Rating: 
Summary: My first Maxim won't be my last
Review: I picked up a copy Whistler's Angel in an airport bookstore when faced with an unexpected flight delay. I had not read any of Maxim's other works and did not know exactly what to expect. This first exposure will have me going back for more. Maxin spins an intriguing story, effectively bouncing back between the present and the past while building to an exciting climax. The book follows Adam Whistler, an ex-special forces soldier and government assassin who is fighting the realities of his past and the corruption of his superiors, and Claudia (who believes she has been tasked with being Adam's guardian angel following her own brush with death) as they come to grips with events that have brought them together. Whistler's Angel is packed with action, suspense, plot twists and good character development. I suspect, however, that the book would have been better is I was more familiar with some of the characters that clearly had been part of Maxim's previous works. I suppose it is time to go back to the early Maxim, starting with the Bannerman series.
Rating: 
Summary: Eccentric Characters Abound in Thoroughly Enjoyable Tale
Review: If you don't have a wry sense of humor, you may not get this latest effort from John Maxim. However, for those of us that enjoy characters with some "character", then this is a must read. Unlike most reviewers, I have not read any of the Bannerman series (although I certainly will now). The villains in this book were absolutely hilarious. Maxim blended the character's outright stupidity with an occasional cunning thought. Maxim nailed their personalities perfectly. The thriller genre is so saturated with stories of evil government types trying to bring down the hero, that the only way an author scores in my mind is by making the characters memorable. Most of the time, it's the hero that provides the memories. Not so here. While Whistler and Claudia have their moments, Lockwood, Crow, and especially Kaplan, steal the show.
Rating:
Summary: Eccentric Characters Abound in Thoroughly Enjoyable Tale
Review: If you don't have a wry sense of humor, you may not get this latest effort from John Maxim. However, for those of us that enjoy characters with some "character", then this is a must read. Unlike most reviewers, I have not read any of the Bannerman series (although I certainly will now). The villains in this book were absolutely hilarious. Maxim blended the character's outright stupidity with an occasional cunning thought. Maxim nailed their personalities perfectly. The thriller genre is so saturated with stories of evil government types trying to bring down the hero, that the only way an author scores in my mind is by making the characters memorable. Most of the time, it's the hero that provides the memories. Not so here. While Whistler and Claudia have their moments, Lockwood, Crow, and especially Kaplan, steal the show.
Rating:
Summary: Maxim takes it to the Maximum every time!!
Review: Johm R. Maxim is the absolute best when it comes to writing mystery and intrigue novels. I guaruntee if you read just one of his novels you will be hooked. If you enjoy one of them you will enjoy them all. Maxim is unparalled when it comes to characterization and plot weaving. Each and every character Maxim introduces has a substance, a charisma, that make them seem much more realistic and believeable. They are not just two dimensional characters, so-to-speak. When it comes to plot twists and scenarios, Maxim is a genious. Think of a plot as an unwoven piece of rope, each thread being various plots, subplots, and characterization scenarios. The entire time you a reading Maxim is constantly weaving them together just enough for you to begin putting things togther, but in such a way that it keeps you on the edge of your seat. That is untill it all comes together in some of the most clever and intricate climaxes I have ever read. The beauty of Maxims books, besides the amazing characters, and intense story lines, is that they keep you thuroughly entertained the entire time you are reading. There is never a time in any of the novels when an instance for boredom arrises. You will be so totally engrossed in these books it is entirely likely you could finsish a novel in one sitting, I did. Trust me, if intrique, mystery, and the spy thing are what float your boat these books will not dissapoint you.
Rating:
Summary: The Bannerman Legacy Expands
Review: John R. Maxim is hard to write a review for. He is undoubtly one of my favorite authors, possibly my favorite living author (and may he continue to win that contest for a long time). So it's hard not to gush and expell verbs and adjectives of praise. But... let me force myself.Of course for us harcore Bannerman fans there simply was not enough Bennerman presence, but then he never said it was a Bannerman book. Whistler and Claudia made an intriguing couple, the dialouge was a little 40's dramaish (is that a word?)but the banter was good. I found myself enjoying the bad guys in this book. They were good comic relief, but were believable bad guys for their own reasons. I'm hesitent to visit Hilton Head Island now, it seems a little dangerous these days between the goings on in Haven and this book. But I'll probably go anyway, just to see what happens. John Maxim is the most under rated writer in mystery today. While we all enjoy the adventures of Dirk Pitt and Richard Marcinko's Rogue Warriors, it truly is John Maxim that brings us adventures that we as average ordinary people could possibly find ourselves in. Is it just me or would anyone else like to see the Bannerman books made into film? If they do just promise me they will try and get Brian Dennehy to play Lesko!
