Helpful Score: 3
This may be the single most poorly written book I have read this year despite the ardent recommendations of the clerk at Borders.
I don't know if the author read both Hemingway and Robt Parker and tried to mix the two, or if the author is just plain inept. The dialogue was laughable it was so bad.
On my worst days, I can do better, and trust me, that's not a compliment!
I don't know if the author read both Hemingway and Robt Parker and tried to mix the two, or if the author is just plain inept. The dialogue was laughable it was so bad.
On my worst days, I can do better, and trust me, that's not a compliment!
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of the most enjoyable books I have read in ages. The Bricklayer is an FBI caper that is plotted carefully and well written. It has no foul language that I can recall, and that is a mark of a good writerone who has the vocabulary to tell a tale without a steady stream of obscenities. Further, the dialogue is clever and reminds of books and movies of the 50s where nuance and suggestion take the place of graphic details of sex. Another real plus, the storyline is excellent, probably because the author is ex-FBI and is thus aware of the inner-workings and the bureaucracy of the agency.
The FBI is, as might be expected, stumbling around an extortion plot in which they are being extorted!! A former agent (now a bricklayer) is called back duty to catch the extortionists. He is a maverick, fired because he did his job rather than follow orders. He is a true anti-hero who excels as a superhero, reading the clues, chasing all the leads, and solving the issues to the pleasure of the Director of the FBI and the consternation to the bureaucrats in between the two. The author was an FBI agent for twenty or more years, now dividing his time between working cold cases and writing. I have already put Boyds next book on my wish list.
The FBI is, as might be expected, stumbling around an extortion plot in which they are being extorted!! A former agent (now a bricklayer) is called back duty to catch the extortionists. He is a maverick, fired because he did his job rather than follow orders. He is a true anti-hero who excels as a superhero, reading the clues, chasing all the leads, and solving the issues to the pleasure of the Director of the FBI and the consternation to the bureaucrats in between the two. The author was an FBI agent for twenty or more years, now dividing his time between working cold cases and writing. I have already put Boyds next book on my wish list.
Fantastic read. I could hardly put it down. Great story about an ex-FBI agent who comes back to solve a particularly tough case.
Great book. Really enjoyed.
The first novel written under the nom de plume Noah Boyd has all the cliche's one can find in an FBI thriller - the renegade kicked out of the bureau because he can't follow rules but is sucked by in on a big case for his unique and superior talents, sexual tension with his female FBI partner, still unable to play by the rules....and throw in some witty dialogue. Having said that, the story Boyd weaves is very original and is a page-turner. Steve Vail, the bricklayer, must match wits with a criminal mastermind who sends him chasing one deadly clue after another. I gave this book 4.5 stars. There was a note on Amazon that Paul Lindsey, author and former FBI agent who wrote his last two novels under the pen name Noah Boyd, has passed away. His last novel "Agent X" reintroduces Steve Vail in a final FBI thriller.
Intriguing just for the intricate plot alone, this book about an ex-FBI agent, once fired for insubordination (and you can see why) and now lured back to find and trace a horrific gang of killers who have targeted the FBI's reputation in the U.S., allows the hero, Steve Vail, to engage in a dialogue with his female FBI asst. director, Kate Bannon, that is the best I've read between two professionals on a killer job they both want to complete
successfully, who happen to both be young, intelligent, and attracted to each other. Marvelous detective work here.
successfully, who happen to both be young, intelligent, and attracted to each other. Marvelous detective work here.
All I can say is this was an AWESOME book. The bricklayer character was great. I could not put the book down. This was my first read from author Noah Boyd but not my last. I look forward to the next bricklayer story. The traps, mazes, and thrill never stops. The story line keeps you guessing and holding your breath while you are turning the page. My impressions are: if you want a great read that is non-stop action YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!
Excellent, engaging.
Outstanding characters and excellent plot line. I'd say that Noah Boyd is in the same league as Lee Child and his Reacher series. Unfortunately The Bricklayer is Boyd's first novel, so I'll just have to wait for the next one to be published.
Surprisingly good. Very well written with well drawn characters. The Bricklayer (the lead character) is a real charmer. I would definitely recommend this novel for anyone who likes fast-moving, smart, funny, well-thought-out plots and nifty characters. There is a high death rate, however, typical of this genre.
You are going to love this one. The character of "Steve Vail" champions integrity in a gritty world of mystery and crime. Each chapter builds, as a another new link emerges. Brilliant,one ingenious crime leads to another mystery. No disappointments in this novel. A new hero has evolved.
WOW!!!I really liked this book. Written by a former FBI agent. This is his first book. I am looking forward to his second.
This book was pretty boring for a murder mystery. It just seemed to drag.
Very good book, been a long time to be able to read through a book and enjoy every page without foul language and the characters are very likable, Steve Vail is a character, like Jack Reacher, to keep up with.
Unfortunately this author has passed away after the second installment of the Steve Vail series unless someone else can take it over, what a shame it was a promising series.
Unfortunately this author has passed away after the second installment of the Steve Vail series unless someone else can take it over, what a shame it was a promising series.
Good, but Jack Reacher is better.
