Rating: 
Summary: Murder, deception, and betrayal
Review: Though I'm an avid reader, it isn't often that I will pick up the same book more than once. I convince myself that it's pointless to do so since I already know what's going to happen. In spite of this, PRETENSES kept calling me to take a second look and I was just as excited reading it the second time as I was the first time almost two years ago -- before it was even published. There is no doubt in my mind that Keith Lee Johnson's writing will capture even the pickiest reader as he takes one on a literary joy-ride with FBI Special Agent Phoenix Perry and her nemesis Coco Nimbura, a ruthless assassin who gives "pleasure in death" a new meaning when taking out her targets.
When a black Supreme Court nominee and her husband are killed in their homes, the President of the United States personally assigns Phoenix to the high-profile case as a way of retaliating against the killer. All the while, Coco is one step ahead of the FBI and killing without abandon. Once she finds out that Phoenix is a worthy adversary, she touches as closely as possible to Phoenix's life. Coco is convinced that Phoenix is the one person who can grant her her final wish before she goes out of the business. As the case and the killings continue, Phoenix finds out that Coco is more like her than she cares to admit.
PRETENSES is a novel that demands to be on the big screen. Keith Lee Johnson has worked his magic in this wonderfully written suspense thriller. PRETENSES is packed with multi-layered and suspenseful plots that will have readers thirsty for more. The title states it all, as raw truths are revealed through murder, deception, and betrayal. This is a must read that I'd recommend (and read over) time and time again.
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2004
Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Rating:
Summary: Keith maintained my interest
Review: What do you get when you read a story that mixes a ruthless, female psychotic assassin, with a conscientious and tough female FBI agent that's hot on the assassin's trail regardless of the life-threatening risks?FBI Agent Phoenix Perry is calm, smart, loves her family, and is a Grand Master in Shaolin Kung Fu. Coco, the unconscionable predator, is the one Phoenix must nab, if only she can keep up with this horny killer that knows Phoenix's every move.
From the first page, the book simply kidnaps you; there's continuous action, brutal eye-popping scenes, and spicy dialogue sprinkled with humor. For me, Pretenses was a great read because (1) it was a change of pace for me because I am accustomed to reading lots of relationship novels, and (2) the author's writing style is compelling. Keith gives you just enough detail to envision the scene without going overboard. I loved the various settings of the novel, including DC, St. Thomas, and New York. Keith just has a wonderful style that draws you in. I look forward to reading more of his works. Pretenses is highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A villan you love to hate
Review: Whew! I'm going to write something I normally don't write in a published review and proclaim Pretenses as one of the best books I've read in 2004. Don't take my recommendation lightly. I don't normally extol the virtues of books to this extent, but prior to reading Pretenses, there wasn't a need. Now that I have, I think if you read the book, you'll most likely feel the same way.
Meet Coco Nimburo, a deadly hired assassin, who is honest to a fault, but as lethal as a ticking time bomb. Crossing paths with Coco is like writing a blank check for which your life is the surety of the bond. Murders are being committed in our nation's capital and FBI Special Agent Phoenix Perry has been assigned, as well as recommended, by the President to get to the bottom of the assassinations. Phoenix and Coco will cross paths.
Nothing is average about Coco. She's skilled in the martial arts and studied with the best Eastern culture has to offer. She's fluent in several languages, a master of disguise, well disciplined and patient. She's highly skilled in the art of acupuncture. She's also a nymphomaniac. A loner by nature, her resume is top notch. Phoenix, Coco's natural nemesis, is equally as gifted in the arts, they are like yin and yang.
On top of the murders there is a serial rapist with some 67 male victims, which must be dealt with. Phoenix and her partner have this series of crimes in the back of their mind too. Could the two possibly be connected? As these two government agents fall into the abyss of high profile murders, and a savage rapist, Coco set her sights on them. Phoenix knows who their perpetrator is but she's elusive and they can't seem catch her.
The research the author puts forth and dedication to his craft shows brightly. The reader will be so totally engrossed in the story, it will be difficult to put down. This is hardly the book to sit down and pick up later. I caution you against reading this book when you have an impending important appointment- you just might miss it. If Keith Lee Johnson doesn't hook you by page 33, this genre isn't for you.
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