Customer Reviews

Dillinger

5 star:		(0)
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3 star:		(2)
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I found this gem in my local library. Never gone wrong with a Higgins yet. By the way, this is one of three titles written under the name Harry Patterson ( aka Jack Higgins- in case you look for it).

What could've happened to the romantic figure of Dillinger, the robin hood of the 30's...

Filled with adventure! Apaches, bandits, oppressed local populace, corrupt police, bank robbery, evil villain, daring feats and of course a beautiful woman!

I especially liked the fact that the old-fashioned and supposedly outdated concept of honor is brought into play. Throw in a tough situation, the rescue of a little girl, and the real good guys show themselves, get together and do what's right and the bad guys well...they just keep on getting crazier!

This is a wonderful adventure. If you haven't read it I reccommend this book. Especially to Higgins fans, you probobly haven't thought of this one!

lsmalmquist

This is one of three books that Jack Higgins published under his real name Harry Patterson. Although based on John Dillinger the book is a work of fiction. After robbing a bank, John Dillinger flees to Mexico where he is essentially forced to work for the owner of a mining operation. Of course, Dillinger is not one to be forced into working for anyone and plans his escape - but other events overtake him. The story has some good twists and turns and plenty of action.

What doesn't give this book a full 5 out of 5 is the fact that he made John Dillinger seem like a respectful pretty-boy. By also having him speak fluent Spanish in the book just seems ridiculous to me. Fun read nonetheless.

This is a pleasant, but by no means outstanding novel. Though it boasts none of Higgins' established characters (since it's an unusual period and place for his novels), the style and content are sure to be recognizable to his fans. And I have to say that I was not surprised by any of the "surprise" twists, as they follow his usual pattern.

The one thing which was an annoyance to me was Higgins' repeated misuse of the word "federalistas." His Mexican characters are constantly calling the American authorities this, which is not true to the culture or language. The Mexican word would be "federales." The word "Federalistas" refers to turn-of-the-century political parties in the South American countries of Argentina and Colombia.

The author made Dillinger out to be more like your rogue uncle than the gangster he was which would have been great but I prefer the Max Allen Collins version better. The book was pretty predictable and just couldn't hold my attention like I had hoped it would.

Well written take on the end of Dillingers time, loved the escapes.. Jack Higgins is a crafty storyteller. Thanks Jack

Good train ride read. Easy to follow. Would make a good 1930's movie....Story has a few twists but of course reading his bio Dillinger the man is a lot less than Dillinger the Higgins protagonist.