Rating: 
Summary: Very Entertaining
Review: In my opinion, Ken Follett is one of the better writers working currently, and A DANGEROUS FORTUNE is one of his best books to date. I liked his EYE OF THE NEEDLE and PILLARS OF THE EARTH very much, too, and while I don't think FORTUNE is quite that good, it is still one of the most entertaining books I've read recently. The story is set in England in the latter half of the 19th century, and revolves around the wealthy Pilaster family. The Pilasters are bankers and control the large and powerful Pilaster Bank. As schoolboys, both Edward Pilaster and his cousin Hugh, son of the family black sheep, are involved in the death by drowning of a fellow student. That event is the beginning of 25 years of intrigue, corruption and murder as the fortunes of the Pilasters and those close to them play out. Follett weaves an intricate and fast-paced, if not always surprising, plot around his characters that carries the reader from the mansions of London's rich and powerful, through seedy bordellos, to vile gambling dens.This is contemporary pulp fiction at its best. The characters have depth and believability and Follett seems to do a good job of evoking the look and feel of the period. The pages roll by quickly and the book is hard to put down. But, if it's so good, why didn't I give it five stars? Generally, I reserve five-star status for books of what I regard to be classic status. Caesar, Tolkien, Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter (yeah, I do think Harry Potter will be around for a long time). Maybe Harry Bosch, although I may have gotten carried away, there. This is, after all, pulp fiction and it just doesn't have the depth of the above. It is very entertaining, though, and I think most readers will enjoy it very much. Consider it a strong four plus and give it a look.
Rating:
Summary: A Dangerous Fortune indeed
Review: I like Ken Follett books a lot. He is a very good writer and he always brings great entertaining stories. Although sometimes the stories are dumb, he can eventually write books that stick to you for a long time. That was the case with two of Follett's books: "The Pillars of the Earth" and "A Dangerous Fortune". ADF tells the story of Hugh Pilaster and his family through almost forty years. Although, a bit soap opera at times, the plot never lets you take a breath and stop. You can really relate to the characters and for their fortunes and misfortunes. A warning: just buy it if you have some time in your hands - you won't be able to stop until you finish it.
Rating: 
Summary: Suprisingly good
Review: I had heard that Ken Follet wrote good spy novels, so I picked up this book. It's not a spy novel - it involves intrigue among a wealthy banker family in late 19th century London - but it's suprisingly good. I was expecting a piece of trashy pulp fiction, and instead got a book that was compelling to read. Sure, there's lots of intrigues among the rich and not so rich, within a family and not, but Follet brings more to it. The characters have depth, and the characters develop over time. I found myself thinking about the story and the characters after I read it, and I wish there was more to read. On top of that, it is solid, good pulp fiction, so it's a fun, easy read.
Rating:
Summary: As usual
Review: This was an interesting, exciting book. Pillars of the Earth is my ultimate favorite, but this book is not far behind.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing piece of work!
Review: I simply loved this book! It is absolutly true that you just can't put down this book. First I started reading it on the subway. Then it got so interesting that I stayed up late and read the whole book through in a few days. This is the best thriller book I have ever read. The characters are so alive and I could even identify with Hugh Pilaster and the way he felt. The author does an incredible job describing what each character goes through. And you want to keep reading because you want to find out the end of the story. It keeps you guessing, but you never know what to expect next. I think anyone who enjoys an intellectual thriller won't be able to put this book down.
Rating:
Summary: I could not put this book down!
Review: This was a great book! Ken Follett is a phenomenal story-teller. The story is woven through the lives of two families and the interaction among the characters is top-notch. I would highly recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: the best follett book i have read!
Review: there are so many twists and turns, you never know what to expect on the next page - phenomenal! the story is great, extremely interesting. i can't wait for some time to go by so i can read it again.
Rating:
Summary: A Winner for Him and Her!
Review: RE: AUDIO CASSETTE VERSION. The setting and tone are a departure from other Follett novels I've read but this story grabs hold and pulls you right along. It works for both the action thriller enthusiast (read-dude) and for the romance fan (read-babe). I knew my wife would like the love story and stylized society antics, ala Jane Austin, when I recommended it to her and I was right. Special bonus from this cross-over appeal: we both found the the steamier scenes had, how shall I put it, a lingering stimulating effect.
Rating:
Summary: Great Fun
Review: Even for Ken Follett fans, A Dangerous Fortune is a treat. Combining the best of his historical epics and adventure thrillers, it holds one's interests throughout. This book and its characters is one that stays with you long after the last page is read. I have already and continue to recommend this book for those who enjoy an intellectual thriller.
Rating:
Summary: One of Follett's best
Review: This is an intriguing book, in an historical setting which is richly detailed and explained. It starts with a murder, which remians unsolved for many years, and goes on to follow the lives of the characters on that fateful day. And it is the characters which carry the story, though of course we all want to know who did it, and we do find out by the end. But the story along the way is gripping and entertaining, with some real baddies, and a satisfying ending.
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