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   First Impressions: Book Reviews

Member Reviews of forthcoming books.

Book Jacket

The Bricklayer:
A Novel
by Noah Boyd

Publisher: William Morrow
Publication date: 01/26/2010.
Thrillers, 400 pp.

Number of reader reviews: 18
Readers' Consensus: 4.5
More information
First Impressions: Page 2 of 3
Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Nikki R. (Irvine, CA)

Hail Vail
As I began reading I had some doubts since it started rather slowly in my opinion. I kept plugging away and boy did it get exciting ! A bit creepy too as the adventures were recounted. On a lighter note the male/ female interplay added interest. By the time I finished The Bricklayer I decided this read was time enjoyably spent. Looking forward to more Steve Vail.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Janice M. (Holland, MI)

The Bricklayer
A new action character has arrived on the scene: Steve Vail - James Bond and MacGyver rolled into one. The story moves along quickly with lots of twists and turns in the plot (sometimes it gets a little difficult to keep up). One thing that bothered me was the frequent use of acronyms (ASAC. AUSA, OPR, AG, UC - you get the idea). An appendix explaining the meaning of them would be helpful. Other than that, it was an enjoyable read.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Emily W. (Portand, OR)

The Bricklayer
This book appeals to those readers who enjoy seeing the big bosses thwarted when they insist on staying on the beaten path. Steve Vail is a delight to watch as he skillfully outmaneuvers his FBI supervisors. The clarity of the presentation of the plot is a plus. Although the reader is kept in mystery, the path is a good one to follow. Good for high school and public libraries.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Sarah B. (Streamwood, illinois)

Good, fast read.
This book is action-packed from the first page with many twists and turns along the way. Steve Vail is the main character who like Macguyver can escape from any situation, and James Bond in that he has no regard for rules to get done what needs to be done. The book is easy to follow, and a fast read.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Joe S. (South Daytona, FL)

A Good Read
Usually not a fan of this type book, I was very pleasantly surprised. It is a well written exciting story with intelligent and likable lead characters. I found myself staying up late at night not wanting to put it down. I can't wait for another.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Jim T. (Hilton Head Island, SC)

Intricate and Dangerous, a Unique Thriller
A great buildup to introducing Steve Vail, the unique character, who emerges after several FBI agents are killed in a twisted plot of extortion and madness. The story unfolds with ever increasing challenges through a maze of set ups that fool the FBI, and leads Steve Vail deeper into a web of anger, greed, and romance. However, the developing romance between Kate and Steve could have been handled with more sophistication at the end to make a truly great read.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Jerry P. (Santa Rosa, CA)

The Bricklayer
I enjoyed this book and couldn't set it aside. Although this is Noyd Boyd's ( a pseudonym) first novel, the main character, Steve Vail, should rank in the top tier of literary action heroes. I enjoyed the bantering between him and Kate Bannon, the main female character. I hope this relationship continues in future episodes. The plot, despite many twists, turns, and dead-ends smoothly came together. I agree with other reviewers that the undefined acronyms were unsettling and detracted me from the story. ( I finally resorted to googling them). I am looking forward to the next episode.

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