Rough Draft

Rating:
Summary: Underappreciated James W. Hall scores again.
Review: Having read James Hall from the beginning I rank "Rough Draft" as his finest yet. Those other reviewers, for whom this is their first James Hall, have a lot of treats waiting for them.

"Rough Draft" is a complex thriller, taking the cat and mouse game to new heights. Mr Hall's easy to read flowing writing style allows the reader to keep up with the twists, turns and red herrings without confusion.

The chacters are deeply drawn and we get good insight into their professional and personal sides.

Full of drama, suspense and tension this tale almost turns the pages for you. It took me a bit of willing suspension of disbelief concerning the villain's homicide method (but that's why they call it fiction). The conclusion was satisfying and whodunit a worthy surprise.

I feel Mr. Hall could have another successful series if Frank and Hannah started their own PI firm.

Count me among those puzzled by Mr. Hall's lack of recognition. He writes the Florida crime/mystery novel as well as anyone, and better than most.

Rating:
Summary: Extremely Good Read!
Review: James Hall is a fantastic writer! I read other suspense novels and few of them engage me as much as James Hall. In Rough Draft James Hall creates a villain named Hal who is a wonderful character study - complex, evil and with a little bit of humanity. What more could you want in a antagonist? The heroine in Rough Draft has a son with mental issues. Reading the first part of the book, it seems like the kid shouldn't have as severe mental problems as he does. He witnessed his grandparents death, but his mental problems seem over-the-top for what he witnessed. However, this is why James Hall is so good. By the end of the book you suddenly understand why the boy is the way he is. One other thing about this book: it is actually two mysteries in one -- worth reading!

Rating:
Summary: WOW! WHAT A THRILLER!
Review: this is my very first book of james hall that i've read and, since i enjoyed it sooooo much, i'm actively seeking out each and every one that he's written before! this was the ultimate cat & mouse game with a terrific cast of characters! i particularly liked viewing the juxtaposition of hannah (the lead character) and erin (hannah's lead character in HER book)....Hal is a sociopath of the highest order and would most certainly equal Boy in Bogner's phenomenal 'to die in provence'! hall's easy style of writing makes you just zip through this book to the very satisfying ending which was truly a surprise as well as an excellent conclusion! i can't wait to read all of his other books and i'm grateful that there are sooooo many for me to enjoy! grab this book fast...you'll be glad that you did!