|
Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Christopher Reich's THE DEVIL'S BANKER.
amusingjoy@sbcglobal.net
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I've read John Grisham, Scott Turow and Sandra Brown.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
I enjoyed The Devil's Banker. It kept me intrigued. I can usually guess "whodunit" and was surprised that this did not occur with Reich's work. I've never read a suspense/thriller/financial plot before and doubted that I would be able to follow if technical banking terms would be encountered page after page. This was not the case; the storyline kept my interest and I didn't feel lost in the "transactions."
Would you ever read more Christopher Reich titles?
Yes; he has a new fan!
BGR372@aol.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
No, but now that I have read this book, I have yet another author to check out!
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
D.W. Buffa, Tess Gerritsen, David Baldacci, Greg Iles.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
Very interesting, well paced and informative without drowning the reader in intricate detail.
Would you ever read more Christopher Reich titles?
Most definitely.
cdonovan@peoplepc.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
Yes I have read Christopher Reich. I've read all of his books. I think I liked NUMBERED ACCOUNT the best.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I like Frederick Forsythe, Jeffrey Archer, Jack Higgins and Perri O'Shaughnessy.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
I enjoyed THE DEVIL'S BANKER. It certainly explained the money trail on terrorists and how the money gets where it goes. I was fascinated by the way it's tracked!
Would you ever read more Christopher Reich titles?
Yes, I would read Christopher Reich again.
GMarsh1012@aol.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
This is the my first book by Christopher Reich.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read lots of political/spense thrillers and particularly like Vince Flynn, Joseph Flynn (The Next President), Jeffery Deaver, Dan Brown and Jeffrey Isles.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
I found THE DEVIL'S BANKER very timely and informative. I felt that the first 3/4 of the book, aside from the first chapter, was more informative than suspenseful. Not that the information wasn't interesting, but it made for a slow read for me. The last 100 pages were very suspenseful and then I couldn't put it down. The final chapter was great, but I am still left with the question of who Sarah really was and what happened to her at the White House. I think there was a tremendous amount of research that went into the book and even thought I know it was a work of fiction I feel I gained a better knowledge of what's happening in the world of terrorism.
Would you ever read more Christopher Reich titles?
Yes, I would read more of Mr. Reich's writings.
Hon2724@aol.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
Have not read Christopher Reich before, although I own one. That will change now.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Other authors I read include: Greg Iles, Lee Child, Nelson DeMille, John Grisham, just to name a few.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
The Devil's Banker is a GREAT read. It is a wonderful story put together in a style that makes it so enjoyable to read that I crawled into the book with the characters and went into a deep funk when it was at an end. It has a style of some of the Grisham books as far as chapter construction is concerned and I like that. His research is obvious and so enjoyable.....although I know it is fiction I tend to believe it as I read. Will look for more of the same!!!!!!!
lkfdjf@polarcomm.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
None that I can think of. I don't usually read suspense/thrillers.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
It was very interesting.
Would you ever read more Christopher Reich titles?
Maybe.
JaKaCol3@aol.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
I have never read Christopher Reich before.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read other suspense/thriller authors such as Dan Brown, Kathy Reichs, Mary Jane Clark, Ruth Rendell/Barbara Vine, Lisa Scottoline, Harlan Coben, George Simenon, Martin Cruz Smith, Robert Crais, Robert B. Parker, Martha Grimes, Sue Grafton, Mary Higgins Clark, Robin Cook, Walter Mosley, P.D. James
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
I thought THE DEVIL'S BANKER was a terrific book. I couldn't put it down. The story seemed ripped from the headlines and it was hard to believe I was reading fiction. It was a real page-turner.
Would you ever read more Christopher Reich titles?
I will definitely read more of Christopher Reich. I plan to begin with THE RUNNER.
Thank you again for introducing me to a fine writer I hadn't known before.
JHIDEY@aol.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Clancy.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
I enjoyed the fast pace. Near the end I was thinking this might make a good suspense movie. Actually when I was finished it reminded me a little of the show 24 with many different subplots. I wasn't sure about the ending with Sarah Churchill being a double spy. The rest fit together very well.
