Spencerville

Rating:
Summary: Fun read
Review: I really enjoy DeMille's work and this was no exception. The story here is a bit lighter and more of a smaller scale, then some of his other books, which isn't to say there isn't jealously, rape, stalking and murder, but that it mostly follows the action of the protagonist trying to win back his old flame and rescue her from the clutches of an evil and demented husband.

For people that like the "damsel in distress" type story, with plotting, action, revenge and love, this is definitely a winner, it's kind of a romance for the male market, not that woman wouldn't enjoy it too. It could actually make a decent flick, the bad guy is pretty straight forward and the good guy is pretty straight forward and it isn't long before you're rooting for the good guy to win the girl and kick the bad guys rear. The aren't a lot of twists and turns or mysteries here, it's pretty predictable, the good guy just screws up enough to give us drama.

In any case, while I give it four stars because it's a lessor story than some of DeMille's bigger novels, it's still a very fun and quick read and I give it a strong recommendation to those that like this kind of story. If you're unfamiliar with his work, check out "The Gold Coast" which is a classic and very much worth reading.

Rating:
Summary: keeps you on your toes
Review: I had never read any of his books before and was anxious to see what his writing is like as I had seen the movie, "The Generals Daughter" made from one of his books and had enjoyed it. He is a tremendous writer. He gets his characters right and when you are reading the book, you are right there riding right along with them. You can feel the anger, hurt, joy, etc. that the characters are experiencing. An intelligence officer, Keith, is returning to his home town now that they don't need him anymore and have retired him. He is returning to the farm he grew up on and to the memories of his true love Annie. Annie is married to the sheriff of the town now and they have two grown up kids no longer at home. Her life is not enjoyable. Her husband is a womaniser and sociopathic. He is jealous and has her watched constantly because of his jealousy, keeping her in a vacuum. As long as he is in office, she feels fairly safe because she knows he doesn't dare cause any negative publicity of his actions. She is still in love with Keith, and doesn't know if he is alive or not until he shows up. Her husband finds out that Keith has returned and develops a jealous and manic rage against Keith because of Annie and Keith's relationship years ago. It is a book that you keep reading straight through because you want to know what happens. Excellent writer and book.

Rating:
Summary: De Mille is great as usual
Review: Keith Landry has been an espionage agent for the US government for twenty-five years when he retires and returns to his parent's farm in Spencerville. He still carries a torch for his old girlfriend and the feeling is mutual. Unfortunately while he has been away she has married and had a couple of kids. Her husband is vindictive and power crazy and is the local sheriff. Keith and Annie renew their relationship, but even before that Baxter is after him on any pretext whatsoever. As usual De Mille produces a fast paced thriller from page one to the end.