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House of Smoke

House of Smoke

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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Good detective story, but you gotta trust somebody
Review: Once you get over the shock of transition from a traditional past-tense narrative in the prologue to a present-tense one in the rest of the book, this turns out to be a very well-written mystery in the tradition of the Lew Archer series, and of "Chinatown" and "The Two Jakes" - except that here the detective is a woman, and the characters representing the power are also women.

Freedman writes very well and I found myself drawn in almost against my will. I believed that every one of these characters could actually exist.

My complaints? At the risk of sounding chauvinistic, all of Freedman's most powerful characters are women. I believed in these characters especially, but in terms of gender this book seems a little lopsided. Also, with two exceptions (not including Kate), every character in this book seems to have some kind of ulterior motive for what he or she does, or is involved in the murders to some degree. I'm reminded of Deep Throat's last words to Dana Scully in "The X-files": "Trust no one."

I hope that Freedman writes another book featuring Kate Blanchard, but he doesn't have to be so conspiracy-minded if he does.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: MURDER, EROTIC SEX AND BEAUTIFUL WOMEN.
Review: THE BOOK SIZZLES ALONG, WITH TONS OF ACTION, MURDER, SEX AND DECEIT. THE STORY LINE WAS GOOD, BUT I FELT LACKED A LITTLE IN THE SUSPENSE DEPARTMENT. ASIDE FROM A FEW SMALL SURPRISES, THE BOOK ENDS MUCH AS I WOULD EXPECT IT TO

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Where There's Smoke There's Fire
Review: This book, again, like the Disapperance, had me guessing again. I could not put this book down! Normally, I can figure out who the guilty person is by the middle of a book I'm reading, but, again, Freedmand had me totally stunned! The outcome of the story was totally shocking, I never would have guessed, and I didn't. The only thing that bothered me about this book, was, I thought there was too much sex in the book. I didn't really see how it had anything to do with the story, it didn't seem to pertain to the story at all. Other then that, this book was totally enjoyable, and another great read! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Great Read
Review: This book, again, like the Disapperance, had me guessing again. I could not put this book down! Normally, I can figure out who the guilty person is by the middle of a book I'm reading, but, again, Freedmand had me totally stunned! The outcome of the story was totally shocking, I never would have guessed, and I didn't. The only thing that bothered me about this book, was, I thought there was too much sex in the book. I didn't really see how it had anything to do with the story, it didn't seem to pertain to the story at all. Other then that, this book was totally enjoyable, and another great read! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Totally absorbing book. Hope to read more from the author.
Review: This is a fast paced mystery that kept me guessing. Our lady detective was well rounded personality wise, a true human being. Hope we get to read more about her!

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Nice read, but lacking in real suspense
Review: This is the second book I've read by Freedman. I read Against the Wind several years ago, and it is one of my favorite books and got me interested in the legal-thriller. House of Smoke is a nice read, but doesn't keep you "on the edge of your seat". Sometimes the author dwells on irrelevant details too much, especially in describing foods. Overall a decent book, but not a major thriller.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: House of cliches...?
Review: Well I thought so. Consequently I never really got into it. These days a thriller has to feel real to be gripping. This didn't.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Kate's brain matches up to any man's braun.
Review: When I started reading the book, I had to take it slow as to not miss anything. J.F. Freeman's writing kept me guessing and than trying to figure out where I went wrong in my thinking. While everyting was wrapped up in a neat little package at the end, I do wonder if Kate does eventually get her children and home life straightened out. that was my wish at the end of this book. Who knows does Kate come back in another mystery. I truy enjoyed it from cover to cover.


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