Rating: 
Summary: Dissapointing after Darkness Bound
Review: I was expecting a lot more from this novel after reading Brook's first one Darkness Bound. The reason why I didn't like this novel as much is becuase the author twists the plot so much in an effort to keep the reader interested, that it gets to the point of were it is too much. I am looking forward to read the next novel (Serpent's Dance) to see if the author went back to the qulity shown in Darkness Bound.
Rating:
Summary: So-so sophomore effort
Review: I'm not so enthusiastic about this novel as other readers. True, Brooks can build believably complex characters, but the encounter session seminar thing was done to death in the '60s and '70s, and the conspiracy aspect takes a page or two from The Osterman Weekend and others of its ilk. Plus, there are so many twists and turns in the novel, it was hard to tell who was getting jerked around more-- the participants of the seminar or the reader (hey, you can only pull so many rabbits out of the hat before the audience starts bolting for the exits). Brooks also seems to tiptoe around plausible outcomes that would collapse his intricate plot like a house of cards (none of these executives don't seem to be able to think too far ahead), and some of the plot twists really push the credibility envelope (chapter 57, for example). A final, somewhat minor complaint is his penchant for stringing together words in a I-want-to-be-precise-with-this-description fashion (Jeez, crack open a thesaurus!). A decent beach read, nothing more.
Rating:
Summary: So-so sophomore effort
Review: I'm not so enthusiastic about this novel as other readers. True, Brooks can build believably complex characters, but the encounter session seminar thing was done to death in the '60s and '70s, and the conspiracy aspect takes a page or two from The Osterman Weekend and others of its ilk. Plus, there are so many twists and turns in the novel, it was hard to tell who was getting jerked around more-- the participants of the seminar or the reader (hey, you can only pull so many rabbits out of the hat before the audience starts bolting for the exits). Brooks also seems to tiptoe around plausible outcomes that would collapse his intricate plot like a house of cards (none of these executives don't seem to be able to think too far ahead), and some of the plot twists really push the credibility envelope (chapter 57, for example). A final, somewhat minor complaint is his penchant for stringing together words in a I-want-to-be-precise-with-this-description fashion (Jeez, crack open a thesaurus!). A decent beach read, nothing more.
Rating: 
Summary: Scary....be afraid
Review: If I were working the world of high-risk/high-gain, I would always be watching my back. I'm not suspicious by nature, but after reading PRESSURE POINTS, I would never know WHO to trust. The other reviews pretty much explain the plot, but what struck me about the book was the sheer ruthlessness of those willing to do whatever it takes to get what they want. Egads and little fishes...I'm glad I don't live in their world. I'm sure I'd end up at the bottom of this group's food chain. The author has matured a lot since DARKNESS BOUND. I look forward to more stories from him. He's headed for a bright future in the books selling biz! Enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: A chilling thriller
Review: In Seattle's very creative and highly sought after Wright and Wong advertising agency, three high level executives are unhappy. Finance Officer/Controller Mark Johnson, Corporate Creative Director Pamela Wiley, and Vice President of Client Services Brad Teeters realize they made CEO Wong a multimillionaire, but they remain stuck in a middle class lifestyle and income.
The trio unites to issue an ultimatum to Wong, who has not even shown up at the office in months. Unless he sells them the company, they will quit and start a new company. At least half the present clients of Wright and Wong would come with them. Wong agrees with the stipulation that the threesome comes with him on a retreat first. They soon find themselves struggling to survive, as none of them know what is an exercise and what is a death trap.
Larry Brooks has written an exciting thriller as the reader, like the group, never knows what is deadly and what is an exercise. In PRESSURE POINT, ignoring reality could mean death with no one trusting anyone adding to the individual's stress. This fascinating novel is similar to The Deadly Game, but Mr. Brooks keeps it fresh because reality is so blurred. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: A NOVEL OF GREED, POWER, AND TREACHEROUS MURDER!!!
