| Reviews: Saving Rachel
"If Dean Koontz collaborated with Alfred Hitchcock at the circus, this would be their brain child." --Dusty Mills, Vintage DM Book Reviews
****
Title: Saving Rachel
Author: John Locke
ISBN-10: 1440172447
ISBN-13: 9781440172441
Pages: 156, Paperback & Hardcover
Genre: Fiction/Thriller
Reviewed by: Gary Sorkin, Pacific Book Review
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Review
"A succession of snippets each leaving you addicted to more," is how I'd describe the brilliant way John Locke tells his story in Saving Rachel. Just like the old Lay's potato chip ad, "I bet you can't eat just one," I'd say, "I bet you can't read just one." Right from the get-go he creates a seductive, sensuous, and seriously entertaining storyline laid out like a storyboard of an action movie being created.
Sam Case is a smart, successful guy, with all of the attainments of wealth and power, including the one that gets him in trouble — the one between his legs. Sam tells the story, as everything happens is seen through his eyes. Quite cleverly, John Locke juxtaposes Sam from protagonist and narrator, to what's known in grammar as an unreliable narrator; one who gives his own understanding of a story, instead of the explanation and interpretation the author wishes the audience to obtain. It's like in the movies, when the main character turns to the camera and says something of conversational interest to the audience yet out of character pursuant to the plot. Groucho Marx, for example, was well known for using this technique to amplify his humor. So between watching Sam, seeing what Sam sees, hearing what Sam says, thinking what Sam thinks, and having the comic relief of Sam talking directly to the reader, Saving Rachel transcends ordinary storytelling into a class of genius, a stylishly fresh and energetic genre of writing. Frankly, its books like this that makes my job so enjoyable!
"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." (Lord Acton, 1834-1902) Poor rich Sam having absolute power over his money making scheme has succumb to the seductive womanizing world we see so prevalent in our society nowadays. His wife or his mistress — who will it be? If only he could keep his hands on his keyboard and not his zipper his world wouldn't have been tossed — beyond a rollercoaster — more like into wormholes — and he and Rachel could have lived happily ever after. John Locke tells the truth of how carnal thinking corrupts logic, from the male point of view. The book is a bit lopsided as being written from a man's point of view, a definite "Guys version of life on Mars." It is just about as sexy as you can get without springing for a bikini-less photo shoot off on some exotic tropical island and publishing the novel with a fold-out center glossy.
Saving Rachel is a quick witted 147 pages, beautifully hard bound with cover art of a sadly pensive person trapped in a glass cube. It is one of three books currently authored by John Locke. For those who are unfamiliar with Locke's writing and history, this is a perfect way to introduce you to one of the most creative contemporary talents. I'm certainly now one of his fans for life. So go ahead, pick up this book and read a chapter. "I bet you can't read just one!" |
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 5.0 out of 5 stars Dizzying Action -- Melissa Levine, Independent Professional Book Reviewers"Saving Rachel is author John Locke's third dance with the talented, sly, funny, and determined Donovan Creed. In this installment of the Creed crime novel series, the contract assassin places himself in the middle of a volatile domestic situation between a husband and wife who are suffering in a bad marriage. Acquiring a large sum of money and conquering a willful woman becomes Creed's new mission. The veteran assassin and his associates create a multi-layered scheme that results in a huge score for all of the players."
| "Saving Rachel moves at a frenzied pace and is bursting with plot twists that keep the reader fully engaged and motivated to keep up. I highly recommend it."
****
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More than a thriller -- a new genre defining excitment! January 1 --Steven H. Jackson, author, Death of a Cure
I have only recently come to know the fiction written by John Locke and his work will easily be at the top of my favorites list. John has truly created a unique form of literature that is almost in its own genre. If you appreciate books that really move, surprise you on every page and are built upon a premise having layers that make you think, then you will not be disappointed.
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"John Locke came out with guns blazing on this one! Mr. Locke used every trick in the book plus some new ones and I was mesmerized. I absolutely could not put this book down and even found myself laughing out loud more than a few times.
