The HOLLAND SUGGESTIONS : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Not his best!
Review: Doesn't compare to THE BOOKMAN' WAKE and BOOKED TO DIE. But the last 3/4 is worth the read.

Rating:
Summary: Can't believe it's by the same author as "Booked to Die"
Review: I loved Booked to Die and Bookman's Wake, but couldn't find much to like in this one. It never caught my interest, and the plot line was convoluted and unbelieveable.

Rating:
Summary: A fun adventure....
Review: I read this book because I have become a John Dunning fan. It was obviously written by a not-yet-seasoned writer, but was still a good story. In some places it was more than obvious, in others- totally out-of-the-blue. (i.e It was no surprise that Vivian was the woman in the house on the hill, however it makes no sense that Gould will tell perfect strangers all about the "Caverna del Oro" if he was already enjoying the spoils.) I would still recommend the book, if for no other reason then to see how far Dunning has come in his ability to spin a page-turning tale :) You'll still find enjoyment even in this early attempt at suspense...

Rating:
Summary: for true John Dunning fans only
Review: If you are such a John Dunning fan that you want to see his early efforts, read this book as research. This book is really not very good. Booked to Die and Bookman's Wake are terrific. As for the Holland Suggestions, well, everyone has to start somewhere. And I'm sure its a better book than I could ever write...

Rating:
Summary: Even lesser Dunning is not bad
Review: My fellow reviewers on this page are obviously Dunning fans who are feeling disappointed. It's true that this is not up to the other two -- and later -- Dunning mysteries, but even early Dunning has qualities to recommend it. The author admits the "rawness" of his work in the highly informative forward. But he has nothing for which to apologize. He has delivered a well-plotted thriller that could use a little more in the way of detailed characterization; everything else is a quibble.

Rating:
Summary: Once Jim Ryan gets on the road, the book is off and running
Review: This is a reprint of an early attempt at writing mysteries. As a fan of John Dunning, I'd read anything he wrote cover-to-cover. Even so before it was reprinted, he should have thrown out the first 1/4 of the book and figured out a different reason for his protagonist to spend the rest of the book in a spell-binding treasure hunt, part of it underground. The author is as good with spelunking as he is with rare books. The last 3/4 of the book is so good, you won't be able to go to bed until you've finished it.

Rating:
Summary: Once Jim Ryan gets on the road, the book is off and running
Review: This is a reprint of an early attempt at writing mysteries. As a fan of John Dunning, I'd read anything he wrote cover-to-cover. Even so before it was reprinted, he should have thrown out the first 1/4 of the book and figured out a different reason for his protagonist to spend the rest of the book in a spell-binding treasure hunt, part of it underground. The author is as good with spelunking as he is with rare books. The last 3/4 of the book is so good, you won't be able to go to bed until you've finished it.

Rating:
Summary: A Good First Effort
Review: This is Dunnings first effort in the mystery/thriller genre. While interesting at times, it is ultimately just O.K. The ending is a bit weak, and the beginning drags. But, once the hero arrives at the old mining town, it does become fun. If you need a quick read on a long flight or train ride, this is for you. Just don't expect much and you will not be dissapointed.

Rating:
Summary: Worth it for the forward alone
Review: Though this is the author's first book it is still a good read however the best part of the book is the forward, written by the author for this new edition. In it he gives some of the most succinct advice for young writers that appears in print. For deep insight into the writing life, the stages of development, and the obstacles to success there is nothing more moving or better written on the market than this. (And after you have read this you still get to read a competent first book that will hold your attention - a first book by the emerging master of the genre who brought the magnificent Booked to Die and Bookman's Wake to us all.)