Customer Reviews

Hostage

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

 

 

This is a great novel. The action was fast-paced and the story was compelling. This was not a cut-and-dry who-done-it because Zimmerman crafted this story in a morally ambiguous area. AIDS is such a polarizing force in our society, yet Zimmerman finds the gray area and expolits it. More so than solving the crime, I found myself asking "Are these people right?"... That, I believe, is the true testament to Zimmerman's craftsmanship. A must read.

After reading Closet and Tribe I was excited to see a new book by Mr. Zimmerman featuring gay newscaster Todd Mills. Although, this mystery follows the earlier high standards of the earlier works it is much darker. My disappointment could have been due to the fact that I purchased this as one of my "read at the beach" books and it was more emotionally based than I expected. Even though I was disappointed I would still recommend it to friends.

Although this is not Zimmerman's first novel in the Todd Mills series, it was the first one of his I read. And I think it was a good choice for my first one.

Todd Mills is a gay TV reporter who is still adjusting to being out. He's currently seeing a studly cop named Steve, and life seems to be going well for the both of them. Then during an interview between Todd and a congressman who loves to rant and rave his anti-gay agenca, everything changes. A small group of young people with AIDS became tired of his yelling, and kidnapped the congressman during the interview. Todd's now on the case. But that's not all - something's wrong with Steve, and he later disappears as well.

Zimmerman makes an interesting tale through his vivid descriptions of the conflict between groups when the anti-gay banner is waved, the impact of AIDS on relationships with family and friends, and the continued questions facing the recently outed.

Todd Mills (not related to me either!) is a very realistic character whose life and love is believable. Zimmerman minces no words in describing the trials and tribulations of gay men, and their experiences with society and gay culture. The situations Todd and Rawlins get into are very intense. Down to earth portrayal of gay life. The mystery aspects kept me turning the pages and I stayed up until 3am to finish the book. Then I went searching for all the other books in the series. Hard to find Closet - got a copy from Canada.... Very much worth the time and effort. I'm hoping Zimmerman keeps the Mills series moving right along.

'Hostage' is the first novel by R.D. Zimmerman I've read (...I got it cheap at a thrift store ;-)), and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. The story generally revolves around the kidnapping of a homophobic congressman by three folks dying from AIDS, circa 1996. The hostage takers seek publicity and revenge. A reporter who is indirectly associated with one of these hostage takers becomes a reluctant hero.

The book is generally well written with believable characters. It's a fairly light read, easily something that would do at an airport gate or while sitting on "the throne". My only complaint has to do with the ending, which was a bit forced and comes off flat.

Bottom line: a fun read. Recommended.

I find the Todd Mills Mystery series an very entertaining 'lite' read that is not only relaxing but highly entertaining. The interaction between the gay TV investigative reporter and his police detective lover is great but this novel is even more enthralling considering the startling news the detective receives and his reaction. Great read!

Fast-paced mystery story. Interesting premise but disappointing end. Plot is a bit muddled and confusing. Okay for a fast read.

Zimmerman has done it again. This third in a
series about gay TV newscaster Todd Mills is an
exciting and mysterious who-done-it with
twists and turns along the way. Both primary and
secondary characters are well defined and
memorably quirky. The plot is very
believable and -- unfortunately -- decidedly
possible in today's world. This book is a must
for all. Bravo, Zimmerman!

This was the first book by Zimmereman i read and it got me hooked though it is not as captavating as some of his other books it is a deffinite must read.

Quite a pat mediocre product...felt like a made-for-TV movie. The opening scene is the only one with real guts and power.