Rating: 
Summary: High intensity
Review: First in a series about the bodyguard Atticus Kodiak, Greg Rucka came into the light for me writing some intense crime comics, been meaning to read his prose for a while, glad I checked it out
In this novel, Kodiak finds himself protecting a doctor who works in an abortion clinic, heat and threats have been steadily rising around her work because of a conference on abortion and female rights about to take place, that the good doctor is scheduled to attend. A very sweet character in the story is the doctor's daughter who has down syndrome or something
It reeks a bit of the Bodyguard movie (circa 92) starrring Kevin Costner and singer Whitney Houston but I'd have to say it's quite enjoyable, an easy read
The picture of Rucka in the back jacket is so funny, his hair is thick! He's a little bald now but that looks fine
I feel for the main character as he goes through a lot of sh-t, and that does not let up till the end. I hope he finds solace in a new romantic relationship hinted towards the end.. Solid read
Rating: 
Summary: Bodyguard
Review: Another private-eye type thriller with a difference, Keeper is a very entertaining debut novel that introduces Atticus Kodiak. Kodiak is a bodyguard, but specialises in the business, running his own company and employing his own team of professionals. It's an interesting take on the mystery theme that strays just far enough from the pack to make it unusually interesting reading.In his first outing, Kodiak and his employees are hired to protect a doctor who performs abortions. She is constantly harassed by protestors and the situation provides numerous difficulties for Kodiak to overcome. To top things off, she's due to speak at a conference in a couple of days where she will be left wide open for attack. It quickly becomes clear the danger she faces is most certainly real and Kodiak is going to be stretched to the limit if he's going to keep her safe. This is an excellent debut that comes across as very fresh. The bodyguard angle puts a new slant on the protection caper that is usually covered by police or FBI. The characters are likable and realistic and the action rolls along at great pace.
Rating: 
Summary: Great start to a fine series
Review: Given that the author was only 25 when he wrote this book, it's impressive for many reasons--not the least of which is his control of the characters (they're all highly original, particularly Bridgett, a PI unlike any other) and of the narrative. I've truly enjoyed the Atticus Kodiak series and recommend the books wholeheartedly.
Rating:
Summary: 'Keeper' kept me 'til the end..
Review: Greg Rucka spun an interesting novel about bodyguarding a doctor who performs abortions in New York. While the right to choose/right to life subject is very touchy with most people, Rucka uses great care to acknowledge both sides without sermonizing either of them. This book also helps introduce many characters that resurface in his other books. While the end was somewhat predictable, 'Keeper' was overalla intense and great read.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting character, taut thriller
Review: Greg Rucka's prose is fluid and fine-edged, reminiscent of Lawrence Block's work in his Matthew Scudder series of novels minus the New York City grit that Block does so well.
Atticus Kodiak, Rucka's protagonist is, if seemingly a little too young at 28, an engaging character with an interesting supporting cast, and his chosen profession, bodyguard, is vividly depicted. Rucka seems to be known for his research and he's apparently done his homework here as the overall scenario rings true.
The story's backdrop, New York City at the height of the mid-90s anti-abortion protests and clinic bombings makes for a enthralling plot as Kodiak is charged with the protection of a pro-choice doctor. Rucka unself-consciously tackles the sticky politics of the situation, offering welcome shades of gray in what is often a black and white topic, while delivering a taut thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat through the end. An excellent first novel and I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting character, tautly paced story
Review: Greg Rucka's prose is fluid and fine-edged, reminiscent of Lawrence Block's work in his Matthew Scudder series of novels minus the New York City grit that Block does so well. Atticus Kodiak, Rucka's protagonist is, if seemingly a little too young at 28, an engaging character with an interesting supporting cast, and his chosen profession, bodyguard, is vividly depicted. Rucka seems to be known for his research and he's apparently done his homework here as the overall scenario rings true. The story's backdrop, New York City at the height of the mid-90s anti-abortion protests and clinic bombings makes for a enthralling plot as Kodiak is charged with the protection of a pro-choice doctor. Rucka unself-consciously tackles the sticky politics of the situation, offering welcome shades of gray in what is often a black and white topic, while delivering a taut thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat through the end. An excellent first-novel and I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Rating:
Summary: I Have Discovered A New Favorite!
