91 of 95 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Riveting Thriller, July 9, 2009
Gilstrap's newest thriller "No Mercy" grabs the reader from page one, and holds tightly right to the finish. Cleverly written, with engaging twists and turns, along with a smattering of humor, this is a novel you won't want to put down. The story begins quite simply with the kidnapping of a college student. But quickly, it turns into a good guy, bad guy intrigue. You'll be on the edge of your seat, and perhaps a little queasy at times, as you follow Jonathan Grave, along with his friend and employee "Big Guy" as they work through the murk that comes from pure greed. As the story develops, one looming question is who are the good guys. Is it Grave who's job can force him to kill? Or is it, Irene Rivers, the FBI Director who wants the "incident" to disappear? Perhaps it's Gail Bonneville, the Sheriff of Samson, Indiana. When she took office, she promised to fulfill her duties without fail. Can she ignore the fact that she knows who saved the college student from his kidnappers, and who now has blood on his hands? At first, it appears that the kidnapped boy's parents, Stephenson and Julie Hughes are good guys. As the story unravels, however, not only are they responsible for something terrible, but their actions endanger their lives and many others. As in real life, it's not always easy to discern good from evil, but by this book's end, the good guys will leave an indelible mark on the reader's mind.
Gilstrap did a masterful job with "No Mercy". Not only did he weave a story with amazing character development to capture, and hold, the reader's attention, but he also provided an ending to be applauded. Too often, reader's enjoy the journey of a story only to be disappointed by a sappy, or poorly written, conclusion. Not so with Gilstrap. The ending leaves the reader wanting more suspense, more intrigue, and more Jonathan Grave.
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36 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
This rating pains me, December 26, 2009
Like Nancy Martin, I first "met" John Gilstrap on the AOL message boards and loved all of his books, especially Nathan's Run, which I recommended to so many people.
I just finished No Mercy and wish I could recommend it too. But poor editing and a story full of holes has left me scratching my head and so disappointed. I expected better of John. This was a riveting and fast-paced story, but there were so many errors and omissions that the book was spoiled for me. Twenty hours of good editing could have tightened up the book and eliminated the holes.
I know that publishing money is tight, but I bet John could find five or ten faithful readers who would read his manuscript and make suggestions.
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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gilstrap once again delivers a thrilling ride, July 7, 2009
Few authors deliver a great read ...out of the gate ...every time. John is one of the rare ones. Jonathan Graves is one of the meatiest protagonists in years. Ex-Delta Force and Gilstrap is more familiar with Delta than most since he wrote the only book the secret force has ever cooperated with, and endorsed, "Six Minutes To Freedom." NO MERCY is one of those books where the words "joy ride" and "train wreck" threaten to become interchangeable at every turn. This is one exciting read, guaranteed. Don't pick it up unless you have enough time to finish it. Congrats, Gilstrap and congrats Gilstrap fans. I'm waiting for the next Graves offering.
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