Customer Reviews

Desperate Measures

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Have you ever bought a First Edition hardback book at a grocery store? Well, a grocery store is where I found several (like-new-condition) copies of this book a few months ago, so I got one. I hope David Morrell never reads this review, because I paid a mere 50 cents (priced as two books for $1) for the book, the stock of which I guess was remaindered from an out-of-business bookstore. The book sat on the top shelf of my bookcase for a while until about four days ago, when I took the novel down and decided: "Ah, what the heck, I'll give it a whirl"--and I was hooked from the first page! After Thursday evening, during most of the following Friday, then Saturday evening (Feb 12th, 13th, 14th) the pages kept turning.
I really liked this book; I have two more of Morrell's (First Edition) novels, "Burnt Sienna" and "Extreme Denial", that I look forward to reading since I was pleased with "Desperate Measures". "Desperate Measures" was a fairly original story/plot with a TON of action and suspense. Morrell's writing style is accessible; however, I think in some parts/scenes the action was a bit too quick (I like a mildly-paced story, not too fast but not too slow). All in all, this book was well worth what I paid for it. Also, the novel's dust-jacket is the prettiest I've ever seen (the sparkling red cover caught my eye when I saw it). I give "Desperate Measures" 4 stars, though, because no book is one hundred percent perfect. Nevertheless, Morrell's "Desperate Measures" is worth reading. Recommended? Yes.

If You Like A Fast Read...

I read this book start to finish in about 6 hours. Better than I expected after picking up a first edition hardback version off the bargain rack.

The pace is fast, the dialog is girpping. I've argued that nobody writes a thriller like Stephen Hunter (Point of Impact is the best book I've ever read) but David Morrell could prove me wrong. This book was an incredible, non-stop adventure. I found myself cheering for Pittman throughout.

It is a great book that doesn't resort to graphic gore or trash talking. I've recently purchased Brotherhood of the Rose and I look forward to reading that work by Morrell also.

This book pulls you in quickly. You follow the main character as he runs into one dangerous situation after another. The plot may be old hat after you finish the book, and if you really reflect on it, it seems dull and obvious, but while reading Morrell's books, you just can't put them down. I reccomend all of Morrell's books. This one might not be his best, but its a good read.

This is another great Morrell novel, a bit different in style to the usual Morrell adventure (more like a Harlan Coben adventure) and Matt Pittman is a lot more realistic every day person type character and differs substantially to the usual ex CIA, ex Special Forces male lead such as Stephen Decker (Extreme Denial), Mitch Coltrane (Double Image), Cavanaugh (The Protector) Malone (Burnt Sienna) and so on. Also the chapters are substantially shorter than usual in a similar layout format to James Patterson's novels. Being so may not be what some Morrell fans are after but this book's still a great read.

In Desperate Measures Matt Pittman's wife has left him, his 15 year old son is dead and he thinks he's got nothing to live for. He's about to pull the trigger of the pistol inside his mouth when the phone ring. On the other end is his editor Burt, the only man he can never be square with debt wise, who asks him to help wrap up the last week of the Chronicle's existence. Burt asks Matt to write an obituary on Johnathan Millgate who isn't dead yet. Visiting the man in hospital Matt witnesses Millgate being transferred against his wishes into an ambulance so grabs a taxi and follows. Soon he is fleeing for his life and is wanted for Millgate's murder and even though he wants to die, he isn't prepared to let someone else do it for him, at least before he has uncovered the truth.

This is the kind of book that many of us like to read during vacation or on a relaxing weekend. The plot begins with an interesting twist and then moves along quickly. Morrell has certainly developed the knack for ending a chapter with a sentence that almost forces you to start the next chapter.

While "Desperate Measures" doesn't develop the psychological depth or plot as some of his earlier books did, it does entertain.

This thriller is one of the fastest reads ever. I just couldn't stop turning the pages. Morrell really knows how to move a story along, get the non stop action going, and throw in some decent characters that are sometimes a bit soapy, but will fit the purpose of the book's intention. Every now and then it is time for a zippadi-do-da read and this book more than fullfils that promise.

I have been reading David Morrell's books since "First Blood" and have to say he is one of the greatest action writers I've read! Desperate Measures kept me glued until the end, and I thought it would be impossible for David Morrell to deliver a good ending for this one, but he did it with great finesse. This author has never disappointed me and I will always read his latest! I give this writer a standing ovation!

David Morrell has done it again. Desperate Measures caught my eye and never let go. The plot was unusual but fascinating. (with David Morrell as the author I wasn't suprised)A great novel to get yourself into, I also suggest another book of his "The Covenant Of The Flame" is also a great novel to read.

This action-packed story is a decent way to kill a few hours. It centers around a suicidal man who is cajoled into investigating a prominent statesman as a final favor to an old friend who is editor of a failing newspaper. While the characters are not very well developed, you'll enjoy watching the protagonist uncover a trail of dirty secrets. Just don't think about the plot too closely, or you'll start to see its holes.

I thought this book was very entertaining. The detail shows that Morrell does his research. His action scenes are top notch in this one. David Morrell is the best at writing action.