In your well chosen words you have created an atmosphere that reeks of 'dark' things. Some of your description may not be for the faint-hearted but it packs a punch and serves your story well. You can't fail to be hooked by such powerful writing.
Greg Levin, wrote on 2010-07-14
I am captivated by the emotional complexity and depth of Bill's character. Assasins are too often portrayed as one-dimensional, cold, calculating killers -- rarely do you get inside their head and hypothalamus to see any real level of humanity and sensitivity.
Your pitch is what pulled me in; had I read that you were just writing another assasin-based thriller, I likely would have passed. Thankfully, your story delves into gray areas, makes the reader question their moral compass, forces the reader to forget their preconceived notions and expand their perspective. The writing is clean and tight, thus enhancing the suspense and the pathos -- compelling me to keep clicking away to read more.
Just like I loved Nabokov's character Humber Humbert (from Lolita) despite the fact that he was a bit of a lech and a borderline pedophile, I really like Bill despite the fact that he is a trained killer. You end up rooting for him because you start to see and understand him as a man with a heart, a soul and a conscience.
Mick Bannister, wrote on 2010-07-20
There is nothing I, or anyone for that matter, can tell you about story writing or story telling.
The prose flow seamlessly across a beautifully crafted story line that is a joy to read.
The characters are well rounded and you have a nice balance of excitement, exotic locations (I love Cannes - it is not what you expect), pathos and a believable story line (even if it means suspending your belief of your real world for a while – we all live mostly mundane lives).
I love the way you tease the reader making him think one thing and with a couple of words twisting the reality of the situation.
This is an intelligent work, beautifully written and intense.
Denise Drachat wrote on 2010-04-13 23:34:17
Wow, the first chapter was pretty graphic, and as usual it is very well- written and I wish you luck. I read your other book "Consequences Unforeseen" and this is even better.
William Holt wrote on 2010-04-03 11:36:33
Strong, vivid writing! One need not read far to see that this is powerful prose and that the MC is a memorable character, growing in one's mind with each harrowing chapter.
Kizby wrote "Want more from this Author", January 30, 2010
This book was a really sharp read. It took me to places I had never been and seemed to show me things I had never seen. I felt like I was actually there! Like I was watching a movie - and I was in it.
The characters are laid bare in all senses and their true feelings are clear and believable. It left me feeling that I want to read more, and my gut tells me there's a lot more to come from the author (I hope so).
I read it more than once, and on the second reading I had a nice glass of Sangiovese on hand and a couple of tracks playing on my iPod - "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart + "Land Down Under" by Men in Black + "I Know Him So Well" by Elaine Page and Barbara Dickson + "Parisian Walkways" by Gary Moore. Delicious combination!
Ron Cappello wrote "Great Read but Toooooo Short", January 31, 2010
This is a great read but I did not want it to end.. Need to read more of the adventures of "Bill Douglass - International Assassin". Looking forward to seeing more and reading more. Hope there will be a sequel.