Customer Reviews

The KILLERS GAME

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

 

 

I enjoyed reading this book. This is a great story line that really is well put together. There are no "yea right" parts in it where plot errors are made. There is just a lot of action and movement in this book, a real guys book. You can easy read it in a weekend. Even though the main character is a hit man you like him and want him to win. Ok, the book is not destine for the Steinbeck hall of fame, but it is a good story that keeps you tuned in. There is even some humor thrown in. You will not be sorry you invested the time in this one.

From the beginning, I knew I'd like this book. I liked Joe's street-wise comments, looking at the world through his eyes, and finding out how he was going to get himself out of the mess he'd gotten himself into. Although a killer, Joe has some redeeming qualities that keeps you hoping he'll make it out of this alive. I recommend the book if you want and can handle a lot of fast action, and a few laughs.

I am amazed by the sheer hutzpah of this writer. First, the story has already been told (see below) Second, I live in Chicago and he makes several outrageous errors in geography and misunderstands the CTA trains (our public transportation system) and their stops. Lastly, I find it hard to believe that these killers from across the globe can keep track of Joe Flood's flight so easily. How did the Cajun know Joe was in Quincy for example? Too many contrived and coincidental news reports on radio stations allow the killers to find Joe almost instantly. Aside from these minor gripes, the story is expertly constructed and is one of those thrillers that can be gobbled up in a day or two. Bonansinga thanks someone at New Line Cinema in his Acknowledgments, so it appears that this is headed for the movies. BUT back in the 1970s this same story was a made-for TV movie with Carrie Snodgress. She played a woman who thinks she is dying from leukemia, hires a hitman to kill her and then, when she discovers her medical reports were mixed up with another patient, must outwit the killer before he fulfills his contract. Surprise! More recycling.

This is what movies are made of: super-human hero, non-stop action, villains who get what they deserve, great dialogue, all from a writer who really knows how to build suspense and put the "thrill" in thriller. Joe Flood is one hit man you don't want to mess with. When his doctor gives him six months tops to live, he puts out a contract on his own life, only to find out the doctor made a mistake. Couldn't ask for a more ingenious plot. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Joe Flood is a professional killer who only accepts contracts to murder people who, in his mind, earned the right to die at his hands. Recently, Joe has complained about his stomach bothering him. His girl friend convinces Joe to stop complaining and see a doctor, which Joe reluctantly does. Joe soon receives a shocker when his doctor tells him that he suffers from cancer and has only a few months to live. Stunned, Joe does not want to die with a bunch of test tubes and electronic devices sticking into every part of his body. He devises an ingenious plan to expeditiously go out in style. He puts out a contract on himself worth the millions he has stashed away over the years. ..... Poor Joe is going to learn that two major mistakes have been made that will have a big impact on his life. First, the lab made a minor error and blew the results of his tests. It seems he does not suffer from terminal, or for that matter, any cancer. The second problem is that it is almost impossible to stop hitmen from completing their assignment when the purse is so high. If Joe wants to live he must somehow kill his opponents before they kill him. It appears that Joe is going to be flooded with offers to snuff out his life in exchange for all that cash. To survive he must agilely swim to avoid being drowned. ..... Fans of action-packed, a murder every page type of story line, will love this fast-paced thriller. Though Joe is kind of a likable character, for anyone who prefers other colors besides crimson, this novel is a pass. Jay Bonansinga demonstrates plenty of talent even if the death count seems very high for anything but a Hollywood thriller. This work is expected to be turned into a movie that appears to have mega-hit filmed all over it. .....Harriet Klausner

I read this book and have a major complaint to make to the author. The book was so riveting that I stayed up all night because I couldn't put it down. I was late for work the next day and my wife complained to me that I didn't answer any of the questions she asked me as I was in a trance reading THE KILLER'S GAME. I can't wait to see the movie which I understand John Woo is going to direct? Please contact me about this Mr. Bonansinga at: King of the Beasts c/o 21st Century Lion, Inc in the big apple e-mail at pmalitfilm@aol.com ROAR

You might have heard of "high-concept" movies, well this is a "high-concept" book. One of the world's deadliest assassins discovers he is terminally ill, so he dumps his girl, and takes out a contract on himself, which draws the attention of the world's killer elite. Of course, his lab tests were mixed up and he's not ill, and his girlfriend is pregnant and hasn't told him, etc... Oh, by the way, he only killed evil types, Klan leaders, kiddie porn barons, etc... You can guess how things go, wacky killers converge, hero takes loads of damage, girl rides to rescue, blah blah blah. Not exactly the highest prose, but kinda fun in a trashy way, sooner or later it'll end up on the big screen.