Customer Reviews

On Ice

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was my first experience reading David Ramus's works, and I was thoroughly impressed. ON ICE was full of suspense and amazing characters. This thriller is set in the horse country north of Atlanta and the main character is a man named Ben Hemmings. Ben is the most sought-after builder of stables in the south. With a booming career, a wife and two children, it seems as if his life could not be better, until the day this picture perfect life suddenly comes to an abrupt end. Ben is torn from his family and sent to prison for a crime he did not commit. I had a very difficult time putting ON ICE down. It captivated my attention throughout. I was thoroughly engaged in every chapter, because each one lead to a new discovery. The detailed portrayal of each character made me feel like I was a part of every scene, every moment of the characters' lives. I am really excited to read his other two novels, "Thief of Light" and "Gravity of Shadows". I believe I have found a new addiction.

This book was suggested to me by another Amazon reader & reviewer. I am so glad I took the advice about "Ice".

The main character, a deeply involved & respected family man in the Atlanta area, Ben, is wrongly imprisoned. His struggles to survive incarceration are intriguing. And when the Mafia becomes involved....excuse the play on words....it is an emotional offer the reader cannot refuse!

I enjoyed this thriller. I have found a new favorite author in David Ramus.

other reading suggestions: "Plumb Island" by Nelson Demille, "The Devil's Teardrop" by Jeffery Deaver

if you find my comments interesting, please click the "yes"--thanks--CDS

In ON ICE, Ramus, has written a thriller that transcends the genre. I couldn't put this one down. Ben Hemmings is that rare animal, an innocent man in prison. Offered a chance at an early release by an unscrupulous FBI agent, Hemmings is forced to confront a true mobster named Rollie Shore in order to recover a collection of missing genetic breeding samples stolen from an equine breeding lab. What separates this book from most thrillers is the depth of the characterizations and relationships. Ben's struggle to get home to his wife and children is a battle I empathized with every step of the way. This is a great read, even better than Ramus' first two novels, Thief of Light and The Gravity of Shadows. Buy this book!

Although he knows the FBI charges were bogus, Ben Hemmings is stunned to find he will spend three years in an Alabama minimum-security cell. However, the prison was right next door to a high security correctional institution whose overflow of patrons were sent to the same "country club" that Ben now calls home. Some of the incarcerated like Rollie Shore own the prison and you either follow his rules, be prepared to protect oneself, or suffer the consequences.

Eighteen months of Rollie and the need to keep his wife and children safe lead Bento cut a deal with the FBI. Now he is free and seeking stolen horse sperm even as Bengoes up against an also liberated Rollie.

ON ICE is an intriguing tale that provides the audience with an insightful look at prison life. When the story line profiles an insider view at the incarceration industry from the perspective of its prime supplier (convicts), the plot is interesting and amazingly filled with ardor. The who-done-it and the civilian battle with Rollie seem stretched, but well written because readers will continue to feel Ben's anguish. Though not quite as exciting nor straightforward as his art mysteries (see THIEF OF LIGHT and THE GRAVIYTY OF SHADOWS) David Ramus paints an entertaining tale, especially the life behind the bars subplot.

Harriet Klausner

I don't know what got into me. I have never bought a hardcover book by an author I've never read before, but a saw a review in the local paper that praised this book and the premise intrigued me, so I took a chance. I am so glad I did. This book has it all. A fast paced plot that never lets up, delightful dialog and standout characters. I enjoyed every minute spent reading this book and highly recommend it.

On Ice is a tense and compelling mystery. The page turning suspense and plot twists make this mystery hard if not impossible to put down. Once more Ramus shows us that he is a born storyteller and the result is suspenseful and satisfying. Readers will associate with the main character, Ben Hemmings and his desperate and noble attempt at protecting his family and claiming his life back. The author makes you a witness to the raw reality of corruption.

This is not a wretched book; I just could not take to it because of its condescending nature. From the very foundation of this novel, Ramus dumbs down all of his characters. It sort of felt like I was reading a book on the level of Dukes of Hazard. Only the writing, detail, and characters were more adept than the silly plot. Which was kind of odd and sort of sad.

First of all, it is almost inconceivable that the main character would have ended up in prison the way that he did. Secondly, all of the problems that he goes through while in prison were set up with a very insane chain of events. The implausibility of it all just gets you down and it's hard to over look as the book progresses.

I have a soft spot in my heart for Ramus. I have read all three of his novels and will read the next one he puts out. I hope that he lives up to his potential and writes a real taught thriller aimed at the thinking adult rather than brain dead plebe next time.

I can not put the book down , its wonderfullly written from what I read so far. I am not even barely aware that i am in my room when reading this ,it keeps my attention and it does not stay on one thing for to long. I like the way Mr. Ramus describes the characters. Its got everything I like , the horses , the fights , suspense , and a little bit of romance. I would give it 16 stars if not more. It is worth your money and time.

I have met Mr. Ramus in real life. He's a friend of my father's, so when I saw the book on my father's shelf, I had to pick it up. I had been slightly unaware of Mr. Ramus' writing until that point. I usually can tell if I'm going to like a book within a few chapters. Needless to say I couldn't put this book down. I've now re-read it enough times to actually put cracks in the binding. It's a very wonderful piece of work, keeps you on edge. I happen to be a very big horse lover and this book's topic just hit me hard. I LOVE IT!... I've given the book to a few friends of mine to read, and so far they've all liked it. I say give it a try, you'll be surprised at Ramus' writing talent!!

Good Read. One that after you start you do not want to put down. Takes the horse racing scene, the prison scene, mixes them together and comes up with a good story. Nice education of horses and horse semen and makes it interesting.

If you like a good story and a good read this is one to take with you on a trip. Light reading, however after you finish it you have enjoyed it.