The Big Picture

Rating:
Summary: Close, but no cigar.
Review: Kennedy's book paints a great portrait of life in suburbia...ooh, how soulless... ooh, how superficial. But is it really that bad? I don't know, because I have never lived in a city or a suburb. I do, however, know that when Kennedy goes to Montana, he gets in trouble. Yes, it is fiction, but he should take care to be accurate. Sorry, folks, but Montana DOES have a speed limit: it's called "reasonable and prudent", and you'll probably be fined a hefty amount if you're cruising at 100 mph in your SUV. Another, albeit small quibble: I've lived in Montana for 20+ years, and have never met or heard of an adult person named "Caleb". It rankles to read a great thriller that just falls apart, as this one did. Do better research next time, Mr. Kennedy.

Rating:
Summary: gripping, funny, thriller - didn't want to put it down !!
Review: This is the first Douglas Kennedy novel I've read - but it won't be the last ! His story writing style has you laughing, gripped, and not wanting to put it down (finished this one in 5 days !). Characters you can relate to, in a believable story, make this one a must-read !! Drop me an email if you want to know more.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty good
Review: I thought this book was a little slow and boring in the middle, but, on the whole, it wasn't bad!!

Rating:
Summary: Big picture becomes sorry scenario.
Review: An thouroughly entertaining read from Mr Kennedy. It took me approximately 5 hrs to read, with minor interruptions - exactly what I was looking for. I was however left feeling sorry for Ben in the end. Even though his eventual partner was substantial in every way, I felt Ben was more complete in the beginning despite the fact that he was a royal pain. At least he gave all of himself to something no matter how misguided it may have appeared. In the end however he became a useless human being, bound by the chains of suburbia, and limited in his ability to express himself. I'm sorry if this seems harsh but an individual who is unable to make a full committment, no matter how wrong it appears to others, is really in purgatory.

Rating:
Summary: Great first novel!
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this magnificent yarn. Kennedy possesses the ability to captivate the reader, making the protagonist so very human and likeable that it's impossible not to root for him throughout. The plot is lively, with clever twists. I like the way Kennedy weaves humor into the story.

Rating:
Summary: Better than Gold Coast & Presume Innocent
Review: This is a fantastic book written by a very talented writer with strong cynicism and sense of humor. A work that transcended "Gold Coast" and "Presume Innocent", while the up-and-coming author undoubtedly would also take over both books's authors whose current conditions obviously are going downhill. This book was very well written, the plot and scenario all wonderfully woven and knitted. Every line with a subtle touch of sense of humour that moderately mingled with the desparate mid-life crisis. Ben not only was a more human hero rather than a vicious murderer but also an innocent, accidental and reluctant victim fell prey to his life and marriage. Young readers gave lower ratings only meant short of the realistic tastelessness of the experience after 30. Couldn't wait for your next book, Mr. Kennedy! And where have you been these years, sir? Only wrote and published one good book so far? You definitely could do better than this. Hope seeing you soon! in the bookstores, especially on Amazon.com.

Rating:
Summary: Keeps reminding you of Hitchcock
Review: A great entertaining read, the plot has all kinds of twists and turns.

Rating:
Summary: A well written page turner
Review: America, career, family life and lifestyles provid the backdrop to the action, danger and intrigue of this readable book. I would not set out to read this book too analytically. Firstly substance is lacking and secondly it spoils the flow. Certainly more concentration on moral aspects of what goes on in the story could enhance my feeling for the book. There was no moral message or lesson for me. On the otherhand this is still a noteable page turner that takes a fair shot at being realistic about the potential lives have to take a sudden turn from the norm. As Shakespeare wrote 'There's more things on heaven and earth than ever dreamt of in my philosophy' (Hamlet)

Rating:
Summary: Good start but Kennedy gets ridiculous on us.
Review: I really enjoyed the beginning of this book and liked the protagonist(Ben Bradford) but the story started losing it's great strength in the second half. I could come up with so many more stable endings! Why does the author think he has to shock the readers using contrived story lines? Also, I noticed an enormous miscalculation on the author's part... The few days of Ben's New Croydon cover up (right after Gary's death) take place over Halloween. All of us suburban USAers know how huge an event for kids Halloween is. Kennedy completely ignores the mention of the costume/candy loving ceremony and forgets that in reality the little Connecticut suburbia would have been crawling with brats, (and their yuppie parents) ringing Ben and Gary's doorbell all evening!!! Kennedy has been in England too long.

Rating:
Summary: Very good, a cracking story
Review: Okay, so some parts of this story are a little far-fetched, but so what? Good fiction, in my humble opinion, should be escapism. This was a cracking good story, with a thumping great plot and good characterisation. I stormed my way through it and was sorry when it ended.