Would you ever read more Christopher Reich titles?
Yes.
LDreeszen@aol.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I have not read other suspense/thriller authors. My main fiction focus is on mysteries, especially those written by female authors and featuring female protagonists.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
This is an excellent, gripping story that could be taking place while I sit here writing on my computer. That really scares me! This book is complex with multiple characters, but once the reader is past the first few chapters, those characters interact more with each other. I would recommend this book to any reader, male or female, who enjoys a good story that is well-told and doesn't give anything away too soon.
Would you ever read more Christopher Reich titles?
Yes!
LUCKYLM1@aol.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
No, this is the first book by Christopher Reich I've read.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I like to read books by Tammy Hoag, Kay Hooper, Carol O'Connell, Sue Grafton, Lisa Gardner, Janet Evanovich, Lawrence Block, Linda Fairstein, and Sheldon Siegal, to name a few.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
It was different. I found that the beginning started out a little slow for me, but once it picked up, it kept on going until the end.
Would you ever read more Christopher Reich titles?
Probably.
Mts610@aol.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, Jonathan Kellerman, etc.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
I like the story however I thought that there were too many different storylines in the beginning. Once all of them came together I enjoyed the book.
Would you ever read more Christopher Reich titles?
Yes.
mvalangel@msn.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
John Grisham, Lisa Gardner.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
Very interesting. It was a very new plot --- something that I had not read in other books before.
Would you ever read more Christopher Reich titles?
Yes --- in fact, I intend to order his other books.
PQ609@aol.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
I had never read any of Reich's books before.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Clancy, LeCarre, Nevada Barr, Steve Martini, Catherine Forrest, Robert Wilson, Tony Hillerman, Wm. Kent Krueger, Lisa Scottoline, James Lee Burke, Grisham, Scott Turow.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
Well-written, interesting plot with reasonable levels of surprises and "suspense," average character development; I thought Reich did a nice job of revealing the different elements of his story.
Would you ever read more Christopher Reich titles?
Definitely.
Rufferto80@aol.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
First of all, I want to thank you for the advance copy of Christopher Reich's THE DEVIL'S BANKER. I did enjoyed reading his book and his book is a page-turner from the very beginning. I could not stop until to the end. Whew! I have read all of his books since his first book, NUMBERED ACCOUNT came out and loved all of his books. I will stay on buying and reading his future books.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I usually read Stephen Frey, Dan Brown, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, and other authors too many to mention. I am open for anything suspenseful or thrilling to read for my pleasure.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
I have my thoughts about his new book, THE DEVIL'S BANKER, as I mentioned above, it is a PAGE-TURNER. I wanted to hold it down and take a breath but I was so greedy and must to finish it. I can read it over again and again until the book breaks loose. Chris did improved his storytelling and he had done better every bit on each book. I still enjoyed his past books and recommended my friends to read his books!
Would you ever read more Christopher Reich titles?
Of course, I would love to read more of his books in the future as long as he do not RUSH his writing skills. I always tell the authors at the book-signing events to TAKE YOUR TIME in writing for better novels. I had seen a lot of authors I love to read did done wonderful job. I think Chris would not have the problem not to rush his storytelling. I would like to tell Chris myself in person that I appreciate his books and wish him the best efforts as a writer. I will keep on telling my friends to read one or all of his books and opt to have a book discussion about his style of writing in each book. Chris, I applaud you for a wonderful job and I want you to continue doing the best whatsoever to keep us entertained better than these stinking shows on television!
SBanton343@aol.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
Yes, I have NUMBERED ACCOUNT on my bookshelves. And to be really honest I think I have read THE RUNNER but just in case I have Christopher Reich on my reading list.
What other Suspense thriller authors do you read?
I am still waiting for Bookreporter.com to find a new author that I haven't yet read at least one of their novels. I read just about any author in this genre.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
I enjoyed it. In reading a few of the advance blurbs and some excerpts of interviews I understand that the working title was BLOOD MONEY. I am of the opinion that this would be a better title. However, this is a tiny criticism that did not deter from the main story. We have an inside look at the financial workings of terrorists, and how money can be manipulated throughout the world. I wonder how true it is that since September 11th, even Swiss banks will divulge information?
