The List

Rating:
Summary: Stick With Martini's Other Novels
Review: I'm afraid I don't agree with the other reviewers. This is not the Martini I've come to respect. If you're about to read your first Martini, start with another book.

Rating:
Summary: STEVE MEETS SIDNEY
Review: It's somewhat hard to believe that the man who has written the outstanding Paul Madriani series is the same guy who pens this spiffy little "potboiler". It reminds me a lot of Sidney Sheldon's forays, but Martini's brisk pace and innate sense of plot and characterization propel this novel into higher ground. The plot revolves around an author/lawyer who after several misfires in writing finds she's written a hit---a big, money-making bestseller. Only problem is, she's an over-40 woman, not incredibly beautiful, and she knows her past flops will prevent any publisher from wanting the book no matter how good it is. She creates a pseudonymn, Gable Cooper, as the author and then sets out to find a handsome hunk to "play the role." In steps incredibly gorgeous hunk Jack Jermayne, a perfect fit to play the role. But, what have we here: murders of author's friend, ex-husband and her friends' vicious ex-husband start to point evidence that Jack may not be what he seems?? Hmm..in typical cinematic fashion, the author flees for her life to seek help from her long-time friend, Spencer.
The climax is appropriately suspenseful and the little "twist" at the end satisfying.
A fun, involving tour de force for Mr. Martini.

Rating:
Summary: STEVE MEETS SIDNEY
Review: It's somewhat hard to believe that the man who has written the outstanding Paul Madriani series is the same guy who pens this spiffy little "potboiler". It reminds me a lot of Sidney Sheldon's forays, but Martini's brisk pace and innate sense of plot and characterization propel this novel into higher ground. The plot revolves around an author/lawyer who after several misfires in writing finds she's written a hit---a big, money-making bestseller. Only problem is, she's an over-40 woman, not incredibly beautiful, and she knows her past flops will prevent any publisher from wanting the book no matter how good it is. She creates a pseudonymn, Gable Cooper, as the author and then sets out to find a handsome hunk to "play the role." In steps incredibly gorgeous hunk Jack Jermayne, a perfect fit to play the role. But, what have we here: murders of author's friend, ex-husband and her friends' vicious ex-husband start to point evidence that Jack may not be what he seems?? Hmm..in typical cinematic fashion, the author flees for her life to seek help from her long-time friend, Spencer.
The climax is appropriately suspenseful and the little "twist" at the end satisfying.
A fun, involving tour de force for Mr. Martini.

Rating:
Summary: Martini with a twist
Review: Steve Martini is the master of the thriller with the last minute plot twist. He weaves together a fascinating, yet believable tale of struggling authors, with seemingly unrelated events happening (death of friend, sinking of boat, etc.). Just as he traps you into thinking you know who the bad guy is - as you are trying to tell the hero's/heroine's to watch out - he throws a wicked curve ball into the plot that leaves your head spinning. And after you see it, you say, "wow, I should have seen that coming, but I got trapped just like the author intended." I found myself going back, re-reading sections where Martini left those clues I had skipped over. You beat me again, Mr Martini, touche'.

Rating:
Summary: Suspensful, entertaining beach read.
Review: Steve Martini's The List has great characters, fast-paced action, and gives an interesting view of the marketing of a bestselling novel. Abby Chandlis, a lawyer-turned writer has written a hot commercial book. Afraid that her looks won't help the marketing effort for this book, she hires a mysterious, good-looking man, Jack Jermain, to front for her with the publisher and the media. The chemistry between Jack and Abby is delightful, and many of the scenes are laugh-out-loud funny. The book really keeps you turning the pages and the last 100 pages are non-stop action and suspense.

Rating:
Summary: Can't wait to read more Martini
Review: The List was an excellent novel. By keeping the characters simple to understand, he was able to maintain a fast pace throughout the book. I am new to reading this author, but this particular book was a joy to read. The backdrop, the publishing industry, is not a common theme. I was blown away by what it would actually take for a good story to make it to the top. If I ever finish my first novel, I hope I don't have to follow Abby's path to stardom.

Rating:
Summary: Alex's Awesome Alphabet
Review: This fun, smart, murder adventure story had me hooked from the beginning. Its conceit is to play with the idea that to become a bestselling author, it helps quite a lot to be a charming, sexy man who's not too old, not too fat, not too controversial and whose teeth are perfect. Unfortunately, after having one poor little novel come out (to almost no attention), I can easily understand the protagonist's plight: she has written a good book, but she's not "good" enough to sell it. The truth is that the publishing industry is a difficult business. Before my own book came out, I assumed the hard part was the writing. Instead, the hard part is marketing, the slow work it takes to develop an audience. Martini has fun playing around with the publishing industry here, but I also felt he was trying to inspire beginning novelists by showing that even though the business of book-selling is ruthless, hope is not lost--it just might be buried a little bit. (I'm awfully glad I have good teeth.)

Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: This is a page turner. Not great literature but a superb story that keeps your interest all the way.

Rating:
Summary: Boring, boring, boring is all I can say!!
Review: This is probably one of the slowest books I've ever read. If you want to know everything there is to know about publishing a book, then you will like this book, but I could care less. He goes into too many details about "the trials" of publishing and not enough about the mystery and storyline. I kept thinking, who cares, what's the point!!!??? The story line is pretty lame. A lawyer who is a part time writer becomes disillusioned with the publishing world. She writes a best seller and hires this mystery man, who is actually a mercenary, to be pretend he's the writer. Of course he is wildly popular with his good looks, give me a break! This is definately not one of his better books!

Rating:
Summary: Boring, boring, boring is all I can say!!
Review: This is probably one of the slowest books I've ever read. If you want to know everything there is to know about publishing a book, then you will like this book, but I could care less. He goes into too many details about "the trials" of publishing and not enough about the mystery and storyline. I kept thinking, who cares, what's the point!!!??? The story line is pretty lame. A lawyer who is a part time writer becomes disillusioned with the publishing world. She writes a best seller and hires this mystery man, who is actually a mercenary, to be pretend he's the writer. Of course he is wildly popular with his good looks, give me a break! This is definately not one of his better books!