Customer Reviews

Serpent's Dance

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book now ranks as one of my favorite books. I found myself unable to put it down; I read it in two days. The plot was fresh with very interesting and believeable characters. The best mystery books to me are when I try to guess what will happen and I am completely wrong-this is one of those books. I was constantly surprised by the twists and turns this book took and I never could of predicted the ending. I truly did not want this book to end. I would confidently recommend this book, even to people who usually don't read mystery novels. A+ book.

I enjoy the writing style of writer Larry Brooks. His characters are always interesting. His dialogue very today. And, his plots are real page turners. I agree with the one reviewer that said he thought Mr. Brook's "Serpent's Dance," would make a great movie. So it gives me much pleasure to say that Mr. Brook's, "SERPENT'S DANCE,' could very well be the next 'Box Office Smash Hit!'

John Savoy
Savoy International
Motion Pictures Inc.

The synopsis of Serpent's Dance -- Larry Brook's third thriller -- sort of reminded me of Topping from Below. However, this novel has a brand of suspense and terror all its own.

Bernadette Kane couldn't come to terms with her sister's death. She doesn't believe that her sister committed suicide, and she's convinced that Wesley Edwards is somehow responsible for what happened. Her plan is to get to the bottom of things, even if it involves playing Wesley's games of domination and submission. But she hadn't envisaged that her investigation would lead to further surprises...

I am duly impressed with this novel. Brooks's take on the psychological implications of S&M games is as insightful as it is disturbing. As previously mentioned, this novel reminds me of Laura Reese's Topping from Below, but this novel isn't the aforementioned thriller's copycat. The suspense and building of tension kept me turning the pages. Serpent's Dance is even better than Darkness Bound -- Larry Brooks's first novel. I couldn't recommend this book enough...

It can not be easy as an author to write an erotic thriller; yet Mr. Brooks does so with great alacrity and aplumb. I finished this novel about Bernadette Kane, a womsn desperatly seeking answers, and perhaps revenge regarding her sister's death, who quickly succumbs to the sensuality of a mysterious pilot, who ulitmately unbeknownst to her might be more resposible for her sister's downfall, literally and figureative, than the man she holds responsible.
Larry Brooks skill in combining suspense and eroticism is key to making this novel such a compelling read. As I read it there were parts I found disturbing, and didn't want to read but like an accident witness couldnt tear my eyes from the mark of a true craftsman in his trade. The "erotic" scenes are skillfully, and unflinchingly described without the forcefulness found is much of "erotic" description found in market today.
His style is crisp and clean without being mundane or predictable in closing I most heartily and Lustily*wink* recommend this book as a must read anytime anywhere, but most especially as an entertaining summer read at the beach for those wishing a fast and furious escape in their fiction.

When I received a request to review SERPENT'S DANCE by Larry Brooks, my moral warning light went on because it was hailed as an "erotic thriller." I abhor censorship but I do try to use some discretion about what I put into my own mind. While being painfully aware of the levels of wickedness we humans are capable of perpetrating on one another, I usually avoid reading about it for entertainment. And, though I enjoy the occasional romance with its happy and predictable ending, I try to avoid books that glamorize perversion. Granted, some will consider that judgmental but we make discretionary decisions every day, so there you go.

Having said all of that, I agreed to do the review. The eroticism and depravity were there but did not continue interminably, making you want to shout, " OK, I get it already!" --- a tribute to the excellent writing style of the author. Larry Brooks has had about six other careers, but I think he has found the one that will carry him to fame and fortune. His eye for detail is accurate and takes in just enough to give the reader a clear picture without ever getting tedious. And for readers in his home state of Arizona, the added bonus is "being there", as he captures the essence of Scottsdale and surrounding areas. His characters are well defined and their dialogue is easy to hear as the story moves forward. And I especially appreciated the generous sprinkling of humor that helped to lighten even the darkest spots.

SERPENT'S DANCE suggests both "serpents" and "dances" on many levels: corporate, relational, sexual, physical and psychological. The implications for those involved in these dances are every bit as dangerous as you might expect. Brooks weaves an intricate web of seduction, violence and revenge, but what kept me reading was the hope for some kind of redemption, for good to prevail, for evil to fail. There are many surprises and exciting twists in this complex tale, but they are not contrived and keep the reader in the loop all the way through.

From the moment that Bernadette Kane decides to go after the millionaire who she believes killed her sister, to the evil serpents who involve her in their own twisted games and through the startling climax, there is never a dull moment. This proves once again that stepping out of my comfort zone now and then is worth the risk. And if this genre is your favorite already, by all means jump on the bandwagon because Larry Brooks is sure to become one of the biggies.

