Customer Reviews

10 Downing Street (Gamekeeper Series, Book 3) (Gamekeeper Trilogy)

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In book 3 of the Gamekeeper Series, Mr. Putnam really ups the pace. For all the readers who kept saying they were reading the same stories over and over again, and nothing truly new was being written, Mr. Putnam is what you asked for. The characters, both historical figures and new creations, have depth and personality far beyond those of most authors. The book abounds with imagination and highly interesting new concepts. The reading is smooth, fun, and impossible to put down. I highly recommend the series to those readers who are imaginative themselves.

I had worried that by book three the brilliant Dave Putnam would have run out of steam in his Gamekeeper Series. I needn't have feared as 10 Downing Street continues with the English Commonwealth controlling most of the Earth and a communist conspiracy existing which builds toward a massive World War II. It is more than just capitalism against communism and Putnam reveals he can just as handily explore different economic systems as he has done so beautifully in dealing with politics, war, working with animals, and especially religion. The alternate world series continues with the addition of new characters and making excellent use of old ones from the first two books. Winston Churchill again reigns supreme, at least for a while as this book covers a great number of years. More time is spent with the most interesting Albert Einstein. You find Dwight D. Eisenhower, Rommel, and George Patton as well. Historical figures are dealt with in a way that will convince the reader that the author knows his history. The fictional ones are as real and alive as any you'll find in the very best of novels. He also doesn't make the mistake of bringing in characters that could not have been born after history took a major twist in the 1890's. The work is brilliant, there are twists and surprises and even the sometimes too long technical descriptions are interesting. The author also knows how to tell decent love stories and to treat women as human beings. Toward the end there is a touch of Asimov and Clement, however I don't want to be a spoiler. What I like best is that unlike Turtledove and some other science fiction authors, Putnam isn't afraid to make religion and the fact that God exists as a vital part of his universe as it is in our real universe. As a Christian I did not agree with all the views expressed, but I was not offended as the three books have the feel of being written with love. The best news is that a 4th book follows and I will order it just as soon as I post this review. Dave Putnam's novels deserve to be considered classics.

This novel is by far Dave Putnam's best work. I was hopelessly drawn to the gripping plot, and was unable to put the book down. His character development is excellent, I was easily able to visualize and relate with the characters, especially Albert Einstein. Putnam's mastery of "alternate" history writing is excellent, and I cannot wait to see what happens to the planet earth, as well as how both humans and animals evolve in his next novel. Keep up the good work Mr. Putnam........
Greg Souza