Rating:
Summary: The Bannerman Legacy Expands
Review: John R. Maxim is hard to write a review for. He is undoubtly one of my favorite authors, possibly my favorite living author (and may he continue to win that contest for a long time). So it's hard not to gush and expell verbs and adjectives of praise. But... let me force myself. Of course for us harcore Bannerman fans there simply was not enough Bennerman presence, but then he never said it was a Bannerman book. Whistler and Claudia made an intriguing couple, the dialouge was a little 40's dramaish (is that a word?)but the banter was good. I found myself enjoying the bad guys in this book. They were good comic relief, but were believable bad guys for their own reasons. I'm hesitent to visit Hilton Head Island now, it seems a little dangerous these days between the goings on in Haven and this book. But I'll probably go anyway, just to see what happens. John Maxim is the most under rated writer in mystery today. While we all enjoy the adventures of Dirk Pitt and Richard Marcinko's Rogue Warriors, it truly is John Maxim that brings us adventures that we as average ordinary people could possibly find ourselves in. Is it just me or would anyone else like to see the Bannerman books made into film? If they do just promise me they will try and get Brian Dennehy to play Lesko!
Rating:
Summary: It's a good Maxim book - even if not enough Bannerman
Review: Mr. Maxim is one of my favorite authors, so any new volume is a treat. His style of writing is compelling, no matter what the subject matter. When you combine that with his ability to develope living, emotional, well-rounded characters, and high-intense action his books become legends you pass on to other readers. "Whistler ..." is no exception. He's continued Bannerman's story a step further, showing how even the "bad guys" can be human. If someone is looking for stories about what ex-spies do afterwards, or what happened after the cold war ended, or how theycan lead a normal life, then the Bannerman Series is the place to go.
"Whistler" continues the series by showing life from a different view. Strong characters and an intrigueing plot make it a good read!
Congratulations, Sir, you've done it again!
Rating:
Summary: It's a good Maxim book - even if not enough Bannerman
Review: Mr. Maxim is one of my favorite authors, so any new volume is a treat. His style of writing is compelling, no matter what the subject matter. When you combine that with his ability to develope living, emotional, well-rounded characters, and high-intense action his books become legends you pass on to other readers. "Whistler ..." is no exception. He's continued Bannerman's story a step further, showing how even the "bad guys" can be human. If someone is looking for stories about what ex-spies do afterwards, or what happened after the cold war ended, or how theycan lead a normal life, then the Bannerman Series is the place to go.
"Whistler" continues the series by showing life from a different view. Strong characters and an intrigueing plot make it a good read!
Congratulations, Sir, you've done it again!
Rating:
Summary: Maximum intrigue, people are dying!!
Review: Once again John Maxim adds an excellent book to the genre. This is not a true Bannerman book ie. the Bannerman crew are peripheral to the story. However, it is a delightfull way to spend a day. Do not begin the book if you have any obligations. As with all the Maxim books, I fell asleep in the early hours of the morning with the book in my hand and took the next morning off to finish the book. The new characters in the book are up to snuff and once you are in for this book, you will be looking forward to finishing off the rest of Maxim's books. Vince Flynn is the only other contemporary writer who can keep up with John Maxim, now that Ludlum is past his prime.
Rating:
Summary: gray area morality with a added twist of mirth
Review: The eternal battle of good and evil becomes relative in this extraordinary tale of behind the scenes manipulation. Maxim has outdone himself with eccentric, but believable characters. Aubrey, Poole and their henchmen almost steal the limelight as Maxim lets you enter their twisted minds. You almost feel sorry for them as you delight in Adam's, Harry's and Claudia's triumphs. Nobody writes women better than JRM or has the ability to do the breadth and depth of character development in general. The exchanges between father and son ring true.The building of the relationship between Adam and Claudia is especially well done. Bravo for a novel that is thrilling and at times just plain fun.
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