Home :: Books :: Audiocassettes  

Arts & Photography
Audio CDs
Audiocassettes

Biographies & Memoirs
Business & Investing
Children's Books
Christianity
Comics & Graphic Novels
Computers & Internet
Cooking, Food & Wine
Entertainment
Gay & Lesbian
Health, Mind & Body
History
Home & Garden
Horror
Literature & Fiction
Mystery & Thrillers
Nonfiction
Outdoors & Nature
Parenting & Families
Professional & Technical
Reference
Religion & Spirituality
Romance
Science
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Sports
Teens
Travel
Women's Fiction
The Guardian

The Guardian

List Price: $19.99
Your Price: $13.59
Product Info Reviews

<< 1 2 3 4 5 >>

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Dee Henderson delivers!
Review: From the O'Malley family in The Negotiator comes U.S. Marshal Marcus O'Malley. He and his partner, Quinn Diamond, were covering a conference for the Supreme Court Justice Nominations when one of the Justice was killed. Shari Hanford was an unexpected witness to the crime. She clearly saw the killer. The killer clearly saw her.

Marcus and Quinn track down the killer while protecting Shari. Kate (a Hostage Negotiator) and Lisa (a Medical Crime Scene Investigator) were sisters to Marcus and helped in major ways to find and decipher forensic evidence.

Shari and Marcus become close. As Shari faced her crisis, she leaned upon God. But Marcus was an unbeliever and had his own major crises to deal with.

***** As wonderful as "The Negotiator" was! It was great to see Kate again and Lisa is still a pistol! Dee Henderson has an incredible ability to blend an exciting and realistic thriller with a touch of religious faith and healing. Excellent reading! Another winner! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Tough guy, big heart - the Guardian
Review: Henderson's second book in the O'malley series was, in my opinion, much better than the first. Most likely because politics, judges and the law, as well as U.S. marshalls are closer to home than other topics she's written about.

Here, you'll read of the oldest sibling of the O'Malley clan. When the seven orphans came together, changed their names and created their own family, Marcus became the official protector and guide for the entire group. His resulting strength and wisdom are carried over into his job as a U.S. marshall.

When a federal judge is killed, Marcus takes responsibility for protecting the witness to the assassination, Shari Hanford. Through the stress of the continued threat to Shari's life, she learns to regain a hold on her life-long faith and to fall for Marcus. He, in turn, is struggling as to whether he should seek the rejected faith of his childhood.

Pretty good story, with some very interesting discussions of the reasons why people lose faith when faced with the toughest times life can throw our way. Some times a little too sappy, but it does show how people are brought into your life when you need them.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Interesting story/questionable theology
Review: I have read several of Dee Henderson's books and enjoy them mostly for the mystery/suspense factor. I had a problem with her theology in The Guardian, however. She writes of Marcus as having once believed, but not being a believer now. Late in the book, Marcus asks Jesus to be his Savior "again." Since Ms. Henderson invites readers to write to her, I did so and asked her to clarify this point: was it that Marcus just turned away from the Lord for awhile due to bitterness, did he not TRULY believe in the first place, or did he lose his salvation? She wrote back, thanking me for writing and telling me of her other books. I found her lack of response to my question troubling. Why does she invite response if her only intention is to plug her other books (which are already plugged in the book you are reading)? Nevertheless, I am still enjoying the O'Malley series. The story lines are very interesting, and the detail and pace keep your attention. The romance aspect is a little syrupy, though, and it always happens so fast. How realistic is it that all of these people seem to know within about 2 weeks of meeting that they want to spend the rest of their life with someone? I guess that's why they call it fiction!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Love Marcus
Review: I love the O'Malley's. I have come to think of them as a part of my family. Everytime I read one of their stories I am one of their siblings. This book is wonderful. Marcus O'Malley is a true and loving brother. Dee Henderson did a wonderful job creating Marcus. I loved the ransom part of the story. It was a really cute addition to the story. I can't wait for Lisa and Quinn's story.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A great read
Review: I loved Marcus in the first book and was excited to read the book about him. I especially liked how the message (about whether God really answers prayers) didn't overshadow the plot. I enjoyed what she had to say and enjoyed being entertained while reading it.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: The Guardian
Review: I read half and found that I couldn't finish it. The storyline is too similar to the first novel in thee O'Malley series. I didn't really find this novel particularly suspenseful. The pace wasn't quick enough. There's more investigation of the crime and little action. I generally love romances, but this is rather dull. The author and I don't share the same sense of humor. I couldn't find anything to smile about in this book. I feel that Dee Henderson is a good writer and is a wonderful researcher, but I just couldn't generate much interest for the story even though I liked the characters.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Sigh...
Review: I've read The Negotiator and The Guardian and I have the same basic opinion about both: unrealistic. But then, I don't read a lot of romance novels, so maybe this genre isn't supposed to be. Just a few examples...

