Rating: 
Summary: One of those books you just can't put down!
Review: I bought The Straw Men on impulse while wondering through a book store trying to find something different to read. And I got it!I couldn't put the book down.. I read it straight through. Michael Marshall has a wonderful way with wording, I found myself greedily reading each phrase and sentence once after the other. His switch between first and third person might seem awkward to some, but I found it intriguing and a nice a change as the book went along, adding a more personal view from the character who was probably the most confused and traumatized by the truths that began revealing themselves. The end could have been a little deeper, a little more informative, but it stuck with the mystery that had surrounded the plot throughout the whole book and was obviously (I hope!) left open for a sequel. I would suggest this book to anyone who looking for a chilling, different read. You'll certainly find it here. And to all the other reviewers who let us in on Mr Marshall's other books, thank you!
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely incredible! Read this book!
Review: I came across THE STRAW MEN in a small convenient store when on vacation. I needed some reading for the ride home and I could not have asked for a better read. THE STRAW MEN gets your attention from the beginning and keeps on begging you not to put it down. The plot is fantastic, full of suspense and interesting characters. Gets your heart pumping and keeps you guessing until the end. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves a nail-biting masterpiece. READ IT!
Rating: 
Summary: Well-Written Book, But Frustrating Ending...
Review: I didn't expect much from this paperback; as a rule I avoid modern novels and stick to non-fiction. But several people whose opinion I trust advised me to give the book a try, and I'm glad I did. First, Marshall is a seriously good writer. Not great, but good. His prose has muscle and style, which is more than you can say for about 95% of the other writers at work today. Second, he has a feel for character -- Ward Hopkins and his companion Bobby are especially well-drawn. That said, the book has some weaknesses, the worst of which is overplotting. Marshall wants everything to be tied up in a neat little bow, and he telegraphs his intentions from a mile off. The motivations of his characters are also often murky; I didn't always buy the actions of Nina Baynam, for example. She seemed to do things only to service the plot, not from any inner compulsion or desire. Also, the switching between first and third-person narrative was clumsy. I hope Marshall avoids that in the follow-on book. The ending was compromised badly by Marshall's desire to write a sequel. After many harrowing adventures, things just...peter out. Nothing is really resolved. It's meant to whet our appetites for the sequel, I know, but I found it irritating.
Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: I enjoyed this book tremendously. I bought this book because of Stephen King's recommendation on the front cover and I am very glad that I did. The author does a great job of building tension and interest, his language, writing style and humor are very appealing. I am looking forward to his next book!
Rating: 
Summary: A good suspense novel!
Review: I just finished this book this morning and enjoyed it immensely. The Straw Men are literally the most frightening and evil people in modern suspense novels. The idea of organized mass murderers is sadly not quite as unbelievable in the aftermath of September 11. I won't give away much more than to say that there is one twist and turn after another, shocking revelations and the ending is left open to make a sequel. Hopefully, there will be one. So why the four stars? Most people might disagree but the main character, Ward, was unsympathetic. He made constant insults about almost every human being he saw which would be the last thing I would do if I was mourning the death of my parents even if they were estranged. The social commentary is sometimes dead on, but abrasive and it detracted some of the enjoyment for me. It came across kind of smart mouthed which nearly made me put down the book. Towards the end, I was glad I stayed because I started to like Ward a little more. A friend of mine hated this book because of that. Other than that, its worth a read and if you are a real cynic, you will probably come away with a different opinion. I still gave it four stars due to its intense and unstoppable action. A great book, a little flawed but worth your time. Almost a masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: I picked up this book as an advance copy at the store I work at, and I could not put it down. I felt that the story was very well thought out, though it couldve used more description, it was a well written book. It is slightly reminiscent of early Dean Koontz works. Based on that, I have personally sold about 25 copies of this book in the 2 months it has been out, and have not had a complaint yet.
Rating: 
Summary: Thinks it's more clever than it really is
Review: I read this book because Stephen King called it a "masterpiece". I soon came to realize that Mr. King probably read something else, or his brief review was taken way out of context. The author has tremendous potential as a writer, and he uses language in interesting ways, but he's no storyteller. This book is three times longer than it should be because long passages of useless gibberish fill the page rather than advancing the story. And the finale is disappointing. Moreover, I'm not sure he knows anything about cops, or CIA, or lawyers. This book could have been a raucous good read, but it wants a good editing, first. Mr. Marshall is about two books and a good editor away from becoming a an excellent writer.
Rating:
Summary: New book out!- Sequel!
Review: I see there's a new paperback out, featuring Ward Hopkins, which I assume is a sequel. Due out 3/30/04. The Upright Man, Michael Marshall. I can't wait to get my hands on it!
Rating:
Summary: New book out!- Sequel!
Review: I see there's a new paperback out, featuring Ward Hopkins, which I assume is a sequel. Due out 3/30/04. The Upright Man, Michael Marshall. I can't wait to get my hands on it!
Rating:
Summary: Not long enough, otherwise first rate.
Review: I tend to read compulsively and not only could I not put this book down, I didn't even think of putting it down. I sailed through it without a care in the world as to how much time I was spending. My only complaint is I think the book should have been twice as long to flesh out the multiple plot lines and logical jumps that are a little shakey. The plot is so original I felt a little shortchanged at how "conveniently" he wraps up certain threads and glosses over numerous details. If you're asking me the book felt edited with a sledge hammer. Also, to be frank, I just didn't want the story to end! What a great writer Marshall is, too. Turns a phrase as well as anyone, has ideas as grandiose as, say, "The Stand," but gets into his characters heads and hearts better than King. If this book were as fully developed as "The Stand" it would stand as a real masterpiece on the order of The Lord of The Rings, which, King's little blurb aside, it misses. Still, if you like suspense, mystery and conspiracy fiction, don't pass this one up. With any luck this book is the first installment of a series and next time, or at some point, we'll be treated to a fully realized version of the world Marshall has created.
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