Rating: 
Summary: Poorly written, wandering storylines, atrocious politics
Review: I enjoyed the first two Martin Vail novels, and was quite disappointed by this one, for the above three reasons. Poorly written -- it violates rules you can find in any basic creative writing book or class. It lists and tells rather than showing or describing, and it talks down to the reader. The book frequently resorts to simplistic "X happened, then Y happened" paragraphs rather than involving the reader in the events (the last paragraph of the book is a great example). Such writing tends not to evoke suspense or fear, and this book is no exception. It's obvious that Diehl didn't spend nearly as much time on this book as on his others. Wandering storylines -- The inclusion of Aaron Stampler into this book feels artificial and forced. He has perhaps four scenes, five tops, and only one of them is very long or involved. Diehl occasionally drops some interesting hints, but the character does not grow at all, and we gain no further insight into his motives or past. Atrocious politics -- I don't need every novel I read to vindicate my politics, but there are parts of this book which perpetuate alarming fallacies about RICO as well as the Waco incident. It is ironic that the Turner Diaries are widely criticized for their well-known slant and unconscionable ideas, but that this book then goes on to unfairly lump David Koresh in with Jim Jones and equate the Branch Davidians with racist militia organizations. (Watch the documentary WACO: THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT for some interesting points, as well as proof of the Davidians' rejection of racism.) RICO, touted as a wonderful way to chase down criminals, is in reality a catch-all, open-ended series of statutes used primarily to harass citizens who do not have the wherewithal to resist such intrusions (my family has firsthand experience of this). If Diehl's intention here was truly to depict a struggle between two sets of bad guys, he did it poorly, because he over-simplified it. One need not be a religious fanatic or a racist to feel alarm at the shocking atrocities perpetuated by the government against its own citizens in recent years, or wince at the vast authority politicians seem to feel comfortable exercising over private citizens' lives. Yet anyone who dared present that view in the novel was made into a caricature. In short, I don't recommend the book, not only because of its simplistic treatment of complex issues but because it falls flat as a thriller as well. It is far below what we already know Diehl is capable of.
Rating: 
Summary: This is the best book William Diehl has written
Review: REIGN IN HELL is the third book in a series about Martin Vail and his nemisis Aaron Stampler (serial killer and all around evil SOB). Reader's will remember that Martin Vail is a Chicago attorney: first -- defense, then DA, now Consitutional. Vail takes on a right-wing, religious militia (the Montana Patriots, not a professional sports team) for the Federal Government. Vail is called upon by the President to do this as a special favor. Vail intends to bring up the Montana Patriots on federal racketeering charges (RICO).The plot is beautifully conceived and executed; the story extremely well researched; the chracters are well drawn and developed, and the imagery is as good as any written (including that of Stephen King's). Aaron Stampler has become a "blind" religious nut-case -- Brother Transgression . In the first chapter, he uses poisonous snakes in his traveling tent show. He is approached by the Montana milita and is offered a paid "gig" on National radio. He takes the job. Aaron fumes, raves, blathers and spews hate over the air waves, all in the name of Jesus, the Bible, and everything else the right-wingers hold holy. I won't be giving away the plot by telling you Vail brings these militia bad guys and other nut cases to their respective knees before the final page. It is how Vail does it, that is beautiful. And Aaron Stampler (Brother T)? What happens to this evil spawn of the devil --does he die or not? Well, let's not spoil the for the reader.This is the best book Diehl has written (including his mega-hit SHARKEY'S MACHANE). While it is the third "franchise" book coming behind PRIMAL FEAR and SHOW OF EVIL, it is easily read as a stand-alone book. One doesn't need to read either of the previous tow books to enjoy this one. Of couse, it would be better if you were familar with the main characters. Martin Vail fans will be flocking to the stores (and the NET) to see what Diehl has him doing now.I hope you have a goodly supply of the book when it comes out (4 Oct. 1997
Rating: 
Summary: What happened to suspence?
Review: Was very excited to finally get to read the third book in the Martin Vail series and was very disapoited in the long story, which seemed to go nowhere (Except exaclty where you thought it would) and surprisingly enough did. Glad I got it used.
Rating:
Summary: A major let down.
