Tampa Burn (Doc Ford)

Rating:
Summary: Masterful subtleties
Review: This is the eleventh novel in a series that is now being taught in more than a few college literatures classes because each book is written on fascinating, complex levels. In TAMPA BURN, you get the usual rocket-ride of a plot that makes all of Mr. White's books a page turner. The pragmatic ("I have no interest in spirituality for the same reason I don't believe in astrology or UFOs.") Dr. Ford's son is kidnapped by a truly hideous man, and Ford pursues. A wonderful beach-book-thriller then unfolds. But the increasing number of people who read this series as literature - sometimes very good literature - look for subtle interactions between characters, and multi-layered plot fabric. Along with important environmental debates, there are often a religious sub themes. In TAMPA, a villain named Praxcedes Lourdes enjoys burning men alive. In EVERGLADES, the extraordinary climactic scene takes place at a volcano named Messiah (actually exists, White tell us in the preface.) There are great themes here, and these are superb books. Maybe even great, though time will judge.

Rating:
Summary: Don't Start This Book If You Need To Get Up Early
Review: This novel is not a great place to start with White, probably Sanibel Flats or Heat Islands are better doors to the series. Do not get me wrong, it is not a bad book, just very complicated. I guess you have to be a Doc Ford fan, but if you are this one will both grab you and resolve much about our hero. The plot comes bouncing from Central/South America to Dinkens Bay, across the Glades by way of the Tamiami Trail and the aptly named Alley and through the back canals surrounding Tampa Bay. There is a reprise of a Tucker Gattrell adventure and a passle of "Carnys" thrown in for good measure. We Ford fans have been on a number of adventures, some very clever, one or two throw-aways, but this one will scare you. I do not think I am giving anything away by now. We know the bad guy in this one burns people. A nasty piece of work. He is a terrorist on a different level: a personal nightmare character. And he has kidnapped Doc's son. Some of the psychology here is frightening. Both of the villian, Incendario, and those who use him. Meanwhile there is some other using going on as well. Doc's ex-love, Pilar, and her motives, until now hinted at in the series, are revealed. And we find about some other using by that user to excess-Tomlinson. Doc's government connections are also after their payback. If you like the series, you just might read cover to cover in one sitting.