Rating: 
Summary: Poorly written, wandering storylines, atrocious politics
Review: I enjoyed the first two Martin Vail novels, and was quite disappointed by this one, for the above three reasons. Poorly written -- it violates rules you can find in any basic creative writing book or class. It lists and tells rather than showing or describing, and it talks down to the reader. The book frequently resorts to simplistic "X happened, then Y happened" paragraphs rather than involving the reader in the events (the last paragraph of the book is a great example). Such writing tends not to evoke suspense or fear, and this book is no exception. It's obvious that Diehl didn't spend nearly as much time on this book as on his others.
Wandering storylines -- The inclusion of Aaron Stampler into this book feels artificial and forced. He has perhaps four scenes, five tops, and only one of them is very long or involved. Diehl occasionally drops some interesting hints, but the character does not grow at all, and we gain no further insight into his motives or past.
Atrocious politics -- I don't need every novel I read to vindicate my politics, but there are parts of this book which perpetuate alarming fallacies about RICO as well as the Waco incident. It is ironic that the Turner Diaries are widely criticized for their well-known slant and unconscionable ideas, but that this book then goes on to unfairly lump David Koresh in with Jim Jones and equate the Branch Davidians with racist militia organizations. (Watch the documentary WACO: THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT for some interesting points, as well as proof of the Davidians' rejection of racism.) RICO, touted as a wonderful way to chase down criminals, is in reality a catch-all, open-ended series of statutes used primarily to harass citizens who do not have the wherewithal to resist such intrusions (my family has firsthand experience of this).
If Diehl's intention here was truly to depict a struggle between two sets of bad guys, he did it poorly, because he over-simplified it. One need not be a religious fanatic or a racist to feel alarm at the shocking atrocities perpetuated by the government against its own citizens in recent years, or wince at the vast authority politicians seem to feel comfortable exercising over private citizens' lives. Yet anyone who dared present that view in the novel was made into a caricature.
In short, I don't recommend the book, not only because of its simplistic treatment of complex issues but because it falls flat as a thriller as well. It is far below what we already know Diehl is capable of.
Rating:
Summary: Multiple story ideas and Aaron end up in as "Reign In Huh?".
Review: I totally expected "Reign In Hell" to be another excellent book and wind up (perhaps) the Aaron Stampler vs. Vail theme. One out of two. The book seems to me to be a parade of well written short stories or book ideas quickly woven into a Vail/Stampler thriller. The thrill just wasn't there this time though. I still love Diehl's work and anxiously await his next book.
Rating: 
Summary: Bought it on a whim
Review: I had never read William Diehl before but I am home recuperating from surgery and love to read. This series was so well written I couldn't put it down until I finished all three. Martin Vail epitomizes the lawyers I have worked with in the past. The development of the plot concerning the Sanctuary fanatic group was in-depth and although fictional, could scare any concerned citizen.
Rating: 
Summary: Not the Author's Best Effort
Review: This book makes me think that the author has a movie in mind. It is not up to the standards of the authors prior books and simply borrows interest from Primal Fear. Reads like it has been written to become a film, not to hold the interest of the reader. Very disappointing
Rating:
Summary: oy!
Review: Though the book is well-written and has a solid structure, it seems to me that this is a desperation attempt by Diehl to profit from his very successful Aaron Stampler character. I liked the premise of the book, and the initial development is superb, but rather than continue developing the story in a logical and patient manner, Diehl skips right to the climax about 300 pages too quickly. The ending was predictable and thoroughly unsatisfying. This book is, unfortunately, a dime store novel; an effort far below the par excellence Diehl has maintained in the past.
Rating:
Summary: WILLIAM DIEHL DOES IT AGAIN; VAIL IS MORE HUMAN THAN EVER.
Review: ONCE AGAIN, WILLIAM DIEHL SATISFIES! MARTIN VAIL IS ON ANOTHER CRUSADE, ONLY THIS TIME HE IS UP AGAINST A MORE-WIDESPREAD DEVIL INCARNATE. I LITERALLY DID NOTHING UNTIL I FINISHED IT LAST NIGHT AT MIDNIGHT. THE ENDING WAS GREAT! I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT DIEHL COMES UP WITH NEXT. VAIL IS MORE HUMAN IN THIS NOVEL. HE IS MORE VULNERABLE IN EVERY WAY. IS IT THE LOVE OF A GOOD WOMAN? IS IT THE WOLF/MAGOO CONNECTION? YOU'LL HAVE TO DECIDE THAT FOR YOURSELVES, READERS, BUT WHATEVER YOUR INTERPRETATION IS, YOU'LL BE MORE THAN SATISFIED WITH REIGN IN HELL.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely the best!
Review: William Diehl is one of my most favorite authors. If you have never read him, please read him now. His books are extremely interesting. His last is an up-to-date thriller that will blow you away! I read it in 2 days. A must read!
Rating:
Summary: Buy only in paperback for a beach read!
Review: One of the enjoyments I get from reading is getting into the characters and caring about them. I did neither of these in Reign in Hell. I didn't care whether Vail and Jane got married, who lived, or who died ,except the dog Magoo. He had lots of character! I love mysteriesand don't mind violence but this book I found boring!
Rating:
Summary: Do your homework Diehl
Review: Diehl should not be writing on extreme religions when he clearly knows nothing about religion period. Does Diehl honestly believe that Mormon elders wear bush beards? Having Aaron come back was ludicrous, a desparate attempt to find a place for him while he basically had no role in the story. THe first 2 books were good, this one is crap.
Rating:
Summary: William Diehl - I hate you!
Review: You hate William Diehl, yet you gave Reign in Hell a l0? "Why?" you ask. It's because I had so many papers to check and grades to figure, yet I had to start reading this book last Saturday, and by Sunday night, all bleary-eyed, I had finished it. I hate when reviews say, "I couldn't put it down." Honestly, I couldn't. The book is topically current what with the militia theme. Bringing Aaron Stampler back as Brother Transgressor was masterful. He is a most despicable creature. The secret cadre of Vietnam vets were an interesting bunch. I'm still wondering if this is fact or the author taking liberties. Martin Vail and his "Wild Bunch" have become some of the best characters in this genre. By the way, Thai Horse is my favorite Diehl book. I must have a thing for Vietnam.
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