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Summary: You cant put it down!
Review: I purchased this book before I even knew there was such a movie soon coming out. Im more into bios and true crime, but as soon as I opened it, I basically read it straight through, when I had to put it down, I couldnt wait to get back to it right away. It isnt your typical kidnapping story. The entire book which was originally titled "24 hours" is set in exactly that; 24 hours. The chapters end in the way great authors keep you reading, yearning to find out what happens next. The characters; the "good guys" are likeable and easy to relate to. The "bad guys" or the leader at least, is scary enough to be true to life, real. Although you cant help feeling bad for one of guys on the "bad" team, ...you have to read it to find out, cant give too much away. Basically if you are looking for a good read, this is it. Take my word for it, it wont last long because you really wont be able to put it down, and read it before the movie, I always thought the books were alot better then the movies, your mind will add imagination to it all. But as far as fictional crime goes, this is the way to go.
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Summary: You will want to finish this in 24 hours
Review: As one might expect based on the title, this novel by Greg Iles covers a 24-hour period. I only wish that I had been able to finish it in 24 hours. The book was extremely good. In fact, it was nearly impossible to put down, continually tugging against work and family obligations. The book grabs you in the first few pages and does not let go, with a storyline of kidnapping for ransom that hits right at every parents' worst nightmare. The intensity and buildup of the story, combined with the ruthlessness of the villain make this a story that is not for the weak of heart. However, as the story progresses, the character development lets the reader understand the egos, anxieties, and motivations of a broad set of characters -- and also drives the reader to form an affinity or antipathy for most characters. It is a very compelling read. I strongly recommend this book.
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Summary: One of his best
Review: I really like Greg Iles and this is one of his best.
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Summary: Iles Shows His Diversity Once Again
Review: Quite simply, Greg Iles is talented enough to write any kind of novel on any subject and produce good work. This is an author who has written an excellent WWII novel (Black Cross), an epic tale of a murder in the south (The Quiet Game), as well as his latest two books (Dead Sleep and Sleep No More) which are highly entertaining thrillers. Despite some of the reviews to the contrary, 24 Hours is another quality novel that serves its purpose: to entertain readers.24 Hours is the story of a group of kidnappers who have developed what they feel is the perfect crime. They have pulled it off five times already without a hitch and they anticipate no problems with their latest gig. As you may have guessed, complications arise and lives are threatened. Readers of Iles previous work will be familiar with his complex, involving characters and vivid settings. These aspects of Iles writing are present to the same degree as they are in The Quiet Game. However, because 24 Hours sole purpose is to create a state of suspense for the reader, this does not detract from the story. In fact, by keeping the plot moving at an extremely rapid pace, it would not be difficult to argue that it actually helps. This is an extremely suspenseful novel that readers will enjoy - many will finish it in one sitting. Iles other works are also worth reading. Its very difficult to read any of his works without becoming a fan. On the whole, 24 Hours is a different style of Iles's writing, but one that should not disappoint.
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Summary: Suspenseful and different
Review: This book was excellent. Lots of suspense and drama. A ransom kidnipping, that has different twists and turns. Lots of action. Just when you think you have figured out how it is all going to end, you will be surprised. I picked this book up thinking it would be a run of the mill read, but I was pleasantly surprised...it was fast paced and the plot premise was very original A great read, and a real good page turner.
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Summary: Fast paced and impossible to put down.
Review: At first I was against reading '24 Hours' because I thought it would be just another suspense novel, full of formula and predictability, but when I heard my favourite actor Stuart Townsend played the main character in the movie I had to check it out. What I found was a well crafted, original, and intriguing suspense novel that I was litterally unable to put it down. Some books claim to be edge of your seat thrillers but '24 Hours' really delivers in that department. It creates a real sense of fear and nervousness in the reader and you find yourself thinking what would you do and how would you handle it. Greg Iles wrote the screenplay for '24 Hours' before he actually wrote the novel, so that is probably why it feels just as fast paced as a film when your reading it. Because of the simultaneous release of Nicole Kidman's 'The Hours' in the same quarter the title of the movie based on '24 Hours' had to be changed to 'Trapped' because two movies with the same word in the title according to MPAA rules can not be released at the same time so that there is no confusion at the box office. Everyone should read '24 Hours' before the movie comes out so that the story and suspense are not ruined by the film and press for the film. It would be a true loss not to fully experience this novel.
