The Matlock Paper

Rating:
Summary: "One Step Up, Two Steps Back..."
Review: ...as Springsteen once sang. With Ludlum's third book, "The Matlock Paper", he would finally develop the narrative style lacking in his previous books, most notably "The Osterman Weekend." Unfortunately, his characters and situations took a back seat.

As title characters go, Matlock is one of the weakest I've ever come across. Not only is he not sympathetic, but rather obtuse and tiresome. He makes so many mistakes that are obviously foolish that you find yourself disengaged from the book, shaking your fist and screaming. Well, that might be an exaggeration, but you know what I mean.

The lack of strong women, the obviousness of the villain, and the weak male lead all lead up to a less than stellar book. The only thing that makes it worthwhile is Ludlum's increasing narrative technique, which seemed to finally be coming to a head.

If you're a die-hard Ludlum fan who has to read everything by the man, then you'll find something here. Everyone else though, consider yourself warned.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Book!
Review: After reading other reviews I didn't know if I wanted to read this book or not. I am now glad that I did. Professor James Matlock is chosen by the Justice Department to infiltrate a crime ring that is operating on the East Coast. This ring is very able being active in the world of drugs,prostitution,and gambling.Our hero has to go undercover at the risk of his own life. During his time undercover he discovers that the crime ring is far reaching and very powerful. By sheer luck Matlock survives several attempts on his life. The final ending of this book will also prove to be a shocker. Buy this book. It is a very good read.

Rating:
Summary: All Ludlum books
Review: I have read all of Robert Ludlums books, they are all great reading. It's a shame we will have no more of his writings.

Rating:
Summary: yeah, well, not his best
Review: It is good. The plot is developed firmly and there are some wonderfully satisfying twists. However, Matlock is sort of carbon and he doesn't seem to have a whole lot of brains. But that is excusable, because the book is interesting and compelling. Ludlum does well with his narrative. Read this book if you want to say you have read all of his, and if you are dying for a pretty good read that will keep you up at night.

Rating:
Summary: hohum
Review: The book is well written and the action keeps you reading. But the plot is rather tired, having been used so often, in so many variations, before. Maybe a good book for the beach.

Rating:
Summary: This paper gets an A!
Review: This book follows the prototypical Ludlum plot: take a somewhat ordinary man, throw him into a situation of international conspiracy, deceit, violence, and terrible danger, and watch him find the courage and the will to do great things. It's a plot that has worked many times, for many different writers, and Ludlum does it as well as anyone.

"The Matlock Paper" is my favorite of the early Ludlum books. It has a plot that moves swiftly and believably (as such things go), with jeopardy and intrigue that are both gripping and gratifying. I found the academic setting to be particularly interesting, as I did the main character of Matlock. (It doesn't hurt that I'm a professor myself.)

I recommend all of Ludlum's books to readers who enjoy a good thriller. This one ranks towards the top of the list.

--David Montgomery, Mystery Ink

Rating:
Summary: A great name doesn't always mean a great book
Review: Who never heard Ludlum's name? He has big name among thriller authors. This fact was intriguing me to read his books too. "The Matlock Paper" was Ludlum's second book I've ever read beside "The Gemini Contender". And I still can't make Ludlum's books as my cup of tea.

I bought this book with great expectation that Ludlum would write "bettter" then Frederick Forsyth (which I've read all of his books) and Tom Clancy. However, I was very disappointed to find that the topic and plot were too simple, especially compared with Ludlum's big name. The story was predictable and not thrilling at all.

I am not sure whether I will give another try for another Ludlum's books. I'm simply too disappointed with this one.

Rating:
Summary: All Ludlum books
Review: Who never heard Ludlum's name? He has big name among thriller authors. This fact was intriguing me to read his books too. "The Matlock Paper" was Ludlum's second book I've ever read beside "The Gemini Contender". And I still can't make Ludlum's books as my cup of tea.

I bought this book with great expectation that Ludlum would write "bettter" then Frederick Forsyth (which I've read all of his books) and Tom Clancy. However, I was very disappointed to find that the topic and plot were too simple, especially compared with Ludlum's big name. The story was predictable and not thrilling at all.

I am not sure whether I will give another try for another Ludlum's books. I'm simply too disappointed with this one.