We have two alleged heroes, accountant Adam Chapel and English Spy Sarah Churchill. As members of the task force, Blood Money, they chase a money trail around the globe. As Christopher Reich says, "Follow the money and you find the man." We have thrown in the mix (besides the missing $500,000 from the opening scenes) a stolen nuclear device from Israel. There are several twists and a few good guys turn out bad and a few bad guys who turn out OK. For a majority of the book I was guessing who was a "good guy," except I never doubted Adam Chapel was on the side of justice.
Would you ever read more Christopher Reich titles?
Yes, without a doubt. I hope that I see more of Sarah Churchill and Adam Chapel. The ending of THE DEVIL'S BANKER certainly left open that possibility. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next!
User116712@aol.com
Have you ever read Christopher Reich before?
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this Christopher Reich book. I had never read him before but now will seek out backlist titles.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read a lot of other suspense/thriller writers. To name a few James Patterson, am a huge Ludlum fan, some Tom Clancy, Tami Hoag, David Baldacci, Brad Meltzer, used to love Arthur Hailey, love Stuart Woods, particularly the Stone Barringtons; Richard North Patterson and Janet Evanovich --- but for the fun of Stephanie Plum rather than the suspense. I also read some Grisham but his stories are getting tired or at least the last couple that I read seem so --- haven't read THE KING OF TORTS yet, however. Also --- Patricia Cornwell and Nancy Taylor Rosenburg. Love Barbara Parker --- cannot wait for the next one --- Rick Riordan and Candace Robb. Those are all that I can think of right off the top of my head --- there are more but that is enough for now. Obviously, I love to read suspense.
Just remembered and cannot leave out Susan Wittig Albert and Faye Kellerman. Enough for now.
What did you think of THE DEVIL'S BANKER?
I liked it a lot. I was fascinated with the follow the money theme --- something that I thought might have thwarted 9/11 had someone been on the ball enough to do. I was fascinated by the way the Germans were portrayed in regard to privacy rights as compared to the Wild West approach of the US law enforcement operatives. I also believe that Reich's novel offered insight into the mind of the terrorists --- unlike us, time is not a factor --- accomplishment of the mission is. We live in an instant society and as such we have become addicted to fast solutions and short term planning. Like the infinite and subtly shifting sands of the timeless desert, other cultures, particularly those of the Middle East and Asia as well, know and instinctly realize that ours is a short attention span that wants, no, demands, immediate answers. Their culture is so much different. One of the more interesting aspects was the careful and long term planning that had gone into the plan to bring down the West and revenge the brother by Gabriel. He obviously was one who believed that revenge is a dish, best eaten cold. The surprise was the sister --- the chameleon aspect of her position with WHO as someone who had done so much good willing to avenge her older brother in such a horrific manner makes one really want to know more about Noor than was here. Wish that character had been developed a bit more. And that leads me to my only criticism --- this book is moved along by the action. Little insight is allowed the reader for the motives of many of the characters --- long on action and plot --- a bit short on character development. Would have liked to know more about Sarah, the Admiral, Noor and even Alan, but especially the Jewish professor who provided the bomb. They were all interesting to watch but were the reader's acquaintances --- not some I knew well --- kept me from really having much invested in the characters. Some authors manage to draw you in and really make you care about the players in their story. Don't get me wrong --- it was a good story --- and it will make a good movie or mini series. Good escapist fiction and I will very probably read more from Reich.
Again, let me take this opportunity to thank you for affording me pleasure of --- despite my few comments to the negative side --- a fun and suspenseful read that reflects the challenges we face in dealing with a culture who does not see time in the same way we do --- we look for fast answers, quick solutions --- our greatest challenge and one that we must acquire is the ability to wait, to be patient --- if we do not at least come to recognize the timelessness of infinite patience and ancestral grievances of those who do not live in the West, we are going to have a hard time on this planet.... Unfortunately, we are already beginning to learn the sad lesson in Iraq. Thanks again. Really enjoyed the book.
© Copyright 1996-2008, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.
Back to top.
|