This Far, No Further

Rating:
Summary: Good Beginning
Review: This Far, No Further is,I understand from the Acknowledgments, Wessel's first published novel. It's a good start; his main character, Harding, is complex and smart. I really didn't like this book at first, because I HATED his client, Elenya Rosenberg, whose husband, Harding is following. I hated her worse than the husband; and Harding is always talking about how he has to protect Elenya. But hating the client is nothing new, I'd never read another Spenser, if I let that bother me. Harding really won me over when he is told by someone that that person had been on hold so long, he had to listen to the whole soundtract of South Pacific and Harding asks " Broadway cast or Movie version?" Since, that's something I would ask and since we both like old monster movies, I want to read more books about this character.

Rating:
Summary: A Book Worth Listening To
Review: This Far, No Further: Audio Cassette Review I have a confession to make. I originally purchased this audio cassette because I 'm a fan of the reader, Bruce Greenwood. I have enjoyed his work since "St. Elsewhere." When his most recent stint on "Nowhere Man" ended, I welcomed the chance to experience another one of his projects. Since John Wessel is new to the writing scene, I knew nothing about him. Little did I know, I was in for a double treat. This man is a writer! Although I'm not usually attracted to the detective genre, I was drawn in after the first few sentences. While the plot moves at supersonic speed, characters are not sacrificed. He approaches his storyline with an uncommon warmth and wit. Even in a three hour tape, The main character, Harding, is well fleshed out. He gains the reader's instant empathy as together, they are swept away on a roller coaster ride of events. Mr. Wessel has a rare gift for writing dialogue for the opposite sex. Harding's girlfriend, Allison, feels right to me. I could be Allison. Of course, I can't say enough about Bruce Greenwood's delivery. He possesses a voice like silk with just a touch of gravel and a penchant for portraying the flawed hero. Mr. Greenwood's striking talent for voice and dialect sets the stage for a virtual theater for the ears! Combined, these two talents provide a powerful elixir for enjoyment. After my three hour visit to Mr. Wessel's universe had ended, I realized that I missed Harding. I know I will be reading the novel soon so that we can spend a few more days together. I can't think of a higher recommendation than that. Rating: 10 Bonnie R. Johnson [e-mail]