Customer Reviews

The Rockford Files: The Green Bottle

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

 

 

Stuart Kaminsky has written an enjoyable and satisfying novel based on the characters from the television series, "The Rockford Files." Jim, Beth, Dennis, Angel, and the Firebird are all here in form true to the original characters.

Jim Rockford is older now; mourning the loss of his father, Rocky; battling bad knees; trying to elude Angel's ubiquitous scams; and reflecting on his relationship with Beth and what might have been. Despite the passing of the years, Jim retains his wry wit and keen observations of the human condition. Mr. Kaminsky provides additional insight into the character of Jim Rockford, particularly the formative years and the time in prison.

The story is well-paced and intriguing. I enjoyed this book more than many of the recent 2-hour "Rockford Files" movies presented on television in recent years. If you enjoyed the original "Rockford Files" series from 1974-1980, you will enjoy this book.

I have watched Rockford since the age of 6. We are reading about Rockford some 20 odd years later. Still living in Paradise cove, and taking his lumps! He is now morning the death of his fatherand STILL having to deal with Angel Martian! True to characters personalities! Good to read again and again...

Kaminsky captures Rockford's sardonic style perfectly. All the old-time cast members appear in the book -- Angel, Becker, Beth Davenport. Kaminsky truly understands the anti-hero appeal of Rockford. If you loved the series, you'll love this book.

Three things about this novel brought it down for me.

First, it is written in first person which just didn't give me the feel of a Rockford Files story.

Second, Angel again. I'm sorry, but in the series Angel wasn't in every episode (thankfully) but he has been in both novels and it's just irritating.

Thrird, The mystery is solvable about midway through because of a flub in what the killer says. I'm not even sure it was intended because it is never mentioned at the end...but it is there. It made the second half of the novel rather tedious.

So what is the verdict? It's ok, not great. The other Rockford novel by Kaminsky is better. This one is more legwork without the classic intertwining of seemingly unimportant events that was classical in Rockford.

Since there are few options for Rockford fans I would recommend reading it, but don't expect it to blow you away.

not only was the green bottle skillfully written, but it satisfied me both as a mystery reader and Rockford Files tv watcher. now as i come on line to see what else smk has done, i find this is Vol. 4--even better! Angel is perfect, Jim is better than tv where j garner caricatures the part a little too much every now and then, the ending remembering Old Carlos while looking west is effective and legitimate, and the scene where the judge takes apart the young d.a. is worth the book alone. what a find for me--and you.

Jim Rockford has always been one of my favorite television characters. This book lived up to my expectations on all counts and struck the right balance between humor and action. I particularly enjoyed Angel's side plots.

I was a little disappointed the author killed off Rocky. I was looking forward to the dialog between them. But other then that, all other regular characters was there, and they all acted and spoke just like in the series. Very enjoyable read.

Stuart Kaminsky has written an enjoyable and satisfying novel based on the characters from the television series, "The Rockford Files." Jim, Beth, Dennis, Angel, and the Firebird are all here in form true to the original characters.

Jim Rockford is older now; mourning the loss of his father, Rocky; battling bad knees; trying to elude Angel's ubiquitous scams; and reflecting on his relationship with Beth and what might have been. Despite the passing of the years, Jim retains his wry wit and keen observations of the human condition. Mr. Kaminsky provides additional insight into the character of Jim Rockford, particularly the formative years and the time in prison.

The story is well-paced and intriguing. I enjoyed this book more than many of the recent 2-hour "Rockford Files" movies presented on television in recent years. If you enjoyed the original "Rockford Files" series from 1974-1980, you will enjoy this book.

Everyone's favorite television private-eye is back in this fast-paced mystery. Rockford is hired to recover a stolen collectible bottle which leads him to hunt for a missing girl. Along the way Rockford is waylaid and encounters other characters from the television show, including his friend Angel, attorney Beth, inspector Dennis Becker, and a host of unsavory thugs out to end his life or make it miserable

Stuart Kaminsky is such a flexible, enjoyable writer. He captures the flavor of the Rockford Files series perfectly. Sure miss the show! Hope this is the start of a new series for Mr. Kaminsky.

I understand from a friend that Mr. Kaminsky may have been one of the Rockford Files' writers. Does anyone know if that is correct?