Saving Rachel is the ultimate adventure with kick-in-the-backside action and I would highly recommend it to everyone. Pick up this 'must read' book soon. You will not be disappointed." --CK Webb, Webb Weaver Book Reviews
****
"Saving Rachel is a non-stop page-turning read. Sam is a character that engages the reader completely. I was so lost in the story that I completely lost track of time. Every character does a good job in playing out their roles. The thrilling action is gripping. At first I thought I was watching a movie the scenes were so intense. John Locke fashions a roller coaster read with unique players, a wonderful plot and tight dialogue that really makes the read potent. I can positively say I was absolutely intrigued." --Cherokee, Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
****
"A frenetic, mile-a-minute thriller. Will remind readers of a Hollywood blockbuster full of shakes, rattles and a high-pitched roar." --Kirkus Discoveries
****
"Saving Rachel is a fast-moving thriller, technically complex and a star example of intricate plotting... Revelations follow revelations in short, cliffhanger chapters that progressively increase tension...The convoluted story often threatens to turn silly, but is saved by a light touch and a snarky sense of humor." --Elizabeth A. Allen, Clarion Reviews
****
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"Saving Rachel moves at a frenzied pace and is bursting with plot twists that keep the reader fully engaged and motivated to keep up. I highly recommend it." --Melissa Levine, Independent Professional Book Reviewers
**** |
"A truly spectacular read about an absolutely marvelous con!! Terrific job!! --Claude Bouchard, author, Vigilante
****
"I loved Saving Rachel! I could hardly pause for breath! The character of Sam is a riot. Donovan Creed is his usual disarming, dangerous self. The plot is tight as a drum. The pages flew late into the night as I read it; I simply could not stop until the last page. And only then did I finally take a deep breath and say, 'Ah, now I see ... ' Extremely satisfying." --Winslow Eliot, author, The Bright Face of Danger
****
"While I expected it to be interesting, I didn't expect that I would get so caught up in it! I didn't quit reading until the last page had been consumed!" --Jo Ann Hakola, Book Faerie Reviews
****
"Locke has chosen an interesting backdrop--Louisville ain't exactly the Bronx, but it feels appropriately seamy." ---Kirkus Discoveries, Nielsen Business Media
****
Saving Rachel ( Donovan Creed Series)
May 10, 2010 by moondustwriter
Here's a must read for your reading list : Saving Rachel by John Locke.
If you like a fast paced, not sure where it's taking you read, then I promise you have the right book. I picked the book up and read it straight through; I'm like that- if a book is good- what's the point of putting it down. John has not only developed interesting characters and a riveting story line, but he's also created the kind of story where you want to psycho analyze the characters. I need to read it again just to analyze the intricacies of the characters.
What doesn't this book have: doesn't have a walk in the park — no sorry there is a twist with a walk in the park; the beautiful knock-out — well he has her but this beauty ...; hmm avarice, double cross is there too. I'm trying to think what it doesn't have. There's no granny driving a model T! If I say much more, I will start giving away the plot.
You like romances — you'll get your fill; Suspense — plenty; Shoot-em up — yep.
Really if you like suspense, drama, humor — you'll enjoy Saving Rachel!
My suggestion go on Amazon and buy the Kindle version or like me get the paperback version.
John's newest release : Now and Then
Editor/Reader Comments:
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5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo!
Amazon Verified Purchase This isn't a book...it is an exhausting exercise in mental gymnastics. Just when you think you have it figured out, you are wrong...and then wrong again...and again. I recommend not starting this book until you have plenty of time to finish it because you never get to a stopping point where you want to put it down. And just for the record, I have checked my attic twice since starting this book. Fortunately I only found evidence of a few bird nests...not a command center from which someone could monitor my actions and implement a carefully crafted plan to ruin my life. Read the book, you'll understand. --Steven Himes, Ohio |
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More Moves Than Twister, April 16, 2010
This review is from: Saving Rachel (Paperback) Saving Rachel seemed like a short book to me because I read it a couple hours. I was intrigued from the first page and surprised at how many odd twists and turns there were. I saw a couple of them coming but was really caught off guard by others. Basically, if you want to read something that has you guessing the whole way through - this is the perfect book for you. Didn't make me like Donovan Creed any better though. In John Locke's first book "Lethal People" I liked Creed at times and others times wanted to shoot the jerk, and same for this book as well. However, even with all of Creed's faults, Locke is an engaging and talented writer who can capture your attention and thoroughly entertain. |
Great Mystery Book, April 6, 2010
Saving Rachel (A Donovan Creed Crime Novel) (Kindle edition) by John Locke is a great read. I recommend it to anyone that enjoys a good mystery novel. I also recommend it to you if you have read the first Donovan Creed novel by John Locke.
Donovan Creed is a tough guy. He is not the nicest guy in the world. However, he does have some good sides to him.
The character Donovan Creed has been in a John Locke novel before. In this book the author elaborates on the character of Donovan Creed. In this book we see Donovan through the eyes of Sam Case, another character in the book. We also see Donovan through the eyes of Donovan in this book. Donovan sees himself much differently than Sam Case sees him.
This book is great. I downloaded it and read it on my kindle. I really enjoyed reading it. I did not want to put it down. When I was not reading it I was wondering what was going to happen next. I really got lost in this book and the characters.
I recommend reading this book if you enjoy a good mystery and a good book. It truly is a great mystery book.
Great Action Book, April 5, 2010
This review is from: Saving Rachel (Paperback)
This book was definitely action packed! You were never quite sure what was going to happen next!
I Enjoyed this Book, April 6, 2010
Saving Rachel (A Donovan Creed Crime Novel) (Kindle Edition) by John Locke is a great book. I enjoyed reading it very much.
I love mysteries and I love action books. This book is action and mystery. It delivers me both the action that I crave and the mystery that I find interesting.
The book is the second in a series by John Locke. John Locke has developed a character named Donovan Creed in a past book and now with Saving Rachel he has developed the character even more.
If you enjoyed the first Donovan Creed novel by John Locke than you will like this one. The author goes into more deliberate detail about the character in this book.
