Imperfect Strangers [Mass Market Paperback]

Stuart Woods (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 14, 1995

Sandy Kinsolving's once-glittering life hangs by a threat; his future depends on his wife's inheritance and whether or not she's about to throw him out on his ear. What he wouldn't give for a solution to his money and marriage problems.

If this were an Alfred Hitchcock movie, the solution would be obvious. Enter a stranger with wife problems of his own, who offers a violent -- and mutually advantageous - proposal.

Them in the time it takes to whisper a word, Kinsolving's normal life ends. What radiates like a mirage before him is wealth, security, and freedom. But lurking in the shadows are a brutal murder he cannot prevent, and a madman who stalks his every waking moment.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Though Woods's (Heat) latest caper provides all the credibility of a soap opera, the novel also offers some of the guilty pleasures attendant to that TV format. When wine merchant Sandy Kinsolving meets art dealer Peter Martindale on a flight from London to NYC (the novel's primary locations), they are inspired by watching Alfred Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train to hatch their own version of that classic plot-in which two strangers each agree to commit murder for the other. It seems that both men have "troublesome" wives, so why doesn't Sandy kill Peter's spouse and Peter return the favor? After one lady is duly offed, however, events careen out of control. In fact, so many subsequent episodes occur (many of them preposterous and too tidily handled) that the murder pact gets lost. As often happens in the world of soaps, a glossy veneer lends an air of sophistication-a corner suite at London's Connaught Hotel, a cashier's check for $28 million-and, also, of unreality. (Even the dialogue begins to smack of Noel Coward.) Enjoyable for a time, the tony tinsel is overtaken by a blandness that ultimately undercuts the novel's would-be dramatic and psychological aspects. BOMC, QPB alternates; Harper Audio.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

A retake of the Alfred Hitchcock movie Strangers on a Train (1951), this would-be thriller by the author of Dead Eyes (HarperCollins, 1994) begins when Sandy Kinsolving and Peter Martindale make a bargain to kill their wives. Before Kinsolving can pull out, his wife is murdered; must he follow through as well? Unfortunately, the author blunts the suspense by allowing his wealthy characters to solve their problems with money rather than wits. Worse, he leaves major plot details unexplained (e.g., Who killed the woman in the gallery, and why? Why did Cara get into the limousine? What happened to the old doorman?) and falls back on a struggle-for-the-gun climax instead of resolution. The fun part of the story involves all the trappings of great wealth: limousines, caviar, chartered jets for cross-country flights, and stays in fancy hotels. For large collections only. [BOMC and Quality Paperback selections; previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 9/1/94.]-Elsa Pendleton, Boeing Information Svcs., Ridgecrest, Cal.
--Elsa Pendleton, Boeing Information Svcs., Ridgecrest, Cal.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: HarperTorch (September 14, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061094048
• ISBN-13: 978-0061094040
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #976,371 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stuart Woods is the author of forty-four novels, including the New York Times-bestselling Stone Barrington series and Holly Barker series. The last twenty-eight of them have been New York Times best-sellers. He is an avid private pilot, flying his own jet on two book tours a year. His latest novel is Santa Fe Edge,to be published on September 21st. You may see his tour schedule and learn more about the author on his website, www.stuartwoods.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Woods Book, October 9, 2000

By 

Drew (Atlanta) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Imperfect Strangers (Mass Market Paperback)

I enjoy reading most Stuart Woods books. This book is no exception. The short chapters and quick character development make this book a quick read. If you are looking for a book to take on a trip to pass the time this is the one for you. With the exception of Dirt and What Lies Beneath, I think you will enjoy this exceptional quick read author.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fun Read but disappointing, August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Imperfect Strangers (Hardcover)

Book starts out with good intrique... it moves along and keeps your interest as you try to figure out where things will go. So, for the most part, it is a fun and quick read BUT the ending was boring and too disappointing - Mr. Woods could have done so much better if the ending had some surprize. Oh well.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gotta love Stuart Woods!!!!, March 23, 2003

By 

Jessica Davis "J.D." (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Imperfect Strangers (Mass Market Paperback)

Stuart Woods always gives a quick read, filled with action. This book is no different. Within the first two chapters, the plot of the book is layed out. Sandy Kingsolving and Peter Martindale meet on an airplane. Ironically, they are both having difficulties with their wives, and plot to kill each others wife! They meet and work out the details, but Kingsolving has seconds thoughts and calls the entire thing off. His wife still ends up dead, and Martindale tries to blackmail him.

Will Kingsolving finish through with the plan and kill Martindale's wife next? Or will be go to the police and hope they believe him? Won't you be surprised when you find out just who Sandy is really supposed to kill...