Customer Reviews

The Compound

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Friends who recommended this book to me told me they could not put it down. I have to admit they were right on the money. Not only is it a good read, but the way the author portrays the hero is unique and the plot indeed is a rollercoaster of action, adventure, and at times comedy.

What is most fascinating is the book is fact based. I can only imagine what the author has experienced and would hope she continues writing more.

The characters, Carly and Ken, are entertaining and do remind me of the Thin Man movie characters of Nick and Nora Charles, but a little more sexy. I liked Ken and Carly from the start and soon found myself cheering for them. What happens to them is quite exciting, but I won't give away the ending. As I mentioned previously, this is a book you won't be able to put down. I give it 5 stars *****!. I think you will too.

Reviewed by: Tyrone Vincent Banks of Betsie's Literary Page.

A well written thriller and an exciting love story.


Carly Manning encounters a group of men on a road after loosing control of her vehicle. She realizes that she has stumbled into the wrong place at the wrong time, but fortunately, she mentions the name of a mutual acquaintance and the group agrees to assist her. She meets Ken Morgan, a charismatic musician and the leader of a group called "The Compound." As Carly and Ken interact with one another you get the distinct impression that they are meant to be together. From that point forward they have begun an adventure that becomes the plot for The Compound.
Most espionage type thrillers consist of two dimensional characters that simply do what you expect them to do. Without conscience or remorse they bed anyone necessary to achieve their objective. Although Carly and Ken are attractive and attracted to each other, they keep a respectable distance from one another. That fact creates a cloak of sexual tension that the reader can detect on any page on which the names Ken and Carly are mentioned together. It is as if they want to put their past "exploits" behind them and experience true love. Both characters have a colorful past in which "love" simply means sexual relations, but that may change as the hero and heroine fall deeply in love.
Ken has become Carly's protector in a sense. From her innermost thoughts you can sense that she can take care of herself but she allows Ken to defend her, mainly from some of the other members of Ken's team. Now, the tables have turned and Carly must fight to save Ken from his destruction. His team, the Compound, has become obsolete and an assassin has been sent to bring Ken down. Carly has decided that she will do what is necessary to save the man that she loves. Will she fail? Will she succeed? Is she more than what she appears to be? Read the book and you will surrender yourself to a literary roller-coaster that you will not be able to put down.
A three dimensional plot has been merged with two three dimensional characters to create a realistic adventure that will entice and entertain the senses. Enter The Compound and sample the work of Gloria Shepherd. Ms. Shepherd is a seasoned, veteran writer with the ability to create believable characters tackling realistic issues. She writes with a romantic edge that will draw multiple audiences into the book with a desire to see how the book ends. Do the two heroes fall in love and stay together? Or, will the covert world of espionage tear them apart? I'm not going to tell...

I received my copy of "The Compound" last night when I got home and thus far I've read the first chapter and a few pages in chapter two and I'm diggin' it! :) I like the way each character is introduced to the reader and into the story, and the very beginning is definitly `sticky', leaving me with questions, wanting to find out what will happen.

Cool music, stars and action/adventure with a twist of comedy - It's definitely a story made for me. Also, the love story which develops should go well with female readers.

I hope they make a movie out of this book! There's NO reason why "The Compound" as a movie, if produced *right*, should not become a blockbuster hit.

What a great book - had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I frequent...(bookstore) and I saw several people reading it there one evening, so I decided to buy a copy and read it myself. Let me tell you - that was a really great decision! It had me on the edge of my seat! I've already ordered three copies to give to several of my friends. Gloria Shepherd has struck gold with this book. Do yourself a favor and BUY THIS BOOK!

If you like a fast moving thriller with just the right amount of sexual tension then this book is for you. Never a dull moment and hard to put down. The female character is creative and unpredictable. She has qualities that you never see in everyday romance novels and keeps you guessing till the end. The male characters are of the usual rough & tumble hero types but with an added note of sensitivity that makes them more human and believable with each passing chapter. The writting style is quick and never bogs down - All & all a very entertaining read!

Ken Morgan is the commander of The Compound, an elite U.S. covert military unit, and he's good at this job, not only in that he's charismatic, but also in that Carly Manning has met her match. Carly personifies the meaning of "femme fatale" and sparks fly. But the Soviet Union can be an even colder bedfellow, especially when it is learned that Carly has a close relationship with a Soviet spy. Ken now wants Carly in his group.
After a bitter dispute with the Joint Chief of Staff, the generals have no further use for Ken or his operations. They issue an immediate order for his termination; however, Carly doesn't want her Ken to become a casualty of the spy game. She sets her mind to meet the assassin hired to kill him, but will it be too late to save Ken's life?
THE COMPOUND is revealing, and the military aspects of both the United States Government and the Soviet Union will send a chill up your spine. This spy thriller is too close to the truth to be fiction. Ms. Shepherd knows her stuff, has done her research, and is the best plotter in America.

A fast moving, hard to put down book that keeps your attention throughout. A pleasurable, exciting experience that has me wanting more.

Friends who recommended this book to me told me they could not put it down. I have to admit they were right on the money. Not only is it a good read, but the way the author portrays the hero is unique and the plot indeed is a rollercoaster of action, adventure, and at times comedy.

What is most fascinating is the book is fact based. I can only imagine what the author has experienced and would hope she continues writing more.

The characters, Carly and Ken, are entertaining and do remind me of the Thin Man movie characters of Nick and Nora Charles, but a little more sexy. I liked Ken and Carly from the start and soon found myself cheering for them. What happens to them is quite exciting, but I won't give away the ending. As I mentioned previously, this is a book you won't be able to put down. I give it 5 stars *****! I think you will too.

I received my copy of "The Compound" last night when I got home and thus far I've read the first chapter and a few pages in chapter two and I'm diggin' it! :) I like the way each character is introduced to the reader and into the story, and the very beginning is definitly `sticky', leaving me with questions, wanting to find out what will happen.

Cool music, stars and action/adventure with a twist of comedy - It's definitely a story made for me. Also, the love story which develops should go well with female readers.

I hope they make a movie out of this book! There's NO reason why "The Compound" as a movie, if produced *right*, should not become a blockbuster hit.

A fast moving, hard to put down book that keeps your attention throughout. A pleasurable, exciting experience that has me wanting more.