Never before published in paperback and with an all-new Foreword from the author, this is award-winning author John Dunning's first mystery novel. A mysterious photograph unlocks a Pandora's Box of... This description may be from another edition of this product.
This novel was thrilling, thoughtful and kept me on the edge of my seat. Truly absorbing.
Amazingly good first novel
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Big fans of the Bookman novels, my husband and I were wary of this much earlier work; sure are glad we gave it a try! Dunning evidently cannot write a bad book -- the plot here was fun and different, and as usual with Dunning, the characters are very well drawn. We were riveted, and didn't begin to guess the outcome until very near the end. Well worth reading.
A fun adventure....
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
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...
Worth it for the forward alone
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
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.)
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