Dire Crossing

Rating:
Summary: Tantilizing suspense!
Review: All the elements of a great read. I couldn't put it down!!

Rating:
Summary: Great novel!!!
Review: I skated with Patrice for about 20 years. She was a talented, extremly charismatic performer. Also Patrice was a stunningly beautiful person on and off the ice. Our paths haven't crossed much since 1983. What a thrill to find out that she has written a fantastic novel. Naturally, she shows one the convincing lifestyle of people in ice shows; mainly the hazzards of putting an ice floor and an ice show while in a tropical climate, of which we all know much about.
What amazed me, was that, "Dire Crossing," which is set mostly in a the Dominican Republic is also a , fast paced mystery, in which the reader is drawn in to murder, may-hem, and intrigue. From lavish villas, lavish estates, private planes, golf courses to seedy hotels; it's all included. Robison, a brillient doctor, who is abducted in order for her to save the life of a presidential candidate, who is accidently shot by his mistress. Hence -- the need for secrecy. No hospitals! It would be political suicide if an offical investigation took place. So many plots and subplots, heros and villians that are intermingled at brisk pace. Keeping the reader galloping to finish this exciting novel. Her writing style is as precice as her skating was. I simply couldn't put it down until sleep claimed me. When I woke, I continued reading. And, believe me, it's not just because I consider Patrice as one of my dearest friends -- to this day. Each "person" in the novel is detailed so clearly that one can picture them in one's mind. The dialogue is both witty and concise. This novel also sizzles -and not merely from the tropical sun! I can't say much more without giving away the entire the entire plot.
Mama T, you continue to amaze me. I can't wait until your next novel is published. And, as you say in your dedication, both your father, Ed Leary and Little Lito, are smiling down from heaven -- I'm certain. Clive and I consider your entire family, ours. We couldn't love them more if they were our blood relatives.
With Ed, Wilma and Patrice, we experienced the best years of our very long skating career. And oh, how much we laughed, had fun, and morned together! All who loved Ed and Little Lito have a piece of their hearts missing. Their innate dignity and charm can never be extinguished from within our hearts. Love Carol aka fishface.

Rating:
Summary: Dire Crossing - I was disappointed
Review: I was very excited to find out about this book as it combined many of my interests - a mystery about ice skating, set in Casa de Campo golf resort in the Dominican Republic, where I had stayed and played. It was an interesting plot idea and the plot itself was ok but the writing was much too simplistic. She very frequently put words in quotes to "emphasize" them, and it drove me crazy. Although it seemed that she tried, there was little depth to the characters - the main female character kept saying things like "oh, I love my husband so much," - an attraction between her and the skating manager was an attempt at some emotional complexity, but it did not work.

I enjoyed the familiarity with the setting and the skating connection (although there really is nothing about skating except setting up the travelling show). But I would not recommend this book to those who are looking for high quality writing.

Rating:
Summary: SUPERB
Review: This book is excellent! It is one that you definitley can not put down until the very end. (even then you want more).
I highly recommend this book if you like high intensity in a mystery novel. Dire Crossing will keep you on your toes!

Rating:
Summary: SUPERB
Review: This book is excellent! It is one that you definitley can not put down until the very end. (even then you want more).
I highly recommend this book if you like high intensity in a mystery novel. Dire Crossing will keep you on your toes!

Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal
Review: What a fantastic novel of 'dire' intensity and mystery. Patrice Leary's ice skating expertice and narrative skill keep the plot twisting. I couldn't put the book down!