Rating: 
Summary: Truly a gripping and enthralling novel.
Review: I bought the novel on face value, the topic of serial killers intrigue me. As I got started I was unsure where it was going, as I am a strictly horror genre based reader, but the Poet rocked my world, I knew that there was no way such writing skills of the author could not be matched, period! The poet brings the reader on side with a child molester/possible serial killer tracing his steps of the pervese, yet in a strange way you protagonise the character, it was well scripted and I thoughly enjoyed it.
Rating:
Summary: More like this one please Michael!
Review: I read "The Concrete Blonde" a few years ago and it wasn't nearly as engaging as "The Poet". Of course, I've never been a fan of the "detective novel" genre, so it may just be a matter of personal preference.The Poet had many of the characteristics I enjoy in a good crime novel: suspense, insights and a few good surprises. I'm in the last 4 or 5 pages of the book now, and in my opinion the ending is what saved this book from being a mediocre read. I agree with another reviewer's comments that a few threads were left dangling, but I find that more true-to-life than having everything sewn up too neatly. Art imitating life! I do wish Gladden had been given more depth, particularly his early history with Beltran and how that shaped his deviant nature. Alot was inferred with what was there, but it peaked my curiosity to know more about this character and it was never fully satisfied. The identity of the "Poet" left me a bit confused, I must confess, but on reflection I suppose there were hints about this character to be found. Again there should have been more, though. Having so little information about a character who turns out to be so central to the plausibility of the plot can leave one feeling a little cheated, and perhaps some of Connelly's critics are expressing that by saying the ending was disappointing. But then again, those perceptions could stem from so many authors taking a "formula" approach to these kinds of stories that we are conditioned to expect to be able to predict the outcomes. When we can't do that, we resent it. Not unlike real life! Anyway, bottom line: I really enjoyed this book and I'd like to see more of this genre from Connelly, if not a sequel or prequel to this story. When movies leave alot of dangling threads, it's usually an indication that there is another one planned. If Connelly were to write a prequel or sequel to this book, I'd buy it!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read by a master of suspence
Review: I thought the Poet was Connely's
best and I AM a Bosch fan. I
don't agree with those who
disliked the end..it certainly
wasn't the typical formula ending
that you can forecast after
reading half the book. I'm sure
Hollywood would screw it up as
they just gotta have a
formula..good guy wins, bad guy
dies, a female to stir the pot,
and lots of explosions. Don't let
it happen. Can't wait for more Connely books.
Rating:
Summary: Best thriller I've read since Patricia Cornwell
Review: After reading through all the comments I don't know why so many people got so worked up about the ending of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed The Poet and it held my attention right up till the end. It was a refreshing change to not be ahead of the plot. This was the first Michael Connolly book I've read but I will definitely read his other work now.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, fast-paced read-meticulous.
Review: This novel, my first Connelly book, was a true page-turner. His attention to detail is something to marvel at. I also very much enjoyed the twisting plot. I highly recommend this read.
Rating:
Summary: Standing Ovation for Michael Connelly
Review: As an avid fan of Michael Connelly, I am thrilled with "The Poet". It is refreshing to see a different Michael Connelly. It proves (once again) that he has staying power. Connelly's experience as a reporter shows through. The story is riveting and catching. If I could have read it in one sitting, I would have! A definite page turner. The ending was great. Leaving it open to individual interpretation is good for the mind. If answers were given for everything you wouldn't have anything to think about. Absolutely loved it! Congratulations Michael!
Rating:
Summary: I couldn't leave to eat!
Review: It took me two evenings to read until page 100. But on the third day I read from 101 to 501 and couldn't put the book down, except to pay the pizza delivery man! Check out Connelly's other books and John Sandford's "Prey" series for more good reads.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent! I'm ready for the next Connelly book!
Review: I couldn't put it down. Very few books held my interest as this one did. When I didn't have it in my hands, I was wishing that I did. It put me in the same frame of mind as The Alienist. Not an easy thing to do!
Rating: 
Summary: Ouch!
Review: I was all prepared to give this one a 10 but the ending "bit" me. The ending just did not jive. Having spent almost 35 years in federal law enforcement, the FBI is just not that good. I do read for entertainment however, so I could overlook some of the fanciful things. I would recommend it to others. On to Trunk Music. I like this author.
Rating:
Summary: A good writer writes an good book
Review: I came across this author/book quite by a lucky accident (I believe this is an oxymoron). In any case, I enjoyed it thoroughly. Apparently, unlike some other reviewers, I like to take my time and savor a good book, make it last as long as possible by reading just a few chapters a day. In any case, I thought THE POET was a great read; I felt that most of the characters were quite well drawn, the book was consistently interesting, it grabbed your attention immediately and kept it. Exciting & unexpected turn near the end when the true "baddie" surfaced. I'll be waiting for Mr. Connelly's next book and will also read his Harry Bosch series. More...more...more.
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