Walter J. (reading-is-bliss) -
In this, Nelson Demille's 21st Novel, The Deserter, teaming up for the 1st time with his son, Alex Demille, we are introduced to two new characters, Chief Warrant Officer Scott Brodie and his newly appointed partner, Warrant Officer Maggie Taylor. Nelson Demille fans will surely not be disappointed as he and his co-author son take readers on a dangerous journey to Venezuela where Brodie and Taylor as officers of the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) are sent with orders to locate and bring back - preferably alive - one of the Army's most notorious war criminals. Brodie, as we soon learn, is an exceptional investigative detective, perhaps the Army's very best, with a personality that somewhat resembles (though, at least in my opinion, is considerably more obnoxious) Demille's most popular character, former NYPD homicide detective, John Corey. As the exciting adventure moves along, and the relationship between Brodie as the eternal jokester and Taylor as the straight person in the duo develops and constantly builds throughout, never letting the reader relax even for a moment. Overall, I would give it 4 stars, except for one, at least for me, huge detraction. As the plot unfolds, what could have easily been an outstanding 300-page thriller is stretched, mostly through unnecessary and frustratingly repetitive dialogue, to 530 pages.
Gerald G. (PhotoJer) reviewed The Deserter (Scott Brodie & Maggie Taylor, Bk 1) on + 92 more book reviews
Terrible book, 530 pages written to justify $29 price. If Alan Furst had written this it would be 300 pages. I kept skimming the last 100 pages just to get it over with. Poor characterization, silly plot, dumb dialogue. If father Demille wrote any of this I would be surprised. It appears he wanted to get his son into writing using the family brand but this is a very very poor start at that. Don't bother with this book, it is a waste of time.
Well-plotted, with an interesting setting in the cities and jungles of Venezuela, but with not a single sympathetic character. One main character is an inveterate smart aleck and lech, another is beautiful and capable but weak-willed, and two others are completely out of their minds. Not recommended unless you are already a raving fan of Nelson DeMille.
