Relentless [Import] [Paperback]

Simon Kernick (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Bantam Press; Airport / Export e. edition (May 23, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0593054709
• ISBN-13: 978-0593054703
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Coben Style Plot That Keeps You Guessing, August 28, 2008

By 

James N Simpson (Gold Coast, QLD Australia) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Relentless (Mass Market Paperback)

If you're a fan of Harlan Coben, Joseph Finder , James Siegel, Matthew Klein, Linwood Barclay and the other masters of this genre, then your going to want to read Relentless! Granted, Simon Kenick isn't quite up to the masterpiece producing level of those authors but there's enough within these pages to indicate that a few books down the track, he just might join the club. This book certainly has the can't put down factor, once you start you certainly want to keep reading to find out what happens.

The only weaknesses with the storyline probably revolve around Tom Meron the main character who doesn't really make decisions you would think a character in his position would such as calling the cops as soon as he'd left his house and the kids were safe, he also seems a little bit naive at times but the plot does need him to be these things to come off.

The basic plot of Relentless is happy with his life consisting of a wife and two kids albeit a bit over his boring job, Tom Meron is quite content. All that changes however when he picks up the phone which has interrupted his playing with the kids in the background. His former best friend Jack Calley, who has drifted apart from him in recent years is on the line. Only its no friendly lets catch up call, Jack pleads with Tom to help him. Tom listens to a violent struggle and his friend beg and fight for his life. Jack's dying breath consists of six words spoken to his killer, Tom's address. Tom has no idea what's going on but he knows someone is most likely on the way over right now. He knows if Jack rang from anyway near where he lived he's got fifteen minutes at most before his killers arrive. He's got to grab the kids and hit the road, only problem is his wife who he also must warn, so she doens't return to the house and whoever may be waiting, before he works out what exactly is going on, is not picking up her phone.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced and exciting, November 12, 2007

By 

Julia Flyte - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Relentless (Mass Market Paperback)

"Relentless" kicks off with a hiss and a roar. Happily married Tom Meron is at home with the kids when he receives a phone call from his old friend Jack Calley, who is screaming down the phone for help. As Meron listens to his friend's murder, he hears Calley's last words to his killer: the first two lines of Meron's address. Meron bundles his children into the car and takes off, only moments before a car pulls up at his house with two men inside. Meron is in danger and on the run and he has no idea why. And this is just the first chapter!

Simon Kernick has written a fast paced thriller with a well developed plot. It drew me in immediately and held my attention throughout. However I did feel that the writing let the story down somewhat. In the hands of a Harlan Coben or Joseph Finder, this could have been a great thriller rather than a good one. The dialogue is wooden and the ending is rushed and clunky, with a character explaining away unresolved plot points rather than letting them emerge naturally. Consequently I was left feeling somewhat dissatisfied which was a shame because the majority of the book is suspenseful and gripping. One thing is for sure: once you start reading it, you won't want to put it down.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars [thrill-er] - noun - an exciting, suspenseful play or story, October 1, 2007

By 

Helen Simpson (Leeds, England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Relentless (Mass Market Paperback)

One minute I was on page 33 then the next time I looked it was 163! That to me is a sign of a worthwhile read.

There are more intricate plots around, more technical language even and yes, plenty of book snobs! But if you just like a thriller to escape into then I can find no fault with this book.

I didn't find it far-fetched or a poor ending. I enjoyed the suspense and I liked the characters. True, all the ends aren't tied up but I grew out of "everyone living happily ever after" at about the age of 9 when it became too predictable. On the other hand we're left in no doubt as to the intentions of certain characters and that seemed a perfectly acceptable ending to me.