--- Reviewed by Maggie Harding

When her sister's death is reported as suicide, Bernadette "Bernie" Kane does not believe it. Peggy would not have leapt from a sixth floor hotel window over a broken love affair. Although her sister's life had been through into upheaval over the discovery of her unfaithfulness, Peggy seemed happy enough over the looming divorce and affair with computer CEO Wesley.

Bernie enlists the aid of long time friend Eric Killen to locate the illusive Wesley, intending to prove his link to Peggy's death. Eric's research leads them to Wesley Edwards of Oar Research in Scottsdale, Arizona. Bernie cleverly arranges employment as a contractor, and engages a game meant to exact vengeance. Soon, however, Bernie finds herself caught in a maze of deception, secrets, and blood lust.

Author Larry Brooks pens an addictive suspense with SERPENT'S DANCE that readers will find mesmerizing. Seductive vengeance turns deadly when complex contradictions trap key players. Despite her resourcefulness, Bernie is ill prepared for secrets that go beyond her imagination. Wesley presents an enigmatic profile that at one baffles readers even while drawing them in. The sexual players known as Damian and Diana provide evocative, dangerous imagery and almost incomprehensible madness in a world where the serpent's dance is everything. An intriguing read filled with crisp prose detailing a dark and dangerous world, SERPENT'S DANCE comes very highly recommended.

Sisters Bernie and Peggy Kane remain very close in spite of distance and that Peggy married a loser. Thus, when Peggy's father-in-law calls to inform Bernie that her younger sister committed suicide she cannot believe it, Bernie knows that her sibling seemed happy with an upcoming divorce and an affair with computer CEO Wesley and his airplane.

When the police decide it is suicide due to a broken love affair as the cause of death, Bernie asks childhood friend Eric Killen to help her learn why Peggy jumped from the hotel window. Eric obtains information on Peggy's lover Wesley Edwards of Oar Research in Scottsdale, Arizona that enables Bernie to gains work as a contractor for the firm. She begins a sexual game of cat and mouse with Wesley. Initially thinking that she is the predator seeking vengeance, Bernie soon realizes she is the rodent caught in a deadly trap in which survival is all she can hope to achieve.

Few writers of passionate suspense thrillers can provide the complexities of plot that Larry Brooks achieves. SERPENT'S DANCE is an exciting tale of seductive vengeance that quickly turns into a deadlier affair. Bernie is a great heroine, but do not let her spot your weights for you while Wesley is an enigmatic charismatic opponent, not aware that he is the enemy. The support cast enables the audience to understand Bernie's demons and propels the story line forward. Most intriguing is the Sacramento chapters that at first seem as if they provide only shock value and are out of place, but ultimately contribute the full scope to an invigorating dark tale.

Harriet Klausner

Larry Broooks' latest offering to the world of paperback fiction is ultimately a dark tour de force about family loyalty, friendship and forgiveness, but the author takes us on a long and tortuous route to salvation.

Bernadette Kane does not believe the police reports that say her sister Peggy committed suicide after a love affair went south. Bernie knows only that Peggy was involved with a computer magnate named Wesley and that Wesley had a jet. With the help of her long-time friend, Eric Killen, Bernie tracks Wesley to Arizona and lands a programming job at his company.

Bernie's appearance sets off a series of sinister events. While she thinks she's the lead dog, watching it all unfold, Bernie is actually just a pawn in two deadly games of greed and dark sexuality.

Do people like Damien and Diana exist? Are we so jaded that authors must resort to such bleak plot lines to attract readers? I sure hope not....on both accounts.

I'm no Pollyanna, but the book's dark plot lines and somewhat incredible denouement stop me from giving the novel a thumbs up. I hope Brooks will use his considerable creative talents on a more upbeat story next time around.

With SERPENT'S DANCE, Brooks is back on firmer ground after the misfire of PRESSURE POINTS. This, his third novel, is a heady cocktail of Topping From Below, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and Blood Simple, with a little Michael Crichton thrown in for good measure. That he is able to pull it off is a tribute to his talent, and I found it to be an enjoyable roller-coaster ride from start to finish. I don't want to give away any plot secrets, but I will say that this one will keep you guessing right to the end without sending the needle on your BS meter into the danger zone. The only complaints I have (and they are relatively minor ones) are that the writing could have used an editing pencil here or there (there are some muddled metaphors and obscure references that had me scratching my head) and the character of Jerry was a little too naive and not as convincingly nerdy as he should have been. Great fun, and probably the best of his novels so far.

I loved this book, I was so surprised for a supermarket pick up. It was twisted, s[assy], and thrilling. I liked the plot, although it did get a little messy close to the end. It was a 'who done it' to a new degree. I will definatly check out other books by this author!!! I would however not recommend it for people under 17 though ~*****~