Customer Reviews

The Big Secret

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I picked up this book based on a scan of a non-fiction book on Las Vegas written by Earley. That brief glance captivated me so much with its writing that I figured I would not be disapponited with a novel by the same author. I was, for the most part, right.

First, Earley's writing definitely keeps the reader engaged. His characters are believable and the stories and sub-plots ring true. He manages to corral deftly all the different angles, personas and intrigues into a murder mystery that keeps you guessing til the end.

On the downside, Earley could have committed a fatal artistic error by introducing a deus ex machina from the very start: a twin sister who basically gets most of the key clues and answers via dreams from her twin. How convenient, one would think, but Earley manages to fit this potentially over-contrived machination with the rest of the story, not fully allowing it to overcome and denigrate the plot or the mystery. In the end, the Big Secret keeps you wrapped up in the suspense and does the job of entertaining the reader.

I really enjoyed reading this one, and didn't want to put it down. The story is great and really well written. It kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it. I really reccomend that people read, Operation Grey Wolf "High Value Target". If they liked this book, they'll love Operation Grey Wolf "High Value Target", by C. Ray McManus.

This is a whodunnit. However, every significant clue (in this rather clueless attempt) relies on a psychic relationship between twin sisters. I could handle this okay if I thought I was reading Stephen King, but the author keeps going back to same formula that he used for his first set of clues. It especially starts to stink after one of the twins is dead and continues to speak from the grave.

Now if I wanted to read something about dream walkers, I would pick up Robert Jordan's WHEEL OF TIME. I don't expect the same device to be used in what is pushed off as a political thriller.

Some of the major characters are thinly disguised simulacrums for well known folks. Based on the short bio at the end of the book, one might believe the author has an ax to grind.

I try never to give a book 1 or 2 stars. I really try to find something positive, because it takes alot of work and sweat to churn out a manuscript, but this heap should have never made it by an agent, much less an editor.