Customer Reviews

Keeper

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If there is a reason to write a novelisation of something (beyond money), it's for an author to be able to showcase his work for a built-in and wider audience. Hopefully his satisfying work on BATMAN-NO MAN'S LAND, will (as it did me) lead people to his novels of Atticus Kodiak.

Rucka's protaganist, Atticus Kodiak, is hired on to bodyguard a doctor at an abortion clinic and tries to get to the bottom of a series of threats against her. Ok. Enough plot. What makes this book satisfying and gripping are involving characters (sketched just enough to intrigue but leaving enough mystery to keep us interested), a nicely moving plot, as well as the best use of New York City since Lawrence Block. Fans of Spenser, Burke, and Elvis Cole will find a happy home here.

And best of all? It's a series.

A brief note: The subject of abortion is part and parcel of the story, and while the author clearly seems pro-choice, he takes special efforts not to demonize the other side save in depicting certain extemists drawn right from the headlines. Sensitively done.

Greg Rucka's prose is fluid and fine-edged, reminiscent of Lawrence Block's work in his Matthew Scudder series of novels minus the New York City grit that Block does so well.

Atticus Kodiak, Rucka's protagonist is, if seemingly a little too young at 28, an engaging character with an interesting supporting cast, and his chosen profession, bodyguard, is vividly depicted. Rucka seems to be known for his research and he's apparently done his homework here as the overall scenario rings true.

The story's backdrop, New York City at the height of the mid-90s anti-abortion protests and clinic bombings makes for a enthralling plot as Kodiak is charged with the protection of a pro-choice doctor. Rucka unself-consciously tackles the sticky politics of the situation, offering welcome shades of gray in what is often a black and white topic, while delivering a taut thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat through the end. An excellent first novel and I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

Another private-eye type thriller with a difference, Keeper is a very entertaining debut novel that introduces Atticus Kodiak. Kodiak is a bodyguard, but specialises in the business, running his own company and employing his own team of professionals. It's an interesting take on the mystery theme that strays just far enough from the pack to make it unusually interesting reading.

In his first outing, Kodiak and his employees are hired to protect a doctor who performs abortions. She is constantly harassed by protestors and the situation provides numerous difficulties for Kodiak to overcome. To top things off, she's due to speak at a conference in a couple of days where she will be left wide open for attack. It quickly becomes clear the danger she faces is most certainly real and Kodiak is going to be stretched to the limit if he's going to keep her safe.

This is an excellent debut that comes across as very fresh. The bodyguard angle puts a new slant on the protection caper that is usually covered by police or FBI. The characters are likable and realistic and the action rolls along at great pace.

I can't believe I just discovered this author. I read this book, the first in the Atticus Kodiak series, in one sitting, and I bought exta copies to pass on to friends. I also bought all the other books in the series. I can't wait to read them!
Keeper is a fast-paced, absorbing tale of a professional bodyguard and his efforts at protecting his latest client from fanatics who want to kill her. Kodiak is a believable modern hero, imperfect but doing his best to survive with integrity. The book should appeal to fans of the hard-edged thriller because the action sequences are exciting and plausible. Fans of the genre who insist on well-written characters and dialog will also be pleased with this book.

First in the series of "bodyguard" books starring Atticus Kodiak as the protagnist. Enough plot twists to keep my attention. Enjoyed plot line around abortion-definitely different - Would definitely recommend to any mystery fan!

Given that the author was only 25 when he wrote this book, it's impressive for many reasons--not the least of which is his control of the characters (they're all highly original, particularly Bridgett, a PI unlike any other) and of the narrative. I've truly enjoyed the Atticus Kodiak series and recommend the books wholeheartedly.

Greg Rucka is a great writer. I loved this book. The characters are perfectly developed, the plot is engrossing and the pace is perfect. For the first time ever, I read past my bus stop, and I've been reading on the bus for ten years. A wonderful fast read.

Greg Rucka spun an interesting novel about bodyguarding a doctor who performs abortions in New York. While the right to choose/right to life subject is very touchy with most people, Rucka uses great care to acknowledge both sides without sermonizing either of them. This book also helps introduce many characters that resurface in his other books. While the end was somewhat predictable, 'Keeper' was overalla intense and great read.

I picked up Keeper out of curiosity and was hooked from the first chapter. It read quickly, but not for lack of substance. The plot was put together well, leaving you guessing right up to the end. The characters, especially Kodiak, were not unbelievable supermen, and were susceptable to pain and anguish. Rucka's story of a young man doing an ugly job was a great one, and a great debut. It wasn't just a mystery/suspense story. It also handled an extremely sensitive issue with the professionalism of a seasoned author. I applaude him for that and rank him right up there with Robert Parker and Ross Macdonald. I am anxiously awaiting his next book, Finder, and hope for many more Atticus Kodiak novels

This was one of those books that you just wander across in the library...I'd never heard of him before. . . Atticus Kodiak is a very well-developed, well-rounded character and the plot (even if you don't agree with the politics) is attention getting. I've since read his two sequels and would highly recommend them. There needs to be some additonal development of the peripheral characters (which begins to take place in books 2 and 3) to make the whole world more exciting. Rucka's certainly an author to keep an eye out for!