No Safe Place

Rating:
Summary: THE THRILLS ARE IN THE CHARACTERS
Review: Being a neophyte to Mr. Patterson's books, I have been going through them in order; I have been awed overall by this man's brilliant writing. I was disappointed at first in "No Safe Place," as Patterson moves away from criminal law to a political drama. I even considered not reading it after the first few chapters. But once again, Patterson's skills as a writer forced me to finish it and I'm glad I did. For what he achieves again is an incredible mixture of characters and situations that can't help but grab you by the throat and never let you go. In the alternating flashbacks, we learn so much about all of the characters. At times, Kerry Killcannon seems too good to be true, but beneath this saintly figure is a man with bitterness, the need for vengeance, and a need to climb out of the shadow of his assassinated brother, Jamie.
The scenes of family abuse are stunning--and disturbing---the moment at the end of the Anthony Musso trial is shocking and heartbreaking. Kerry's decision regarding the child in this situation has far reaching results.
Lara Costello, the lovely reported that Killcannon has fallen in love with, is portrayed as a career-driven, but ultimately a woman of substance.
The issues attacked in this book are the hard ones that we all face each day. Pro-life/pro-choice/gun control/spouse abusal protection...Patterson packs some powerful comments and whether you agree with them or not, you have to admire him for trying to be fair and realistic in his approach. Journalism takes a beating in this one, as it should. It gives further evidence how the media will do anything to get a story, even ruin people's lives.
The tragic Sean Bean is a very disturbing but pitiful character and the path he takes to his own destruction is gutwrenching, but at the climax of his scene, you'll understand why.
A brilliant book, and quite well done.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Rating:
Summary: Great fun book
Review: The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is that I found it a bit long in parts. Wannabe President Kerry Kilcannon is a great character study of someone who is unsure just how much to lose or compromise to ascend to the highest office. What's nice is that he is an honest to goodness good person. I wish he were running for office in real life. I recommend this book. This was the first Patterson book I have read, but it won't be the last.

Rating:
Summary: Suspense, politics and murder ... the perfect combination.
Review: A Kennedyesque Senator Kerry Kilcannon is running for his party's nomination for president against the vice president. This book follows Kerry's campaign across the country in the days leading up to the primary. In the end, the focus is on California, where Kerry needs to win. Haunted by the assassination of his older brother whose footsteps Kerry now follows, Kerry is determined not to let an old affair ruin his chances to be president. The real suspense comes from a right to life fanatic, wanted for murdering three abortion clinic workers, who tracks Kerry to California, where he plots the assassination of the presidential hopeful. This book is like a train wreck: It is obvious what is about to happen; what is not obvious is who the mysterious assassin is. The author effectively uses flashbacks to give us a glimpse of Kerry's past, which dramatically influences who he is today: his abusive father, his Irish godfather/mentor who guides Kerry's political career, and the importance of his campaign manager. The details about the campaign, the press, and the Secret Service are astonishingly clear, but not a surprise given the research Patterson did in writing this book.