California Fire and Life

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: A totally excellent read. Don Winslow's style is fresh, forthright and very readable. The plot for this novel is fascinatingly local to the California coast, yet reaches out to effortlessly call on international intrigue also. Don Winslow's detail on the mechanics of fire and arson are as good as anything the (early) efforts of Patricia Cornwell and Thomas Harris brought us in the world of forensics.

Jack wade is a likable main character with just enough flaws to get you on his side for the whole ride, and what a ride. This plot twists and turns constantly, believably and enthrallingly. This book will take you to the last page quicker than you think and definitely quicker than you want. Don Winslow knows his stuff and can write.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing Author Stumbles A Bit...
Review: I have discovered Winslow and have fallen deeply in love with his writing style...but this book failed to grab me. WAY too much detail and an odd, detached feeling to the work. If you want to take a ride, read his 'Death and Life of Bobby Z.' It is TOTALLY awesome! And I read 2/3 mystery/thrillers a week.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing Author Stumbles A Bit...
Review: I have discovered Winslow and have fallen deeply in love with his writing style...but this book failed to grab me. WAY too much detail and an odd, detached feeling to the work. If you want to take a ride, read his 'Death and Life of Bobby Z.' It is TOTALLY awesome! And I read 2/3 mystery/thrillers a week.

Rating:
Summary: Didn't melt me
Review: I have mixed feelings about this book. I look forward to reading more of his works in hopes of improvement in conciseness. The author truly knows his stuff when it comes to investigating fires. Just don't think he needed as much of the detail and regurgitating of same facts to convince us. It no longer became entertaining, nor a lesson. The story was interesting in its premise but had to suspend belief in some instances. All in all worth further watching.

Rating:
Summary: A great read
Review: I was introduced to Don Winslow 4 years ago when he gave a lecture I attended. I found him to be an incredible speaker with an extensive knowledge base (he was speaking on the American Revolution). I assumed (rather, hoped) that his writing style would follow suit - interesting and informative, yet also direct and captivating.

I was not disappointed. This book is not only a well-written piece of fiction, with a well thought out plot and nicely developed characters, it is also assisted by spectacular research on Winslow's part. This book, which deals with a fire investigation, does not merely provide a shallow and quick look into the details of an investigation; it goes all out (in, rather).

For some people, this might be too much (it's a lot of info on how fires are started and how different fires spread and burn). However, for anyone who likes their reading to have some substance, this is a great find.

Rating:
Summary: Insurance Against Boredom
Review: I was looking through my library for something to battle the "blahs" and found this gem. Don Winslow's book is excellent with a clever and tightly constructed plot. The story is written from the point of view of an observer who describes what the colorful and believable characters say, do and think. The realistic dialogue reveals the thought processes of the main characters in a way that cleverly allows the reader to anticipate and follow the action.

Jack Wade is an ex-cop, arson investigator who is employed as a claims adjuster-arson specialist for a large insurance company, California Fire and Life. He investigates a fire claim submitted by Daziatnik Valeshin,aka Nicky Vale, a Russian KGB military officer in the U.S. to investigate/infiltrate/use the Russian Mafia. He uses his connections to make money and put himself in a position of power. Jack's investigation of Vale's claim uncovers arson and murder. Jack stands up against his insurance co. which wants to pay the claim. Why? It is all inter-related, clever and very, very entertaining. It is funny, easy to relate to and would be a movie hit if done right. Highly Recommended!

Rating:
Summary: HOT! HOT! HOT!
Review: Okay, so maybe my title for this review isn't all that interesting and original, but (and trust me on this one) CALIFORNIA FIRE & LIFE is. Jack Wade, a down-on-his-luck fire insurance investigator, becomes the novel's unlikely hero in this technically-filled thriller (think Crichton meets Ellroy) that combines the science of fire and arson with a slick writing style that often felt like was being read aloud to me. Never was I let down by any of the surprises, flashbacks or characters while reading CA FIRE & LIFE and found myself nearly begging for more. The dialogue was quick and often very witty. The depth of deceit was very believable and never confusing (despite what other reviewers may say). Honestly, I can't say enough good things about this book. Just read it. In CALIFORNIA FIRE & LIFE, Don Winslow has proven himself a great mystery writer.

Now, how about bringing Jack back?

Rating:
Summary: great pleasure to read
Review: Once again a great story from the Neal Carey adventures-author.
Not as funny ,but surely more thrilling and mature.
Hope to get the audio soon,so I can- again-enjoy this fine mystery novel.And easy reading for those not born and raised in English.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: Part murder mystery and part text book on arson, this compelling book pulls you in and holds you. Some people may find the exhaustive research a little bit much to get through, but for true mystery fans, this book should not be missed. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointment
Review: What a disappointment! It sure looks like there's a good mystery in this book somewhere but digging through all the detail and ploding style is just too much. A great read if you're looking to become an insurance claims adjuster.