Review: I am usually extremely picky about the fiction I read, as I am often disappointed by derivative works that just lack any kind of emotional bite. Not true here. I came across this series by chance and it looked interesting, so I purchased this, the first in the series. Two days later I finished it and immediately ordered the rest. This is great stuff! The characters are highly believable (and likeable). Mr. Rucka does not pander to petty preaching (as the plot revolves around a controversial issue), but rather paints a vivid and disturbing picture of the often brutal reality that surrounds his topic. This is one of my favorite books and I can't wait to read more from this author!
Rating:
Summary: This book is a "keeper"
Review: I can't believe I just discovered this author. I read this book, the first in the Atticus Kodiak series, in one sitting, and I bought exta copies to pass on to friends. I also bought all the other books in the series. I can't wait to read them!
Keeper is a fast-paced, absorbing tale of a professional bodyguard and his efforts at protecting his latest client from fanatics who want to kill her. Kodiak is a believable modern hero, imperfect but doing his best to survive with integrity. The book should appeal to fans of the hard-edged thriller because the action sequences are exciting and plausible. Fans of the genre who insist on well-written characters and dialog will also be pleased with this book.
Rating:
Summary: realistic, gut-wrenching, tight story with plenty of action
Review: I picked up Keeper out of curiosity and was hooked from the first chapter. It read quickly, but not for lack of substance. The plot was put together well, leaving you guessing right up to the end. The characters, especially Kodiak, were not unbelievable supermen, and were susceptable to pain and anguish. Rucka's story of a young man doing an ugly job was a great one, and a great debut. It wasn't just a mystery/suspense story. It also handled an extremely sensitive issue with the professionalism of a seasoned author. I applaude him for that and rank him right up there with Robert Parker and Ross Macdonald. I am anxiously awaiting his next book, Finder, and hope for many more Atticus Kodiak novels
Rating:
Summary: AUTHOR'S GOOD ENOUGH, WAITING ON A BETTER BOOK...
Review: Keeper is the second novel I've read that deals with the issues involved in America's abortion debate. The first, Insomnia by Stephen King, dealt with the issues in a way that I found surprisingly insightful and somewhat even-handed. Insomnia was, like most of Mr. King's work, very character driven and it worked on many fronts--mostly those not dealing with the abortion debate. It got bogged down and seemed to throw the abortion issues into an already full pot.
On the other hand, Keeper's drama centers on and stems from the abortion debate. Keeper is also somewhat even-handed (in the end, both Insomnia and Keeper tend more towards the pro-abortion side of things). Keeper is just as Character driven, but somewhat less engrossing than Insomnia (not to compare the two--they are really apples and oranges in all respects but the abortion).
Keeper's main character is Atticus Kodiak--a bodyguard. He is the only fully drawn character in the book. Another character, a private eye named Bridget, almost comes to life as well, but only almost.
We are drawn (first person narration) into Atticus's world. The strength and the hook of Keeper is our fascination with Atticus's life. Mine wasn't that strong for the first half of the book; yet he grew on me.
Keeper is not really a whodunnit. Its a wedamnwellknowwhodunnit for most of its length. Keeper is more of a can-he-stop-it than a mystery.
It is what it is with some hardbitten prose and dialogue torn from the pages of Elmore Leonard. I found it entertaining enough that I'll read the next book of the series (O God please let it not be about abortion this time) and report back here.
Till then, this one gets more of a nod than a recommendation.
(As a grim postscript and an aside--if, for some reason, you are interested in further aborti-fiction and want a piece from the opposing side of the debate, check out F. Paul Wilson's story Foet in the Borderlands 2 anthology. It is quite a nasty little piece, but well done--very well done).
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