Rating: 
Summary: Leaden and dim-witted
Review: The only thing moving in this book is the bullet train. And that only happens in the last 40 pages or so. Characters are painted so dimly that they barely enter the reader's consciousness (except for the painfully ludicrous high school science teacher who apparently trained at the feet of James Bond). Nothing surprises save one majorly untidy loose end at the conclusion who's name is ... The prose is Cro-Magnon, the plotting Neanderthal. Save your pennies--life is way too short for dreck like this.
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Summary: Parallel Lies Is On the Right Track
Review: Parallel Lies by Ridley Pearson is absolutely terrific. It had everything I have come to expect from a Ridley Pearson novel; rich, real and compelling characters, an interesting premise, a fast moving story and just enough high tech detail . The extra twist of having bad good guys and a good bad guy made it an even more enjoyable read. I was reading at 180 miles per hour just to try to keep up. It is great entertainment. Ridley is going to have to write faster. We're going to need a new Tyler/Priest book and a new Boldt/Matthews book every year. His old fans will really enjoy this book and this one will attract many new readers who haven't had this kind of experience before. It's just great.
Rating: 
Summary: trained out
Review: an interesting concept, the so called "killer" seemed to know too much about the working of the bullet train. I kind of got lost during the episode on the bullet train just before the uncoupling. Things just seemed to perfect, they would just fall in place for both main characters. and, how about the dropping of the flash light. Too staged. nice try! Liked all other pearson novels with lt.bolt et al.
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Summary: A tortured man takes revenge on a railroad
Review: We all love Lou Boldt, but it's nice to meet someone new. He's Peter Tyler, the downtrodden ex-DC cop who's been chewed up by the system and spit out. He's got something to prove, and he's itching to make a comeback. Enter Umberto Alvarez, a former science teacher who lost his wife and twins in a railroad crossing accident. He has turned his torture and grief against the giant corporate railroad he holds responsible. But who's the good guy and who's the bad guy? And who's being used? "Parallel Lies" is a great read with the pace of a bullet train. If you're a newcomer to Ridley Pearson's work, this is the place to start. And once you climb aboard, you'll be hooked.
Rating:
Summary: Good - but not his best
Review: I would actually give this book 3.5 stars if I was able to. I am a huge Ridley fan - especially the Lou Boldt series. I was excited to read this book, and it took me a long time to get into it. The first 100 pages didn't turn fast enough, and the only reason I kept going was because I am a fan of the author. But, the end of the book was fast paced, and the book got better the further toward the end I got. The story was interesting, with no clear cut villian. I liked the characters, although I think that both Peter Tyler and Nell Priest could have been better developed. I liked the idea of David vs. Golliath, but the story just didn't have the special spark that Ridley usually has. It's a good summer read for the beach, but it doesn't do the author any justice. If this is your first time reading Ridley, don't start with this book - find his others first!
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Summary: Well worth the wait!!
Review: I waited so long for the latest of Ridley Pearson's books to come out and I was not dissapointed! As with all of his novels I have read so far, the imagery is sensational. I felt like I was on the train myself at times! Even though Umberto is the antagonist in this novel, I found myself secretely cheering him on and wishing him luck (most of the time but not with everything he did) I also liked the way Peter Tyler was written in this story and would love to read another book with him in it. As with all of the characters in mr Pearson's novels, I found myself really understanding them and what made them do the things they did. Without spoiling it for anyone else, I will just say this....when you get to the ending, try to be in a place where you will not be interupted, or better yet, try to read the entire book in a secluded location because you will NOT want to put it down!
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Summary: I liked flawed characters
Review: ...and Peter Tyler fits the bill perfectly. He loses his temper, loses his job as a D.C. cop, and is probably about to lose his house when a special assignment comes up. Tyler's job is to find Umberto Alvarez, a madman who blames the railroad for the death of his wife and child. I liked the character construction, story lines, and ultimate resolution of this book and would recommend this author to anyone looking for real-to-life characters who are just trying to find their way in this crazy, mixed-up, unfair world. Enjoy!
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Summary: WOW, WHAT A THRILLING & EXHILIRATING RIDE!! GO RIDLEY!
Review: I have read all of Ridley Pearson's novels that he has written and he is definitely one of my favorite authors. He defintely ranks right up there with James Patterson, John Sandford, and Jonathan Kellerman. I believe that "Parallel Lies" was one of his best novels yet! I received an Advanced Reading Copy of "Parallel Lies" two months ago and I was shocked at how good it was. This novel could definitely be a movie because Ridley paints such a great picture of the setting and the surroundings, especially during the train rides. The plot: A man by the name of Umberto Alvarez holds a grudge against one of the biggest railroad companies because their lights and warning signals around a railroad track crossing failed to warn his wife and children that a train was approaching. His whole family was killed by the train. Umberto feels a need to try and destroy all of this companies railroad cars. Peter Tyler is the investigator called in to try and determine who is wrecking these trains. Peter must try and stop Umberto before he gets to the companies new FAST Train and ruins that one. Unfortunately, Peter discovers some rotten details about the companies' way of running business. The ending of this novel was WONDERFUL! I felt so satisfied at the end. If you are going to read one novel this summer, read "Parallel Lies!" Oh, by the way, you might want to fasten your seatbelts.
Rating:
Summary: One Heck of a Ride
Review: Ridley Pearson's writing hooks you with the very first paragraph. With his exciting plots, deep characters and technically accurate police investigations, it's always impossible to put his books down. And "Parallel Lies" is no different. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, but Ridley doesn't use this to confuse the reader. He puts you right into Peter Tyler's mind, lets you think what he's thinking, lets you figure things out along with him. And it's loads of fun! I highly recommend "Parallel Lies" and all of Ridley's books!
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Summary: LOADS OF ACTION AND SUSPENSE
Review: Umberto Alverez's life consists of one thing...bringing the railroad company, he holds responsible for the death of his wife and children, down. Pete Tyler is an ex-cop trying to redeem himself after losing his badge. Now working as an investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board, he is put on the case of the railroad killer, a madman killing homeless people called 'riders'. As Pete's investigation deepens, it becomes more complicated. And, both men, each determined to reach their goal, will stop at nothing to get what they want, until Tyler uncovers the truth about Alvarez, a truth he never expected. 'Parallel Lies' is a fast moving thriller, with characters as real, as they are unusual. This tale of two men set out to right the wrongs in their life is at once a gripping thriller, and the examination of the human spirit to overcome the tragedies they are faced with - no matter what extent they will have to go to. Ridley Pearson is, once again, grabbing his readers and pulling them through a twisting maze full of action, suspense, and a touch of romance. A sure bet for beach reading. Nick Gonnella
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