Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: social/ allegorical theme in fictional frame Review: Other Amazon reviewers have summarized the plot more ably than I can even attempt. The underlying themes/ questions raised in the book intrigued me. I find myself thinking about those ideas at least a month after I finished the book. Who has the right to decide whether it is better to save a few people, and risk many other lives, or to protect an undefined number of people, thereby abandoning a small number of people to death? Who has the right to pursue justice? and how is that justice defined? Which security decisions should elected protectors keep from their electors? Is this an retelling of the Oliver North weapons/ hostage exchange? Is honesty ever wrong? or too late? I don't usually like books that revolve around serial murders, but this book is an exception. I really believe there is more going on in this book than an attempt to entertain. This is one of the most thought provoking fictional books I have read in years. I did not like some of the plot twists, and some of the events seemed contrived, but the wake-up calls and social commentary are not to be missed.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: East Coast vs. West Coast Rose Killer(s) Review: Phillip Margolin has constructed a complex and exciting thriller with enough plot twists to keep the end in suspense until the last page. This is the first of his books that I have read, and I do not see why Margolin does not get the recognition accorded to Grisham or Ludlum, as he is clearly in that league.In Gone, But Not Forgotten, two related crime stories, separated by 10 years and 3000 miles are unwoven simultaneously. In the New York and Oregon cases, the perpetrator is clearly a cunning genius, killing and kidnapping wives of prominent locals, but is it the same perpetrator in both cases? And if so, why was he able to move on to the second venue and repeat the crime spree? Key characters are involved in both cases, but some have moved on and some are not able to let go. Why did the accused in the second case pick an unknown lawyer to represent him and who is that journalist that is bird-dogging the case? Even to the most casual observer, the ending to the first case would not be satisfactory to professional detectives and prosecutors, yet the case was definitively closed ten years ago. In the end, it all comes clear and Margolin has added some unique legal twists. In what must be one of life's toughest choices, prosecutors and politicians are forced to decide quickly to what extent crimes can be forgiven in exchange for information that might help the living. We had a similiar case in Philadelphia fifteen years ago, where a DA was criticized for reducing charges against a child molester in exchange for information.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: WOW!!! Incredible book!!! Review: Since I just trashed Heartstone, I thought it only fair that I praise Gone But Not Forgotten. I absolutely loved this book. This wasn't just a good book. It was absolutely fascinating- rivetting even. The character development was incredible. Mr. Margolin lost momentum in Heartstone by introducing useless characters. He has obviously fine-tuned his character development skills. The pace was perfect in Gone.... The ending was intense. Two thumbs up and a plea for more books like this one to Mr. Margolin.
Rating: ![3 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-3-0.gif) Summary: Too predictable, the book Review: The book started as a great page turner, but ended with as a dud. The author had a chance to nail an awesome, less predictable ending, but choose to wrap the book up neatly and quickly. I would call it more of a story than a mystery. The mystery is over half way through the book.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: DONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Review: The first question I asked myself is why did I wait so long to read Phillip Margolin. We've had this book in our home library for years, and I've finally gotten around to it! Wow...did I waste some time! This is an outstanding, well-written and terrifying book. Margolin has captured a lot of "personality" within most of the characters in this book: flawed, driven, ambitious, and of course with the killer, actual demonic qualities. The book is filled with many surprises, including some really nasty ones, too! I especially liked the characters of Alan Page and Betsy Tannenbaum---lawyers that seem to have a true sense of justice, fighting even their own demons. Betsy's failing marriage to Rick at first seems cliche, but as it evolves and it's final dramatic resolution, we can see how two people who love one another let jealousy destroy their lives. The character of Nancy Gordon is also a good one, and one has to wonder during the proceedings if she could perhaps somehow be involved in the killings. But at the heart of this book is Martin Darius and Peter Lake----these guys are truly villians in the worst sense of the word. No remorse, no compassion, evil to the core. A stunning book that certainly made me go in and put the rest of his books on my wish list; hopefully, my wife will have such a hard time deciding which ones to get me for Christmas, she'll get them all! HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: DONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Review: The first question I asked myself is why did I wait so long to read Phillip Margolin. We've had this book in our home library for years, and I've finally gotten around to it! Wow...did I waste some time! This is an outstanding, well-written and terrifying book. Margolin has captured a lot of "personality" within most of the characters in this book: flawed, driven, ambitious, and of course with the killer, actual demonic qualities. The book is filled with many surprises, including some really nasty ones, too! I especially liked the characters of Alan Page and Betsy Tannenbaum---lawyers that seem to have a true sense of justice, fighting even their own demons. Betsy's failing marriage to Rick at first seems cliche, but as it evolves and it's final dramatic resolution, we can see how two people who love one another let jealousy destroy their lives. The character of Nancy Gordon is also a good one, and one has to wonder during the proceedings if she could perhaps somehow be involved in the killings. But at the heart of this book is Martin Darius and Peter Lake----these guys are truly villians in the worst sense of the word. No remorse, no compassion, evil to the core. A stunning book that certainly made me go in and put the rest of his books on my wish list; hopefully, my wife will have such a hard time deciding which ones to get me for Christmas, she'll get them all! HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Review: THE PLOT IS SO MOVING AND TO THE POINT. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GUESS WHO IS SPEAKING OR WHAT IS TAKING PLACE. THE CHARACTERS YOU CAN REALLY GET INTO THEM AND THEIR POSITION WITH THE CASE. THE BEST BOOK I HAVE READ IN A LONG TIME.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: maybe the best booke I've ever read Review: The suspence is killing. once you start reading this book, it grabs you by your guts and you cant stop reading till you figure out who's the killer. one of my all time favorite books, well done, well written, great ending.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Thriller Review: This audio book kept us enthralled on a long road trip. Even at the end of our journey we had to finish the book while we were unpacking. Margolin can weave a masterfull plot and keep you on the edge of your seat. You can only surmise where the plot is going only to be surprised with all it's twists and turns. We loved it and so will you. It will bring you to want more of Phillip Margolin's brand of suspence.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Better than Kiss The Girls...... Review: This book was one of the best I have ever read. The big twist half way through the book was original. Some of the situations lacked some believability but the book always kept me on edge.
|