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Summary: WOW!
Review: One of the best books I have read in a long time. Greg Iles knows how to grab ya. After that, there is no letting go till you finish the book. He makes you live with the characters. You feel what they feel, you hate what they hate, and you just don't want this book to end.
If you are looking for a thriller that is a real page-turner, this is the one
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Summary: Possible to Read in Twenty-Four Hours
Review: 24 Hours, by Greg Iles, is a quick, exciting read. The plotline is intricate enough to keep one's interest, though not too complicated or complex to follow. The book is a page-turner.
The opening scene begins with the reuniting of a mother and her kidnapped child. The scene switches to present day, and a new family. We learn about Will Jennings, an aspiring research doctor, his lovely wife Karen, and their five-year old daughter Abby. As Will is whisked away to a medical convention, terror strikes at the Jennings' home. Abby has been kidnapped. A kidnapper confronts Karen, telling her about an elaborate scheme to finish the kidnapping in twenty-four hours- as long as the Jennings play by the rules. Will is confronted by another kidnapper at the convention, and Abby is held by a third party at an unknown location. Will's mind goes into overdrive as he looks for a way to rescue Abby; Karen is in the same situation. As Will's actions at the convention mold with Karen's at home, the story unfolds. Will Abby Jennings be safe in twenty-four hours?
Though I enjoyed this book, there were a few aspects of it I didn't like. It kept my interest while reading it, but after putting it down, I found it easy to ignore- this wasn't one of those books that I had to finish as soon as possible. The characters weren't very well developed. Iles does a great job of conveying their emotions, but there isn't a whole lot of background information. There's also a vital plot element that is unfeasible in real life. All in all, this was a pleasurable read. It's quick pace and smooth writing helped propel this book to a spot on my shelf. It should be on your shelf, too.
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Summary: A Rush
Review: 24 Hours can be describe with only two words: adrenalyne rush. It is fast-paced, well written, very suspenseful and completely engrossing. It has belivable characters and a plot that, although far-fetched at times, is so filled of twists and turns that you can't help but like its cahotic storytelling. A young couple think they had it all; Will is a brillian doctor who has just invented a new drug which will make him rich. But they'll soon learn how quickly your life can take a turn for the worse. Little does Will know that Joe, his dumb-witted cousin Huey and his wife Cheryl plan on kidnapping his daughter for a ransom. Joe believes he has the perfect plan. He's done it five times already and plans on doing it again. But Joe has an ulterior motive in mind this time around. He wants revenge, he wants to see blood, not just the ransom money. And as he kidnaps Will's daughter and takes Will's wife for ostage, he will change the rules of his own game to bring the stakes on step higher. Of course, the plot is so all over the place that it's not fully belivable. But Ile's style of writing makes this fact bearable. His writing is striaght-to-the-point and trim; there is very little writing that is superfluous of unnecessary. Every word is there for a purpose. And his short sentences and sharp dialogue only add to his already edgy style. I had a blast reading this book. It's a very quick read that will keep you turning the pages all through the night. This novel can be so intense that you won't be able to put it down.
Rating: 
Summary: Cliche But Worth Reading
Review: Much of what I can say about 24 Hours can apply to many novels in the thriller/suspense genre - the characters are not well developed, the action is formulaic and the outcome is predictable. Having said that, 24 Hours is reasonably well written and fast-paced enough to keep even seasoned suspense readers turning pages. My main complaint with 24 Hours is that it could have reached the same conclusion in half the amount of pages. As I said, the book was sufficiently fast-paced so length wasn't an issue, however, the plot was established early and there were very few revelations throughout the last half of the novel. The content wasn't filler but it wasn't exactly essential to the plot. In addition, the characters Joe and Huey seemed to be taken directly from Of Mice And Men. Perhaps it was intentional. Perhaps not. It just made the action that much more predictable. All-in-all, a good read. Certainly not the best suspense novel I've read lately but definitely not the worst.
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