Eleven Days [Import] [Paperback]

Donald Harstad (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Fourth Estate; paperback / softback edition (1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1857028163
• ISBN-13: 978-1857028164
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,794,362 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tantalizing, who-dun-it, grisly yet mysterious, September 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Eleven Days (Mass Market Paperback)

I found this book to be one of the most intriguing novels I have read in a long time. As one who loves mysteries, I feel that Harstad has put Iowa on the map. I am a resident of the area of which he writes, and I found myself trying to figure just who was who in this book of all the people I know in the area. Thank goodness all of the people in this book are fictitious--at least I hope they are. Harstad's methodology in leading the reader to the real murderer is one of interest because nothing that exciting ever happens around here. I am looking forward to the movie.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eleven Days Goes By In A Minute!, February 12, 2003

By 

sweetmolly (RICHMOND, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eleven Days (Mass Market Paperback)

This roller coaster of a book builds tension into an appallingly great climax. If this is Mr. Harstad's debut book, I can't wait to get the next one.

Carl Houseman is the laid back, politically aware sheriff of a small midwestern town. A ritualistic murder takes place with overtones of Satanism. Then another farm family is similarly attacked. The danger escalates, the list of suspects grows, and the undermanned Sheriff's department is stretched to the breaking point.

Carl is a likeable guy with a not too happy marriage that you sense is mainly due to himself. He's a great friend, but his detachment is tough on close emotional bonds. The author obviously has insider knowledge of police departments, the politics, mechanics, and organization. I would have liked a glossary for all the 10-11's, 10-61's that peppers the dialogue.

"Eleven Days" has a high gruesome level, which may put off some readers. However, most will be so totally absorbed in the accelerating frenzy of events, they will accept the violence. Great read!
-sweetmolly-Amazon[.com] Reviewer

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars America's Heartland, January 2, 2001

By 

booknblueslady (Woodland, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eleven Days (Mass Market Paperback)

Something creepy is happening in America's heartland. 911 operators in Maitland, Iowa receive a call about a mass murder at an outlying farmhouse. when arriving there Deputy Sheriff Carl Houseman finds a grisly murder scene. One day later they uncover a mass murder at another farm. Both of these scenes have Satanic overtones. Definitely something you wouldn't expect to find in the heart of America.

Donald Harstad in his novel Eleven Days creates an every man character with Carl Houseman, with his understated ways and tongue in cheek humor. The environment of the station house and the various people who populate the story are both interesting and ordinary. Many of us know a Sally who wants more from life and Hester who constantly has to prove herself to the guy's club.

The mystery itself is riveting and grisly. It leads the reader along at a fast pace until the final conclusion. For those who appreciate the genre it is an easy sell. Others may feel the gory details are excessive. Some readers may disprove of the "ordinary" characters and style of the author. To me this is part of the appeal of the book . I first read Known Dead by the author and wanted to read other books by Mr. Harstad and am glad that I did.