Derailed

I wanted this book for one of the nurses at my dad's nursing home. I had given away my copy and was worried that this might arrive in too "used" condition. That was no problem - the book is in excellent condition and my nurse friend is enjoying it immensely! Thanks.

Phenomenal is the first word that comes to mind to describe this roller coaster. I once read that to write a great novel novel, you have to keep the protagonist in trouble, trouble, trouble! It couldn't have been done any more effectively. The beginning development was very believable, and a sympathetic character emerged. I liked the author's writing style immediately--he is FUNNY! Even as the book turned into a deadly serious game of suspense, I found myself laughing out loud at some of the clever turns of phrase. The plot itself has been detailed ad nauseum in these reviews, so I'll not repeat what you could read on the "book flap" but will say that it TRULY is impossible to put down. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't tear myself away. Now, if you're expecting a man's moral awakening as he learns his lesson...sorry, that is not the direction you're going in this book. And if you're expecting the totally plausible beginning to continue in the same way, forget about it, because this tale becomes so unbelievable you'll have to snicker at how ridiculous it is...but you'll keep reading. This is one to get under your belt for the sheer enjoyment of the ride. Derailed is great fun. Make a big pot of coffee before you begin, get comfortable, and start the book that will keep you wide-eyed all night! I only wish I still had it ahead of me to enjoy.

Charles Schine lives a normal life; he gets up, gets dressed, eats breakfast, kisses his wife and daughter goodbye and then he catches the 8:40 train to his job at a New York advertising agency. One day his entire life will be torn apart when he misses his train and catches the 9:00.On the 9:00 train Charles meets Lucinda. Lucinda is mysterious and beautiful, sexy and smart, but she too is also married so Charles doesn't see anything wrong with a little harmless flirting...Charles begins taking the 9:00 train, and each day he and Lucinda get closer and closer, until meeting on the train turns to lunch, and then dinner, and eventually a romantic encounter at a hotel, but in the blink of an eye the romantic encounter turns into a nightmare as the two suffer a sudden act of brutal violence.Lucinda refuses to go to the police in fear of their affair being discovered, but within a short period of time their lives will dramatically changed. (...) `Derailed' is a STUNNER! This is a well written, intense novel that will grab you and not let go. The gripping plot is packed with twists and turns galore, and that ending??? What an ending, you will be surprised. `Derailed' has it all ; complex plot, well-drawn characters, relentless suspense and a shocking climax. This is a thriller of the highest order.James Siegel has written an amazing thriller, one that will rocket up the best-seller lists and place him alongside other heavy hitting authors in the thriller genre. Do yourself a favor and read this novel!Nick Gonnella

This is the best thriller I've read in years. I was captivated from the very first chapter. It's got enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge throughout the entire story, which ended up being surprisingly short given the fact that I could not seem to put the book down.I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful thriller. It's going to be to be at the top of my gift list for a while!

I was extremely fortunate to get my hands on an advance copy of DERAILED from a friend who runs a bookstore. She gave it to me saying, "this is the best thriller I've read in years," which is high praise indeed, as she is acknowledged as our city's most discriminating and knowledgeable reader of suspense fiction. Her recommendations are gospel around here. Fortunately, DERAILED is as good as her word. From the first chapter, when we are hurled into the main character's dilemma, the book produces a powerful magnetic force that kept me riveted to its pages for the day that it took me to read it. Siegel's storytelling is masterful and his writing style is mesmerizing. This is the thriller that I will be recommending to *everyone* for months to come.