Before I Wake [Hardcover]

Eric Bowman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 5, 1997

After investigating the supposed suicide of a TV news anchor, homicide detective Jimmy Montone becomes suspicious of the British writer who has been riding along with him as he researches a book on police procedure, but without any evidence to arrest the writer, Montone realizes he must watch his own back.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

At the center of this first thriller by a Los Angeles screenwriter is a wonderful villain--Terence Keyes, a celebrated British novelist who also happens to be a slyly successful murderer. In New York to research a book, Keyes tags along as homicide detective Jimmy Montone looks into the suspicious suicide of a national television news anchor. A retired British policeman tries to warn Montone about Keyes, but it takes two more murders to convince Jimmy that the charming Keyes is very bad news indeed.

From Library Journal

The wordy first chapter of this excellent thriller might put off the fainthearted, but those who persevere will be drawn into a first-rate novel with good plot development and believable characters. New York cop Jimmy Montone investigates the apparent suicide of a major TV network anchor; at his side is British writer Terence Keyes, who is in America to research police procedures for an upcoming book. More people die, including a model whom Montone had just bedded. Forewarned by an old Scotland Yard detective, Montone realizes that Keyes is the killer, but Keyes is clever and eludes detection to carry out one nasty murder after another. His quest for total revenge is manic, and Montone soon finds himself on the list for extermination. Fans of Stuart Woods and Ridley Pearson will adore this work by the pseudonymous Bowman, who works as a Hollywood screenwriter. Buy as needed.?Alice DiNizo, Raritan P.L.,
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 294 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Adult; 1St Edition edition (May 5, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399142630
• ISBN-13: 978-0399142635
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,301,286 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A serial killer makes life hell for a New York City cop, February 10, 2006

By 

Henry W. Wagner (Rockaway, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Before I Wake (Hardcover)

Famous for bringing serial killer Wendell "the Slug" Sligo to justice, New York City homicide detective Jimmy Montone is accustomed to the spotlight, and so doesn't think twice before agreeing to allow British novelist Terence Peregrine Keyes to observe as he works a case "from start to finish." Likable and intelligent, Keyes has promised to stay out of the way, and Montone figures the NYPD can use the publicity.

Soon after agreeing to this arrangement, Montone is confronted with the apparent suicide of TV news anchor Mackenzie Davis. Skeptical from the start, Montone quickly determines the "suicide" was staged--someone forced Davis to tape a suicide video, then hurled him from the window of his thirty fifth-floor apartment. Days later, when Montone's new girlfriend is found dead under similar circumstances, he realizes that the killings are meant as a personal attack. It takes him longer, however, to realize that the murderer, one Terry Keyes, has been under his nose the whole time.

Keyes, who resents Montone's fame, has laid an intricate trap for his prey, toying with him for sport. Even when he becomes aware of Keyes' machinations, Montone lacks the solid evidence he needs to arrest him, and is forced to play a game of cat and mouse with his deranged opponent, a game that will result in the death of one of the players.

Eric Bowman is a pseudonym for Mark Frost, familiar to many readers as the co-creator of Twin Peaks and as author of The List of Seven and The Six Messiahs, which chronicle the fictional adventures of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes prototype Jack Sparks. This novel is different from those works, more straightforward and action oriented. Frost, clearly interested in describing the psychology of a madman, immediately lets readers know that Keyes has targeted Montone, and spends the rest of the novel making them squirm as they watch a killer manipulate his prey.

Although Frost has crafted a fast paced, intricate thriller that lends itself to quick reading, you'll want to take your time, because there's plenty to savor. Especially interesting are the excerpts from the writings of Terry Keyes which open each chapter. Here, Frost provides tantalizing glimpses into the mind of his killer, increasing the tension as the book hurtles towards its violent end.

While not as colorful as his previous novels, the book is well worth your time, mainly because of Frost's consummate skill in getting you to turn the next page.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars INTENSE THRILLER, September 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Before I Wake (Hardcover)

The novel is unique in telling the murderer on page one and building from there. The character development is thorough. It's intense & a great thriller, but the end seems like the author just needed to be finished.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars tense thriller, May 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Before I Wake (Hardcover)

Bowman/Frost has written a very exciting book. His villian, Terrance Keyes is one of the most evil and intelligent crimminals ever created. The suspense builds as the reader along with hero Jimmy Montone relise what Keyes is up to. I really enjoyed the way the author moved from scene to scene the suspense growing on each page. The only reason i didn't rate this work five stars was because i found some of detective Montone's actions, near the end, hard to believe. Other then that a super read!!!