Rating: 
Summary: Smoldering and Refreshing
Review: Greg Iles has possibly the greatest range of any current suspense novelist: WWII, Internet Sex, Secrets of the Deep South... Iles weaves into his books the historical texture of Caleb Carr, double the plot twists of Grisham, and thrice the build-up of Crichton. Speaking of those two, they should be reminded there are writers like Iles who put in the effort to allow a book to stand on its own merits without the carrot of a movie deal. Despite Iles' harsh characterization of my native Boston (perhaps he is as misinformed of New England as he believes I am of his home) I became entranced by his use of setting as character and his portrayal of imperfect heroes and revered heels. He uses enough misleading foreshadowing to annoy me into staying up late to try to come to a conclusion. I believe Black Cross was his best work, this his second, Mortal Fear third and Spandau Phoenix fourth. Funny that most people have read only Spandau Phoenix. I do have one complaint - please hurry up on your next book. Stephen King may be from dreaded New England, but for God's sake, at least he puts out a book every now and then! Maybe then more would learn there are great alternatives to the latest drivel from the big boys.
Rating: 
Summary: Awesome!
Review: I had forgotten how much I truly enjoyed Greg Iles writing style since it has been several years since reading "Mortal Fear". This book not only is written very well, but the story is very interesting combining the non-fiction of the times and fiction of the story. The characters for the most part were likable and believable - Mr. Iles does a great job of making them come to life so you can actually visualize them. The story is totally captivating - I loved every minute of it . . . and so did everyone I recommended it to. It was a nice change from the current Grisham offerings! I'll be anxious to get my hands on his other two novels, Black Cross and Spandau Phoenix.
Rating:
Summary: The Quiet Game
Review: If you are an avid reader every once in a while you stumble onto a book that is impossible to put down. I am delighted that I found Mr. Iles and this terrific book. An absolutely wonderful read.
Rating:
Summary: Good/fast paced read
Review: I like Greg's writing style a lot. He snares the reader in a "web of intrigue" (pardon the cliche). Even though parts of the novel were unlikely, the realism is THERE. Now, to the minor things I found annoying. I didn't like how at first Caitlin Master's appears to be a fairly major player at the start of the novel and becomes a rather minor one towards the middle/end. I didn't like the anti-climatic epilogue. Okay, enough griping. Hoped this helped.
Rating:
Summary: John Grisham wants to be like Greg Iles when he grows up!
Review: Not that I have any problem with John Grisham, but he seems to be compared quite often to Iles and I honestly don't see it. Grisham, although sometimes entertaining, tends to write screenplays rather than novels. The Quiet Game, although as familiar as Grisham in landscape, takes you on an absolute roller coaster of intrigue with a diverse cast of players leaving you with an uncontrollable passion to continue turning pages. Parts of this tale are certainly predictable, who the bad guys are is no secret, and the majority of the plot is far fetched,... but isn't that what fiction is supposed to be all about? Particularly fiction in the thriller genre? Iles has a gift for making even the predictable components of the story exciting to read as well as taking ordinary dialog and making it compelling. His use of the first person narrative, which I am not often a fan of, was an excellent choice for unfolding the story in a Whodunnit fashion that grips you and steadily immerses you into Natchez Mississippi and the heart of this story. This is Iles' 4th book, and very different from the rest, and I loved them all. He's just replaced Crichton as my personal favorite author. I recommend him to anybody.
Rating: 
Summary: Subject matter and background too familiar
Review: Iles may be as good as Grisham, or a little better, or not quite as good, but the truth is Grisham got there ahead of him (I'm not saying first, mind you). This plot is fine, and the pace fine. It's all fine. But there is a big problem: it's awfully familiar through-and-through, and for me this deadened interest from the word go. Surely part of being a good writer is being able to find new things to write about - even if your publishers don't want you to! This is just another take on a very over-exploited subject. Ditto the background, the politics etc etc
Rating:
Summary: The Quiet Game
Review: This is an outstanding example of southern writing. Iles beautifully explores the issues and undercurrents of race relations in the South right up to present day, while creating a story line that is very difficult to stop reading till you've finished the book.
Rating:
Summary: Iles Goes to New Level
Review: This book by Greg Iles is his best yet. It far surpasses his previous work in the area of pure writing. While Black Cross was very good and certainly entertaining; Spandau Phoenix was good and Mortal Fear...awful! ...this writing approaches great literature. The imagery, feelings and insight begin to approach Cold Mountain standards...but are not there yet. This is book that I looked forward to reading not just becasue of the story and plotting, but becasue of the rich banquet of methaphors and insights that arre obviously Greg's own in many respects. Experts tell young writers to write about what you know Here Greg has taken their advice. I feel so good about this book that I intend to send my copy addressed to Mr. Iles, Author, Natchez, MS and trust that he'll get it and sign it for me. Buy this book!
Rating:
Summary: yes and no
Review: This is obviously a glamorized and romantic view of the subject matter and the setting. I couldn't help but think Mr. Iles, a fine writer, had been handed instructions (and a fat check) by his publisher to write a manly romance Grisham type novel that they might have a chance to sell to the movies. He delivered. Even the main character is an incarnation of Grisham. I hope the check was big. The book is a page turner as are some soap opera digests. If I didn't love this book, I do love to see writers succeed. Well done Mr. Iles.
Rating:
Summary: Don't miss this book for pure enjoyment!
Review: Okay, okay, I agree that the topic is a little overused, but Greg did such a good job developing the characters I didn't mind the civil rights stuff. Mortal Fear was awesome. Anyone that has not read it should read it too. The Quiet Game was just as good, in a different way. Greg is a very versatile author and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next! Greg if you read this, write one about Vicksburg!
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