Review: William Diehl is a fine writer and has been for many years. I am a huge fan of Primal Fear, and its superior follow up Show of Evil. And because of that track record, I grabbed Reign in Hell as soon as it hit the selves. Unfortunately, with a major change in tone and plot, Reign is a giant disappointment. Gone is the intense cat-and-mouse game that made Show so brilliant, nor the strong, unforgettable characters of Primal. Instead, we get a movie-of-the-week plot involving redneck militias with fantasies of armogeddon, with Martin Vail and Aaron Stampler thrown in for what seems to be the hell of it. These two characters do not fit into such a none-personal story, and their involvement is so convoluted that it makes almost every other event in the books seem unbelievable too. But alas, too much legal speak and dumb-plot syndrome predominate the book, boring the first time reader and angering those who had read his works before. And that is a pity. Veil and Stampler were too of the most memorable characters to ever face each other. The way their story is resolved here makes the climax an anti-climax.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent continuation of the Vail/ Stampler battle.
Review: Did you love the movie (or book) Primal Fear? If so, you will love the book Reign in Hell. In this story, Vail has the government backing him up. Stampler (who has changed his name and appearance) is "religious" leader of an army of militia. They go head to head in this war for power and peace. Great characters, great story, and a great read.
Rating:
Summary: I don't recommend this if you like the Stamplet-Vail plot
Review: This really didn't have to do anything with the character of Aaron Stamplet because he was just a subplot. It will give you a fresh start but as you read along who'll find out that the chilling plot between Stampler and Vail is lost. So it's kinda disappointing for me and I didn't actually enjoy readin' this book. Take it from a Stampler-Vail avid fan. But the hihgly recommended William Diehl's two prequels - PRIMAL FEAR, and SHOW OF EVIL. Now, you won't be disappointed in these.
Rating:
Summary: Oh Come On
Review: I am a bit disappointed in the author after reading this book, I just have zero patience for books that are this cheesy. He should have used more of his skills to actually put together a story tat was not so Hollywood. The book seams rushed, almost like the author did not want to take the time to really develop either the story or the characters. I just did not believe the characters. I kept waiting for it to get better which is why I toughed it out to the end, but I was disappointed overall. With that said I did find that the book is a fast paced action book. For me it was disappointing, because there is nothing new here except maybe the name, the plot is so predictable. This is mindless pulp fiction, if that is what you are after then this is the book for you.
Rating: 
Summary: WHAT HAPPENED TO MARTIN VAIL?
Review: First of all, this book, written in 1998, is eerily in tune with our recent American terrorism tragedy. In "Reign in Hell," the terrorists are militia men, posing as religious fanatics, who want to bring our country to its knees. Unfortunately, the President in this scenario is a real weasel and the people who support him are likewise unethical and self-serving. I know that this has been a mainstay of many writers, showing how corrupt our government can be. Even so, with our lives now irrevocably changed from the 9-11-02 tragedy, we don't need to harp on our government's clandestine operations, so I don't recommend this book at all from that standpoint. As part of the Martin Vail series, however, "Reign in Hell" falls short of its two predecessors. Vail seems tired and almost lethargic in this book which finds him appointed Assistant Attorney General of the United States. His relationship with Jane Venable is heightened, but not with any real memorable scenes. Diehl's biggest disappointment is the return of Aaron Stampler as a "blind" religious fanatic, posing as Brother Transgression. Whereas Stampler was definitely a viable and horrifying character in the first two novels, his portrayal in this one is so preposterous that it's hard to even imagine him as the real Aaron Stampler. I don't know whether Diehl is planning any more Martin Vail novels, but he had a winner going; this book almost destroyed Vail though. In more ways than one!
Rating:
Summary: Not One Of Diehl's Best
Review: Reign in Hell is not a great book. Which is a real shame because the two previous Martin Veil books were amazing reads. Martin Veil is not even a necessary part of this book. If Diehl really wanted to tell this story he probably should have left Veil out of it. If you are going to try and read a Martin Veil book, try Primal Fear or Show of Evil. These are two outstanding books that you will enjoy from start to finish.
Rating:
Summary: Diehl's differnet but great continuation of the Vail series.
Review: Martin Veil returns for his third book from Diehl. In this one, Martin wins a RICO case in small town America, then is offered a chance to be Asst. Attorney General of the U.S. to set up a RICO case against a hate group called The Sanctuary. The majority of the story is about the members of The Sactuary and how they got to be where they are. A lot of action filled robberies and military expeditions flavor this novel. And Aaron Stampler does return. This piece is written more in the style and research of Tom Clancy. A lot of politics and military aspects are covered. Diehl's back stories and flashbacks to flesh out the characters and their motivations is a strong point. The conclusion is sad , true and too frequently real. A different Diehl but a great book.
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