This book also has the character Sam Case in it. Sam Case tells much of the story through his eyes. He explains much about Donovan Creed through Sam's eyes. However, Donovan also explains how sees things through his eyes. You will find that Donovan may not see things as they really are.
This is a great book. I downloaded it and read it on my Kindle. It was well worth it. I enjoyed it very much. I did not want to put my Kindle down.
 John Locke Does it Again, April 17, 2010 This review is from: Saving Rachel (Paperback)
"Saving Rachel" by John Locke will have you turning pages faster and faster. As in his other novels, Locke creats a crime thriller that leaves you with questions that you read faster and faster to answer. his book, like his first novel, starts Donovan Creed, an evil man who seems to have no issue with doing wrong, yet also seems to have a heart. If you haven't read the first novel, you won't be lost. This novel stands alone, but I gaurantee you will be buying the next one as soon as you read this one. Cheating is a horrible thing but what should the punishment be? The criminal in this book thinks he knows. Should the cheater have to choose between his wife and mistress...and decide who dies? This book has all the good elements of a crime thriller. It also has well defined scenes, suspense and characters that you want to know more about. If you are looking for a quick read full of action and mystery, pick up this book!
Donovan Creed is back., April 14, 2010
This review is from: Saving Rachel (Paperback)
Donovan Creed has never been accused of being a good man. In fact, the families of his victims might think of him as evil. He is the one you call when you need to have a person killed. In this novel, we get to see Donovan through the eyes of Sam Case, a wealthy business man. Sam is kidnapped and forced to make a very difficult decision, one that will end in death.
I have found a new series of book to read. The Donovan Creed novels are full of everything I like in a book. I am very excited to see the next chapter in the Creed adventures.
Action packed., April 13, 2010
This review is from: Saving Rachel (Paperback)
"Saving Rachel" by John Locke is an exciting novel packed full of mystery, suspense, and thrills. Donovan Creed is back for another adventure that will have the reader glued to the pages. As with many cases surrounding Donovan, murder, greed, corruption and adultery are plentiful. In this book, Locke introduces us to the wealthy Sam Case who is caught in a love triangle that will end in murder. This book is definitely a must read for every mystery enthusiast.
Page turner, April 10, 2010
This review is from: Saving Rachel (Paperback)
I finished this book in one day! I am not used to reading First Person Present Tense, but John made it work. It was my first Donovan Creed novel as well, and I really enjoyed it. The constant action kept my heart pounding, and the pages turning.
A welcome addition to the Donovan Creed series..., April 9, 2010
Mysteries can be a dime a dozen. The author gives you the set up, a plausable reason as to what happened and by books end, everything is discovered all nice and tidy. "Saving Rachel" by John Locke turns up the genre dial just a bit more by adding a bit of his favorites to the mix. Seduction, greed, and action sequences to boot, this is not your run of the mill mystery novel. This is a wonderful addition to the Donovan Creed collection and certainly not to be missed by current fans. Haven't heard of him? No problem! Once you get hooked on this one, there are several more to satiate your appetite. Chalk another one up to John Locke for a quick read you won't want to put down.
Recommended reading for mystery and thriller lovers, as well as those looking for a new series of novels to add to their current repetoire....
Mystery Thriller, April 5, 2010
This review is from: Saving Rachel (Paperback)
"Saving Rachel" by John Locke is not the first book with Donovan Creed. This is a thriller that keeps you guessing with many twists and turns. Some of the story is told through the eyes of one of the characters, Sam Case. Sam is a successful and wealthy man who manages to get into trouble with criminals. There are violent personal events. Then Donovan Creed enters the picture. Creed is definitely a bad guy. Since this is not a long book I will not get into a lot of details but there is infidelity and action and mystery. You have to pay attenton when reading this intriguing book so that you fully understand the story. It is worth the read.
Thinking person's thriller, April 4, 2010
Saving Rachel is a thriller that has an interesting mixture of action as well as a thought provoking feature that I did not expect.
I have read many thrillers and, for the most part, the authors rely on basically non stop action to get through the plotline and while there is, of course, quite a lot of that in this novella, the author is also asking us to think about both the characters, especially Creed and Case and figure out exactly who and what they TRULY are.
Nothing is really what it appears in this book and while we are told the story from Case's point of view, at least for a part of the book, it is intersting to see that the character's own version of the facts may or may not be tainted - is this really what happened and how he remembers it?
I enjoyed reading this thriller where, frankly, none of the characters were particularly likeable and there is very little of a "feel good ending" - interesting and bold choice from the author.
Very well written and quite short, this novella was fun to read.
Good pace, April 2, 2010
This book is a good example of using conflict and change for a fast paced story, appealing as a thriller but also to writers to see how action wins over backstory every time.
"Premise is well set up and carries right through."
"Absolutely fantastic...I was spell bound."
"I started reading it on the airplane and couldn't put it down...at times I laughed out loud and people around me were probably staring."
"The dialogue and twists were just great."
"Your best effort yet."
"Nice job!"
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