The characters are very black and white. They're either sickeningly perfect or completely bad. Marcus, Jennifer, Kate, Dave, Shari, her mom, her brother, her dad, Carl, the rest of the O'Malleys... I don't know anyone like these people. They're all saints, all beautiful, all educated, all financially well-off. Sure, they've had bad things happen to them, but they're always the victims. I got the impression they've never done or said anything hurtful, inappropriate, or irresponsible themselves.

Their jobs! The O'Malley's are ALL heroes of some kind. And they're all exceptional at their jobs - among the best in their fields. Please.

The family is a little too enmeshed. Especially when it comes to Marcus. I understand he sees himself as a father-figure to the others. But it gets to be a bit much. Example:
p. 203
If something happened to him, who would keep Lisa out of trouble?
[She's a grown woman. She'd keep herself out of trouble.]
Who would give Rachel a hug?
[Is he the only person who hugs her?]
Who would talk to Kate in the middle of the night when she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders?
[This one I can understand. But she does have Dave now.]
Who would ensure Jennifer got everything possible to help her get well?
[The others? Her fiancee? Herself? She's a doctor, after all.]

Another example. Kate, Jennifer, and Marcus all fret over getting married and changing the dynamic between the rest of the family members. It's almost like they feel they'll be betraying each other if they become involved in serious relationships. That doesn't sound normal, but it comes across to me like the author intends it to sound as if it is.

I thought the best parts had to do with solving the case.
Again, maybe my problem is just with the genre. If so, I apologize to Dee. I just didn't see my viewpoint represented anywhere else in the feedback section and wanted to give others like me fair warning.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Sigh...
Review: I've read The Negotiator and The Guardian and I have the same basic opinion about both: unrealistic. But then, I don't read a lot of romance novels, so maybe this genre isn't supposed to be. Just a few examples...

The characters are very black and white. They're either sickeningly perfect or completely bad. Marcus, Jennifer, Kate, Dave, Shari, her mom, her brother, her dad, Carl, the rest of the O'Malleys... I don't know anyone like these people. They're all saints, all beautiful, all educated, all financially well-off. Sure, they've had bad things happen to them, but they're always the victims. I got the impression they've never done or said anything hurtful, inappropriate, or irresponsible themselves.

Their jobs! The O'Malley's are ALL heroes of some kind. And they're all exceptional at their jobs - among the best in their fields. Please.

The family is a little too enmeshed. Especially when it comes to Marcus. I understand he sees himself as a father-figure to the others. But it gets to be a bit much. Example:
p. 203
If something happened to him, who would keep Lisa out of trouble?
[She's a grown woman. She'd keep herself out of trouble.]
Who would give Rachel a hug?
[Is he the only person who hugs her?]
Who would talk to Kate in the middle of the night when she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders?
[This one I can understand. But she does have Dave now.]
Who would ensure Jennifer got everything possible to help her get well?
[The others? Her fiancee? Herself? She's a doctor, after all.]

Another example. Kate, Jennifer, and Marcus all fret over getting married and changing the dynamic between the rest of the family members. It's almost like they feel they'll be betraying each other if they become involved in serious relationships. That doesn't sound normal, but it comes across to me like the author intends it to sound as if it is.

I thought the best parts had to do with solving the case.
Again, maybe my problem is just with the genre. If so, I apologize to Dee. I just didn't see my viewpoint represented anywhere else in the feedback section and wanted to give others like me fair warning.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Wow!
Review: Marcus O'Malley is used to being the guardian of his family. When Shari Handford witnesses the brutal killing of a US Supreme Court Justice, it falls to Marcus to protect her life. Instinctively, Marcus enfolds Shari under his protective wing and finds himself admiring her more everyday. There's just one problem. Shari has been targeted by one of the best assassins in the world. What happens next is a story full of danger, intrigue and Dee Henderson's trademark suspense. Shari and Marcus are fighting to survive and to see justice served. At the same time, Marcus is confronted with his past and his loss of faith in God.

Dee Henderson has created a warm, caring, funny and realistic family capable of standing together through many of life's challenges.The O'Malley series has quickly become one of my favorites. Once you're hooked, it's almost impossible to wait for the next release. I'm on pins and needles waiting for The Truth Seeker!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: BRILLIANT......... YET AGAIN!
Review: Mix an equally large quantity of suspense, intrigue and excitement until well blended, then sprinkle with romance and you will end up with a page turning thriller. This is obviously what Dee Henderson has done in 'The Guardian' to turn out the brilliantly written second book in the O'Malley series. As a huge fan of D.H., I have enjoyed all the books I have read of hers. Right from the start you NEED to know what happens next. I love the strong personalities and the way they interact with one another. The way she introduces new characters into the story and ultimately into the O'Malley clan is so good. I thought the message about prayer was brought into the story really well and watching Marcus learn to trust in Jesus again was beautiful to watch. The only part I hate is waiting for the next book!! Thanks Dee. Your books are very much appreciated.


<< 1 2 3 4 5 >>

© 2004, ReviewFocus or its affiliates