Body Language (Nova Audio Books)

Rating:
Summary: HUGE Disappointment
Review: James Hall is a gifted writer; that's why I can't understand why or how this book was written. Hall writes two types of books; the series about unofficial private detective Thorn, and stand-alone books in the crime category which feature bold plots and crazy characters in the tradition of Elmore Leonard. Body Language was obviously meant to be the second type of book, but in addition to the "crime-gone-wrong" plot which is littered with bizarre villians, there is also a second plot which is a hackneyed, boring "Silence of the Lambs" rip-off plot of the type that sprang up in dozens of horrible novels after Thomas Harris hit the jackpot with his masterpiece in the early 90s. I honestly can't belive that anybody, especially a writer of Hall's caliber, would tackle such an overdone genre these days. He attempts to combine the serial killer and "crime of the century" plots, which turns the book into a muddled, confusing novel that doesn't seem to know what it's trying to be. The writing is also far below his normal standard; there are some sex scenes that are written so poorly that even the most low-paid romance writer would be embarrased to put her name on them. Hall's dialogue in this one is also stilted and uninteresting. In addition, the "mystery" of the serial killer is so simple and predictable that most readers will have it figured out before the first 100 pages. Try Hall's other books if you want a good, entertaining read. Only try Body Language if you're having trouble sleeping.

Rating:
Summary: Forget Hannibal, Read a real thriller
Review: James W. Hall is one of the handful of truly first-rate thriller writers, along with Burke and Connelly and Lehane. He's written nine top notch novels of suspense with rich characters, complex plots, and a host of wonderfully delicious bad guys. In Body Language he adds a new twist. Lawton Collins, the old guy who's Alexandra's dad, is simply one of the funniest, scariest and wisest and saddest characters I've ever read. His role in this novel deepens the book's emotional levels greatly. Along with the usual lyrical writing and hardboiled, funny dialog, Body Language is right up there with the best of Hall. And that's saying something.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Book James W. Hall has written!!!!
Review: When I heard that James Hall had written another book, I was all set to read another adventure of the Key Largo Beach Bum, Thorn. I must admit I was a little disappointed when I learned that Thorn would not be appearring in Body Language, but nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed the book!

Think you got problems? Consider Alexandra Rafferty, Crime Photographer for the Miami Police Department.

She was sexually assaulted at age 11.

Her husband is not only having an affair, but he's also planning an armoured car heist.

Her best friend is on the hit list of every anti-Castro Cuban organization in Miami.

Her live-in Dad is sufferring from severe memory lapses due to Alzheimers Disease.

She's on the run from a pair of gun-toting Whack-O's, one who's built like a Rhino and the other keeps a cochroach as a pet.

With all that on her mind how can she possibly help the police to capture a serial rapist? James Hall spins a suspense filled tale that takes the readers from the seedy back streets of Miami to the white sandy shores of the Florida Panhandle.

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat up to the final paragraph! If you've never read anything by James W. Hall, Body Language is a great place to start!