Nerve Endings [Import] [Paperback]

William Martin (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Futura Publications (1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0708826520
• ISBN-13: 978-0708826522
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,040,609 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

In his boyhood, William Martin loved what he later called "big stories on broad canvases." He read the novels of C.S. Forester, Dickens, and western author Will Henry. He sat transfixed by the big movies of the early sixties. So after college he went to Hollywood to try his hand at screenwritng but quickly found that his instincts were better suited to novels. His first, "Back Bay," introduced treasure hunter Peter Fallon in a new kind of adventure that joined the contemporary mystery-thriller to the historical novel. In his nine novels (including four best selling Peter Fallon adventures), Martin has tracked national treasures across the landscape of the American imagination, chronicled the lives of the great and the anonymous in American history, and brought to life legendary American locations, from "Cape Cod" to "Annapolis" to the "City of Dreams." He has also written an award-winning PBS documentary on the life of Washington and a cult-classic horror movie, has contributed book reviews to the Boston Globe, and has taught writing across the country, from the Harvard Extension School to the famous Maui Writers Conference. He lives near Boston with his wife and has three grown children. His work has established him as a "storyteller whose smoothness matches his ambition."(Publisher's Weekly) And he was the recipient of the 2005 New England Book Award, given to "an author whose body of work stands as a significant contribution to the culture of the region."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Things are always more (or less) than they appear, September 19, 1999

By 

Charles Andrews (Fort Worth, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nerve Endings (Mass Market Paperback)

While chronologically Martin's second novel, it is a clear departure from his now more familiar style of historical narration first used in Back Bay and then in his last three novels. Martin demonstrates his story telling ability without relying on history as a frame work. I was hooked from the first chapter and plowed through the near 500 page book in less than two days. Martin displays an uncanny abilty to lead the reader in one direction then turning the plot quickly almost 180 degrees while maintaining the integrity of the story. More than once I was totally surprised. It made for a most enjoyable read.

For fans of Martin's more contemporary works this is an enjoyable change of pace, yet shows all the craftmanship in storytelling we have come to expect from Martin.

While the best known works of Martin are historical, this book may accurately be classified as premonition. Published in 1984, Martin accurately predicts what has become a core problem in American society. If for no other reason the book should be read for this, but it is a great story.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars -- cable-TV & privacy, politics, medical miracles, bad guys & good., August 12, 2007

By 

L "P.S. Person" (Brooklyn Heights, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nerve Endings (Mass Market Paperback)

"Nerve Endings" has intrigue, romance, and action. To balance the fantasy with a reality-check, it embeds political/technology issues and links them with the cable-TV industry. It presents physical/ethical issues by focusing on a kidney transplant recipient and a broken marriage. It mixes the glamour of Hollywood executives with grassroots Iowa farmers and hardworking Maine lobstermen. It got my attention and, after a fashion, I was amused, surprised, and riveted.

Mr. Martin's forte is that he keeps the reader magnetically drawn to continue reading. I'm not easily surprised and yet I was fooled when the plot took unexpected twists. Of particular note was the clever elimination of "a bad guy". Later, the handling of simultaneous actions in the last action-scene was impressive. I was even somewhat annoyed when phonecalls interrupted my reading. Bravo!

"Nerve Endings" is adventurous. It has both cruel and tender moments and it is a thriller for men and women alike. The story is enhanced with cross-country locations, nature's seasonal beauty, with regional dialects, and with references to appropriate background music. More importantly, emphasis is placed upon a spirit of survival, determination, the pursuit of honorable happiness, and the kindnesses of strangers.

All-in-all, reading "Nerve Endings" was fun and I recommend it. Enjoy! ... And when you're done with "Nerve Endings", read Mr. Martin's "Harvard Yard" and "Citizen Washington". They're even better.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Prophetic Marvel, August 18, 2000

By 

J. A. Clark (Rensselaer, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nerve Endings (Mass Market Paperback)

Matin's tale of a broadcast giant trying to influence politics via a in-home cable response system, is as entertaining as it is relevant with todays internet capabilities. A fast enjoyable read with enough adventure, crime, and science to thrill non-stop. WARNING: Book does not come with bulletproof vest. (The only way to put this book down is at gunpoint, and you may opt for the bullet.)