Blood of the Albatross

Rating:
Summary: One of his first ... one of his best
Review: I have just finished the only book by Ridley Pearson I had not read. Just by saying that you know I am one of his many fans. Blood of the Albatross is his second book, but in many ways one of his best. In most of his books the plot is centered about 1 or 2 characters and how they interact to carry on the plot line. Although the plot of this book is not super complex, the characterisations make the book great. The story is told from at least 4 character's view points with each character developed over a period of time in the book. As with all Ridley Pearson books, you can visualize everything that is happening, the plot line is keeps you guessing and after a while you just have to keep reading it until it's done. To other Ridley Pearson fans I say ... don't miss this

Rating:
Summary: Terrible. Hard to read. Disconnected.
Review: I've read other books by Ridley Pearson that I enjoyed. This book ,however was sophomoric writing.Poor research and a disconnected story line. I struggled to control my annoyance enough to complete the book.

Rating:
Summary: Once a Pearson fan, Always a Pearson fan
Review: It is one of his earlier books, and you must appreciate the late 1980's setting. I enjoyed some of his (Nelson)Demille-esque spy-chasing, and giggled at the name of the band. It conjures up images of a big haired and sweat-banded singer. Seriously, though, It is a good tale with several different story lines running throughout which finally meet. The international scope is welcome after his more recent domestic series. The bottom line is that it is a good read, Still Pearson, and is a testament to the talent he has.

Rating:
Summary: Once a Pearson fan, Always a Pearson fan
Review: It is one of his earlier books, and you must appreciate the late 1980's setting. I enjoyed some of his (Nelson)Demille-esque spy-chasing, and giggled at the name of the band. It conjures up images of a big haired and sweat-banded singer. Seriously, though, It is a good tale with several different story lines running throughout which finally meet. The international scope is welcome after his more recent domestic series. The bottom line is that it is a good read, Still Pearson, and is a testament to the talent he has.

Rating:
Summary: Not one of his better books.
Review: Jay Becker, sailing instructor and part-time musician, takes on the beautiful, but aloof Marlene as a new student. Soon Jay finds himself engulfed in an FBI sting operation with discredited agent Roy Kapella, and shady German spy Iben Holst. Will Jay survive as Iben Holst sends his trusted Chinese henchman, John Chu, after Jay to silence him permanently? Will Roy Kapella be able to trap Holst and his shadowy boss, the notorius Wilhelm? It all hangs in the balance until almost the last page.

Did I like this book? Well...not as much as other of Mr. Pearson's books. The plot seemed unecessarily convoluted to me and at times seemed to wander. Another reviewer wrote that this was Ridley Pearson's second book, and I can believe it. It doesn't show much of the style of his later works, especially the well-written Lou Boldt novels. It's possible my problem with the book is more the genre than the book itself since this book is more a spy type novel rather than a mystery. I've never really been partial to spy novels. My recommendation? Give it a try. Mr. Pearson is still a good writer, better than many out there.