Customer Reviews

The First Terrorist Act

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

 

 

Where did this author come from and why haven't we heard about him on television? Harold Thomas Beck is a talent that has been overlooked or ignored. This is not his first book so why haven't we heard of him until now?

I found myself thinking the story was real. I did some research. Che Guevara died on the date he dies on in the story. He also died in the same village he dies in in this story. Is it a coincidence or is the author revealing some well kept secret, as is the main story line in this book? You tell me!

I could not put this book down. I didn't want it to end. The images created in this story were like sitting in my living room and watching them on television. I was mesmerized.

I can only hope there will be more from this author in the future.

I began casually reading this book and was hooked by the end of the first page.

The story, one that covers forty years and involves the intertwined lives of a small group of people, tempts, entices, and challenges the reader. The characters were all alive for me. I knew each character as if they were friends or family and I found myself living their decisions with them.

With so much done about the Vietnam War, this book looms as perhaps the most complete and factual account of our nation during that period in our history. Every other story, as much as it tried to be complete, left something out. Maybe the passage of time was necessary for someone to finally sum the war up as this author has done in such a singular and grand style.

I found myself trying to compare Beck to Clancy but he was beyond Clancy. I tried to compare him to other action and thriller writers but he stands alone both in style and in content. The research is outstanding and complete, almost to a fault but as you read, you expect nothing less. This is a compelling story that reads as if it has been taken out of the news. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a story to go on and not end. I can only hope there is a sequel to this story. There has to be more to tell.

This was a gift from a dear friend. Thank you Amazon for the wonderful handling you do with gifts for all occasions.

I have never read anything from this author until this book. It was sent to me because I am a fan of Tom Clancy. My dear friend said: "This out Clancys Clancy" and that it did.

From the moment I began this book I had trouble realizing this is fiction and not a historical account of actual events. It reads like a screen play and the imagery that comes alive in the mind of the reader has you on the edge of your seat as you read.

These are human beings in human situations caught up in history and historical events. I found myself in the Oval Office with Lyndon Johnson as he agonized over the Vietnam War. I was there with him as he made his unholy toast that is the trick to the title of this book. I was also there as American Troops were deployed to track down, capture, and execute Che Guevarra. I also can appreciate the lengths to American government might go to protect such a secret.

This book is all too real. It is an excellent piece of literature and without a doubt one of the finest I have read regarding the Vietnam War.

I didn't want it to end and can only wonder if there is a sequel?

I have read a number of thrillers but none like The First Terrorist Act. This is a definite page turner and a must for anyone who has been a fan of modern day thrillers.

It reads as if you are following it on the news. You can actually SEE THE STORY unfolding.

How much of it is true? How much is actually fiction? It is hard to tell. It reads as if it actually happened. That is what makes this a great book.

Don't start reading until you have the time. I found myself captivated, spellbound, and utterly mezmerized by the story that evolves on the very first page.

I was expecting a terrorist 9/11 story. Instead I got the best Vietnam story I have ever read. I am a Vietnam Veteran and this is without a doubt the finest depiction of the war everyone wants to forget ever done.

Who is this guy anyway? I bought the book on a whim. It was packaged with another book and it turns out to be a real gem, a great find. Thank you Amazon.com! Great marketing.

If you like a modern day thriller that is set against a totally believeable historical backdrop, then this is the book for you. I loved it.

This thrilling novel is a cross between The Carpetbaggers and The Hunt For Red October.

The title of the book set off against the Pre-September 11 New York skyline, slightly out of focus, is a trick. I loved it! What I thought was going to be September 11th redux, was not! I loved the way the author took me in and out of the Oval Office with Lyndon Johnson, into the Vietnam War, and the jungles of Bolivia. I also loved the women and the way the author made them the center of the story. And what a story!

This is a must read. Why hasn't it received the national acclaim it deserves!

My husband told me I would like this book. Why would I like a book about spys, soldiers, and the Vietnam War?

Hello!

There are women involved with spys, soldiers, and the Vietnam War - especially the soldiers who served in the Vietnam War. And are there ever women in this story!

Jerilyn and Cindy are the opposites yet so much alike. The dark haired slut versus the blonde who did everything she was supposed to do. They shared Charley, they lost him, and now they have him back. Wow!

Then there is the driven reporter, also a woman who faces all the problems women face in their drive to the top.

We also have daughters. How does this man know so much about women? Moreover, how does a man write so expertly about women?

The historical backdrop as well as the current events unfolding and me remembering where I was when makes this all the more interesting. I loved this story. When will there be more from this wonderful author?

It's been a while since I've been able to grab a book and really have a good read for myself. This was it. Right from the first page, the character Jerilyn is exciting and the mystery starts with how this is all tied together and what the women all have in common and what they have up their sleeves.

The book is very well written. I had never read any of Mr. Beck's books before and needless to say, I am now reading another. I figured what could top "The First Terrorist Act", but another book by the same author.

The book is very good all along, without giving away any of the juicy details, but be prepared not to be able to put this book down until the well-done ending.

I had second thoughts about a 700 page novel but once I got started I couldn't put it down.

This author has a skill with story telling unmatched by modern contemporaries. He takes an event that had an effect on all of our lives and weaves a tale that is so real I wonder why there was never any real news coverage (Only kidding - but it was that real!).

He goes to unusual lengths to develop the characters. The women are done perfectly to the point you know them as if you have lived with them and knew them intimately. In fact you do get to know them intimately just because of the way the author allows you into their lives. They are all so human you can hear them as they speak. You want to speak back to them but it is only a book. I had to say that to myself over and over - it was only a book - one I did not want to end.

Is there another coming soon?

I hope.

This book is fantastic---and I'm not even completely done yet! Actually I just started 2 days ago and I'm only on pg150 but it really makes you feel like Mr. Beck is sitting next to you telling the story and you can't tear yourself away. I've even cried once! Authors rarely are able to bring me into their novels so deep that I begin to feel emotional equivalecies to the characters and I can't wait to see what's on the next page. This book is very, VERY intriquing. It keeps you interested and it keeps you guessing. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.