris Barton's adventure unfold. I've never read a book as quickly as I read this one. I simply could not put it down. If you have ever liked a Richard Matheson book then you have to read 7 Steps to Midnight.

Sorry, Richard, I usually enjoy your books, but this is one of the worst novels I have read in a long time. The twists and turns and inane repetitions of chases and mysterious meetings and people getting killed just as they were going to reveal some useful bit of information grew tiresome very quickly, and the clunky dialogue, wooden characters and plethora of typos certainly didn't help. Still, I stuck with it, hoping that the revelatory twist would make up for everything. Yet, when it came, I--like the beleaguered main character--was justifiably angry at its inanity.

I am a fan of Matheson's work: his Twilight Zone scripts and short stories have great texture and suspense and his plots are wonderful. This book has trademark Matheson touches: supernatural elements, brisk pace, and good characterization. However, much of his language is tedious and overused. For example, the protagonist has numerous interior monologues to which he says "Oh, shut up" to himself at least a half a dozen times. I lost count at 10 where the main character "mutters" or "mumbles" to himself. And he makes an exclamation of "Jesus God", "Oh my God", "God", or "Jesus Christ", no lie, at least 30 times throughout the book. For a writer of Matheson's distinction, history, and skill, this type of writing seems incredibly amateurish. I give it three stars because of the plot and pace, but I ding it two stars because of the quality of the writing.

7 Steps to Midnight
I have been a fan of Richard Matheson since enjoying his stories presented on "The Twilight Zone" and many movies. I was, therefore very disappointed by this work. There are so many plot twists and instances of the hero being drugged and knocked out, that it becomes sort of silly. I wondered if the author was trying to spoof Robert Ludlum stories or just didn't have any new ideas. Those constant plot twists and perils reminded me of the old "serialized" thrillers from the '40s and '50s. I really had to work to get through this book.

I was so addicted to this book that I sat up all night and read it all the way trough. This book will have oyu hooked in seconds.

7 Steps to Midnight is incredible! It is completely engrossing; a wild and crazy ride. I gaurantee that no matter what, you will NEVER guess this ending. I re-read this book just recently and was once again amazed at the original plot and smooth writing.

I enjoyed this book a lot. Never knowing what would happen next, spy's, traveling to different countries.... what more could you ask for. Mad props to Matheson!

I don't review books very often, but this book is so terrible, that I almost feel compelled to do so.

Richard Matheson is a great writer, and if you look at the front of this book, you'll see quite a few 5 star reviews by famous authors. That's what got me to read this book.

Unfortunately, this must be one of the worst books I have ever read. I find it unbelievable that the same person who wrote I AM LEGEND wrote this; it's simply full of terribly writing. The plot is weak; the main character is extremely annoying, and the love interest is hard to buy, as well. What made her fall in love with him? Why?

Whatever you do, don't waste your time reading this.