Review: Larry Brooks came upon the scene last year with his debut novel, DARKNESS BOUND, an erotic, suspenseful thriller that left me fearful of ladies dressed in black leather! His newest novel, PRESSURE POINTS, does the same thing for self-help seminars that his last one did for sensuously clad females. Now, let me pre-warn the reader that this isn't a fast paced book, though it does move rather quickly. PRESSURE POINTS is a slow-burning fuse that delves into strong character development and moves forward as layer after layer of intense suspense is added, until it finally reaches an exploding climax. Also, I would ask the reader to think of the Michael Douglas movie, The Game, when reading this because nothing is as it seems. Neither the reader, nor the main characters in the book, will know what's real or simply a masterful illusion. The one thing the reader may be assured of, however, is that a lot of people are going to die before the ending is reached! The story deals predominantly with Brad Teeters, Pamela Wiley and Mark Johnson. All three are high-ranking employees of the Wright & Wong advertising and marketing agency in Seattle, Washington. Brad is the "people" person who's capable of selling any potential client on the agency's ability to meet their needs. Pamela is the creative source behind the agency's success, and Mark is the genius from the business end of it. Each of these people have their strong points and weak points, and each of them has now reached a point in their life where they want more than the agency is willing to give. When they approach Ken Wong-the sole surviving founder of the agency-and inform him of their intent to instigate a hostile takeover of the firm, he reluctantly agrees to their demands, but only on one condition. Ken tells the trio that he'll willingly turn over the agency to them; but first, they must attend and complete a self-help seminar in northern California. The rationale behind this maneuver is that Ken Wong hopes the seminar (one he, himself, recently attended) will help them to see the error of their ways and that they're not ready to successfully run the agency. All three team members, hungry for what they consider to be their justly rewards, finally agree to spend a week at the seminar, not knowing that their lives will, in fact, change rather drastically. What's not known is that they have been marked for death and that the real challenge will be to simply stay alive! PRESSURE POINTS reminded me a great deal of the novels that were published back in the fifties, sixties, and early seventies when strong character development and avid suspense were the most important ingredients of any well-written thriller...when the whole point was to keep the reader guessing right up till the very last page. Mr. Brooks' newest novel succeeds tremendously on this level. Strange as it may seem, however, the one character I was most drawn to was Brad Teeters' wife, Beth. She reminded me somewhat of the "Dark Lady" from DARKNESS BOUND in her ability to manipulate the people around her in order to achieve her goals. Not only is she smart, beautiful, and sensuous, Beth Teeters is also as dangerous as a Black Widow spider. She'll do whatever it takes to protect her and her husband's interests, even it means having a clandestine affair with Ken Wong, or seducing others in order to put her own game plan into motion. This is definitely a woman you don't want to cross! All in all, PRESSURE POINTS is an excellent follow-up to Larry Brooks' first novel. It's a page-turner of the best sort and will keep you guessing in a futile effort to figure out what's going to happen next.
Rating:
Summary: Will the real inspiration please stand up...
Review: Larry Brooks has crafted a tale about a major marketing corporation, and a suddenly "Zen" CEO, who, sensing the writing on the wall, gives a challenge to his three replacement front-runners: attend "The Seminar" he had also attended, and the winner will be his replacement. With the stakes now set, the three head off to a secluded Northern California ranch, only to find themselves in the middle of a huge mind game. Brooks is a gifted writer -- his characters are very real, his pacing is perfect, and the payoff is well worth it. So why have I given it only four stars? Well, for the feeling that we have been here before. About midway through, as the twists and turns of the plot lead the reader around by the nose, I was reminded of the movie "The Game" with Michael Douglas and Sean Penn. In that movie, as in this book, you never know if it is a game, or real. Are the participants real, or an actor playing a role? Since that movie was a very good one, this book's grafting of that plot point is not a bad decision. And, Brooks gets points for originality as he expands that notion and ends the book with a wicked twist played out in the last few chapters. It is just that time and again, I felt detached from the action, knowing the course this was taking as it followed the concept of the movie. Still, it is a very good book, and the surprise at the end made me want to reread the book to pick up the clues Brooks had left. So, ultimately, it did its job. Bottom line? Pick it up!
Rating:
Summary: Will the real inspiration please stand up...
Review: Larry Brooks has crafted a tale about a major marketing corporation, and a suddenly "Zen" CEO, who, sensing the writing on the wall, gives a challenge to his three replacement front-runners: attend "The Seminar" he had also attended, and the winner will be his replacement. With the stakes now set, the three head off to a secluded Northern California ranch, only to find themselves in the middle of a huge mind game. Brooks is a gifted writer -- his characters are very real, his pacing is perfect, and the payoff is well worth it. So why have I given it only four stars? Well, for the feeling that we have been here before. About midway through, as the twists and turns of the plot lead the reader around by the nose, I was reminded of the movie "The Game" with Michael Douglas and Sean Penn. In that movie, as in this book, you never know if it is a game, or real. Are the participants real, or an actor playing a role? Since that movie was a very good one, this book's grafting of that plot point is not a bad decision. And, Brooks gets points for originality as he expands that notion and ends the book with a wicked twist played out in the last few chapters. It is just that time and again, I felt detached from the action, knowing the course this was taking as it followed the concept of the movie. Still, it is a very good book, and the surprise at the end made me want to reread the book to pick up the clues Brooks had left. So, ultimately, it did its job. Bottom line? Pick it up!
Rating:
Summary: Wow!! A bone-chiller thriller!
Review: Larry Brooks has done it again! Pressure Points is a clever, twisted bone-chilling tale that grabs hold and doesn't let go. Everyone's suspect and the twists and turns keep coming until the final moment! If you loved DARKNESS BOUND, don't miss PRESSURE POINTS!
Rating:
Summary: A Compelling Psychological Thriller That Is Hard To Put Down
Review: Pressure Points by gifted storyteller Larry Brooks is an edgy psychological thriller with a dark take of intimate relationships and corporate power where nothing is as it seems-- Mr. Brooks writing style in 'this,' his newest novel is fresh and exciting-- danger lurkes around every corner and survival depends on one's own grasp of reality. A Book Not To Be Missed!
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