Customer Reviews

Stolen Lives

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The opening line of this book is "By five thirty, Derek Morrison
would be a murderer, but for now he was eating a tuna sandwich." From that first sentence, this novel propels you on a roller coaster ride that never lets up.
This book is all the more terrifying because the author is a computer programmer, and the events all too possible. "Stolen Lives" will have you turning the pages, staying up late, and updating the
firewall on your computer!
Highly recommended.

Revenge: it's a powerful force that can destroy a life. Don't believe it? Just ask Robert Whitney, owner of a Birmingham-based software company. His wife and daughter were killed when trucker Derek Morrison purposely changed lanes and totaled their car. And part of Robert has died with them.

Matters only worsen when Robert discovers that deceit played a part in Derek's absolution. Past the edge of sanity, Robert uses his computer knowledge to take the law into his own hands and ruin the lives of Derek and others involved. His mission in life is to make them suffer just a portion of what he has suffered. But will it be enough?

This novel is first-class, hopefully the first of many more to come. Contemporary in nature, relevant in theme, frenetic in pace, I literally could not put the book down until I finished it. The same day I started it. Brian Reaves has taken a plausible story and put it into overdrive. Ample suspense is built throughout as the stakes are continually raised in several characters' lives.

My favorite character was a man named Levi. I won't give away his role, but I will say that he is a paradox, an unlikely breeze that blows fresh air into the whole book. I can only pray there are really people like that in the world--those who overcome personal obstacles and draw on the strength Christ gives to help others.

Brian Reaves is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the world of fiction. He knows how to draw the reader in, and once he's got you, he doesn't let go.

Stolen Lives launched Brian Reaves onto my list of all-time favorite authors. If you like a fast paced read, you will love this one. A novel to read in one sitting as you're grabbed in the beginning and held captive until the end. One of the best novels I've read in a long time. So settle back, get comfortable and enjoy the ride. You won't be disappointed. --Rita

You are driving home behind your wife and daughter after meeting up at a grocery store. You watch as an eighteen-wheeler swerves purposely into their lane. You stare in horror as your family's car spins and collides with the tractor trailer.

Your life will never be the same.

And you vow that the trucker's life will never be the same, either.

When crooked justice determines the tragedy of his family's death was an accident, Robert Whitney turns his grief to revenge at those who wronged him. The witness selling his lies to the highest bidder. The state trooper willing to buy the tainted story. The trucking company manager willing to pay them off. And the murderer himself.

With skills honed by his computer programming business, Robert hatches a plan to steal the lives of those who stole his. He will let them suffer, then end it all.

Brian Reaves' tightly woven thriller, Stolen Lives, has been called a modern Count of Monte Cristo, and the comparison is apt. Fleshing out vivid characters with deep motivations, Reaves makes the twisting plot matter intensely to all of them. I didn't want to put this book down. Highly recommended.

Momentary lapses in judgement can destroy lives. Truck driver, Derek Morrison, found out the hard way.

For Robert Whitney revenge seems to be the best punishment for Derek's lapse in judgement.

This book is what I consider edgy fiction about when hatred and revenge gets a tight rein and causes a normal person to go off the deep end.

Mr. Reaves weaves a masterful plot with a message that can change your life completely.

This would make a great movie - plenty of action, a little romance and a lot of intrigue. I read it in one sitting (with a few minor breaks)

Okay, there's this unspoken rule that if you've endorsed a book, you shouldn't also review it. A good rule? Bad rule? I don't know--and frankly, right now, I don't care.

"Stolen Lives" is a great debut novel by Brian Reaves. Through earlier writings, including a small press effort, Reaves has learned how to tell an entertaining, thought-provoking story. He uses these skills to great effect here, creating sympathetic characters, a likeable anti-hero, and a well-paced tale of revenge. A man who has seen his family decimated by a careless mistake uses identity theft to destroy those he believes responsible. Along the way, lessons are learned and redemption of sorts is found--though never in a cliched or preachy way. Bottom line: this is a thriller in every sense of the word, full of twists and turns, and refusing to stay tame in a sometimes tame market.

If you're looking for a new writer to follow and support, add Brian Reaves to your list. I certainly have. Can't wait to see what he's got next for us.

This was a GREAT book! A man witnesses his wife and daughter being murdered. The man responsable gets off and everyone involed has their dirty hands in on it. With twists of computer techies, undercover private detectives and even a man of faith this book is non-stop. Revenge is the answer and those involved are on a list. Lives slowley being destroyed. In the end is it all worth it? This book is Christian fiction but I think I could sneak it by my non-believing friends. There are so many twists and turns you will not be able to put it down.

I loved Stolen Lives. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Exciting from beginning to end. My husband is now reading it and he can hardly put it down too. What a pageturner. I cried at the ending, it was so moving. Cannot wait to buy the sequel.

With the modern threat of identity theft, this book is certainly timely. It's frightening how easy it is for someone to not only ruin one's credit over the internet, but in this case, to completely destroy someone's life. Robert Whitney, a brilliant computer programmer, watches helplessly as his wife and daughter get killed on the interstate by a sleep deprived, angry truck driver. What's worse, the trucker lies about the true cause of the accident (his own road rage), and the state trooper on the scene and another witness take bribes from the trucking company to lie in the accident report. So not only does Mr. Whitney lose his loving family, but the guilty party gets away with the crime and two more people profit handsomely from Mr. Whitney's misery. But not for long! Brian Reaves crafts a clever tale of revenge and redemption. This book is very well researched and well written. It flows perfectly with just the right mix of description detail, character development, action, suspense, emotional turmoil, and spiritual awakening. I strongly recommend this book.

Brian Reaves has crafted a highly entertaining identity theft thriller not to be missed. Robert Whitney loses his wife and daughter in a tragic accident and decides to take out revenge on those who were involved. What follows is a suspenseful tale that consumes the reader and keeps us guessing. There are no good guys or bad guys; just wonderfully fashioned characters that struggle with the concept of right and wrong. In other words.....(gasp)....they are human!

Reaves weaves different story lines together with ease, and the result is an unorthodox conclusion that is both powerful and satisfying. We learn that revenge is never sweet and that there is hope even for the hopeless. This book also opens our eyes to the dangers of identity theft and reminds us how careful we need to be. A very entertaining read that inspires, encourages, and informs. Don't miss this one!