Customer Reviews

Nightwatch

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Took Dick Adler's suggestion and just finished NIGHTWATCH. It was a marvelous read--filled w/ edge of your seat action and interesting characters. It's obvious Henrick's done his homework, and I sense that much of the work was written on location w/ the military. Now the question remains, where has Mr. Henrick's work been hiding these years. From the book's bio, he's obviously been busy, yet other than seeing CRIMSON TIDE, this is the first I've heard of him. I noted from the list of acknowledgements in the back of the book that he's obviously a Wm. Morris client, w/ Rob't Gottleib representing. Mr. Henrick, NIGHTWATCH is a superb book and should have gotten extensive distribution. As a publishing veteran, I question both your agent's and publishers support level. Obviously they didn't believe in this wonderful story, that should have surely made it into the Times best seller list. We desperately need books of this caliber to keep our business growing, and don't be afraid to seek new representation for the next one.

Was more than surprised to get this book as a gift and then to find how very excellent it turned out to be. Henrick got me hooked from the first sentence, pulling me right into the action. There's never a dull moment, and it's remarkable how Henrick puts together all the fascinating plot lines into a final climax that sent shivers up my spine long into the night! I'm certain that the movie version will be right up there w/ Henrick's CRIMSON TIDE, and I can't wait for the next Kellogg book to be released. So by all means, read this novel--you won't be disappointed!

Having read many of Henrick's now-trite submarine stories, I figured I would give this book a shot (mostly because I got it for free at the library). All I can say is that this book is painful to read, mainly because of poor dialogue. Would anyone really say "I read that same article, and was impressed by the way all that firepower is delivered on target"? Characters speak mechanically, and conversations read like a reasearch paper. The dialogue is a thinly-veiled attempt at explaining military terms and equipment and really distracts from what might be an interesting story, if written by a more capable author. Maybe Henrick can find a writer to work with so he can concentrate on storyline. P.S. Richard - the "mad-general plots to assume power" plot has been beaten to death - try something FRESH.

This book was one of the best books i ever read. I got it on sunday and finished i on monday morning. An all night read, and i haven't done that since 1982.

This book was more fun than a ride at Disneyworld! It moves like a wildfire, and never left me bored, only craving more. I liked the lack of organized chapters, with each scene break marked by a time and place heading. Like an old fashioned serial movie, each of these breaks ended with some sort of crisis, that kept me up well into the night to determine the outcome. The Kellogg brothers are the all American heroes that I have been waiting for. I can't believe the amount of info that's packed within these pages, and I still can't believe the way all the different plot lines came together in the end. This story isn't for the wimpy reader, and I recommend it for those who like plenty of action and a cast of characters that read like a movie.

I ordered this book from Amazon after reading the review from Scott Air Force base, and Stu, you were right on! Though I did see CRIMSON TIDE, this was my first book by Richard Henrick, and it was without a doubt, my best read of the summer. I like a story w/ quick cuts and plenty of interesting action, and this one took me to places I've never even heard of before. Henrick did his homework and it shows, especially when it comes down to the intracacies of the command and control of nuclear weapons. As a former Looking Glass EAO, this story gets a solid thumbs up, and I'm already awaiting the sequel.

Great characters, great locales, and a great plot all add up to a great read. UN-DOWN-PUT-ABLE!

At last a writer who's managed to revive the long dead techno-thriller. Richard Henrick writes w/ convincing force. Not cluttered w/ useless verbage and boring characters like the latest Clancy. This one moves like a high performance jet on afterburners. Highly recommended for those looking for something to get the blood stirring.

Nightwatch is a modern airborne command center. It is designed to fight a nuclear war in the event the National Command Authority or the land based systems (e.g. USSTRATCOM) can not. Mr. Henrick has done his homework when it comes to painting a picture of current/near future nuclear readiness posture. He knows his systems and weapon platforms. It is nice to read something where the author took the time to get it right (or as right as one can get from non-classified sources).

The gist of the story is a coup d'etat initiated with leadership decapitation. Both the President and Vice President are attacked and isolated. The problem comes down to understanding who the bad guys are. Just like in Seven Days in May, the JCS is distubed by a pending treaty that would virtually dismantle the American nuclear deterrent.

While Mr. Henrick does an outstanding job on the nuts and bolts end of the story, I found his characters flat. I wondered at the motivation for such drastic action and I did not get the feel for what would cause American soldiers to turn their weapons on each other.

That said, Nightwatch does create the tension between the good guys and the bad guys - once you figure it out.

This is a well researched and written book. I have it on good authority from the Commanding General that the author of this book spent considerable time with these special troopers and therefore knows of what he speaks. Having trained with them, I can give personal testimony that it is indeed accurate. It helps give some refreshing noteriety and much deserved attention to the elite U.S. Army Sappers. For anyone who knows of the Sappers' reputation this book is interesting and for those who don't, it will surely be the beginning of a life-long interest in learning of these special troops. Even if Sappers don't interest you, it is a great thriller in the same vein as Tom Clancy. Enjoy!!