The Manhattan Hunt Club

Rating:
Summary: Stereotypes galore
Review: As someone who is interested in the underground and people who supposedly live beneath the surface, I was eager to pick up this book, but I had to stop reading after a dozen pages. Not only is the writing style distractingly dumbed down, but the homeless are demonized in a way that reminded me of stereotypical racist literature. Like they are from another planet. Unfortunately something that seemed to be about an interesting subject deteriorated within the first few pages.

Rating:
Summary: John Saul Has Gone To New Depths
Review: In "The Manhattan Hunt Club," John Saul has gone into new territory both with the geographic setting of the novel and his literary reach. MHC will attract and inspire new fans because of its well told mystery appeal and it's almost cinema-like action and characters.

This compelling book explores the life under New York City in the tunnels, air ducts, subways and crevices that are the residences of thousands of homeless in New York City.

MHC brings home a strong social message that the much heralded triumph over homeless people has literally been pushed underground. Mayor Rudy "Combover" Guliani cannot be pleased at the flurry of media attention MHC is likely to inspire underneath his backyard.

Any Saul fan will cherish this tale, yet this is a perfect place to start for those who have never been taken on one of Saul's amazing rides.

Rating:
Summary: Man(hattan) Hunt Club
Review: Reading this book will take every reader back to their early school days of "The Most Dangerous Game" wherein the likeable, resourceful innocent is coldly and dispassionately pursued through the dark by the almost overwhelming evil.

This was my first dive into John Saul's dark and twisted imagination and I can't say I was disappointed. In its pages, you will find again absolute power corrupting absolutely, the strength and power of love and a wonderful receipe for "track rabbit".

Although the obvious plot and characters were somewhat predictable, I must confess that it was an overall good read. Perhaps that came from being a New York City homeboy who has spent way too many hours commuting below ground and wondering what really lies in those black tunnels. Perhaps I have always been curious about where the houseless spend most of their time. Maybe, I just like the thrill of the hunt. Maybe, you will too.

Rating:
Summary: THE CONVERSION OF SAUL
Review: When I finished "The Manhattan Hunt Club," I had to check to make sure it was really written by John Saul. I've always been a fan of Saul's novels, although many of them were so similar in theme and characterization, it's hard to tell them apart. However, with this shocker, Saul demonstrates his gift for characterization and riveting suspense.
Jeff Converse's fate is one of those "I Can't believe these idiots think this man is guilty." Once the seemingly impossible plot emerges (sort of a twisted "The Deadliest Game"), we follow Jeff's horrifying entrapment in the massive tunnels of New York. Add some really strong supporting characters such as his estranged parents, his undoubting girlfriend, and a heinous bunch of villains, you have quite a story here. Jagger, the ruthless killer, who becomes a friend to Jeff, is also a great character---couldn't help seeing Vin Diesel in the movie role. The real stars though are the homeless people. Particularly, the teenage Jinx. She's a really well-developed, fleshed-out character, whose bravery and perseverance, help Jeff immensely.
This, undoubtedly, is Saul's best book yet. His departure from a true "horror" novel to psychological suspense is welcoming, and one can only hope he keeps up the good work. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.