Thursday, September 9, 2010

BAFFLING BINGO DAY, PART TWO: REVIEW AND BONUS ENTRIES

WELCOME TO
"BAFFLING BINGO DAY"
GIVEAWAY ENDED
DON'T BLINK
BY JAMES PATTERSON
and HOWARD ROUGHAN


ABOUT THE BOOK:


MY REVIEW:

James Patterson and Howard Roughan pair up again to give readers DON’T BLINK, a new Patterson thriller, that starts out with a bang, or I should say, an “eye opener”. Touted as “the scariest Mafia thriller since The Godfather”, DON’T BLINK is indeed an action packed, intriguing crime novel. However, while it is traditional Patterson with the short chapters, twists and turns, likable characters, including abhorrent but captivating villains, I think one would have to think twice before comparing it to Mario Puzo’s masterpiece. I am a huge James Patterson fan and never miss a book, and indeed thoroughly enjoyed this one, but still have to back away from the comparison to Puzo’s classic that so many fans hold in such high esteem, myself included. That said, DON’T BLINK, told from the central character’s point of view, was appropriately titled as I didn’t blink, or put the book down, but read it straight through, and enjoyed every minute of it!

With reporter Nick Daniels, readers meet an agreeably likable narrator who just happens to attract trouble without really trying. He is portrayed as an easygoing guy, as well as being written as a genuinely nice person readers can easily relate to. Just doing his job as a reporter, he is trying to interview a former famous pitcher for the NY Yankees, Dwayne Robinson, who has been a recluse since he dropped out of baseball and shunned by fans for basically walking out on one of the teams most important games by just not showing up. Bouts with panic attacks and alcohol kept Robinson from speaking out about what happened but now that he is ready to talk, he has called on Nick Daniels to be THE ONE to handle his reentry into society.

Unfortunately, Nick’s meeting with Robinson is set at Lombardo’s Steakhouse, a famous restaurant where one goes to see and be seen, on the same day that a hired killer, Bruno Torenzi, assassinates Vincent Marcozza, the lawyer, or consigliore, of Mafia Don Eddie “The Prince” Pinero. Seated at the next table, Nick unknowingly, at first, picks up on his interview tape recorder, what Torenzi says to the victim before he violently kills him. This “smoking gun”, or recorder, makes Nick Daniels a prime witness and focus of the investigation by the police, FBI, DA (who is also about to announce his candidacy for mayor as well as dating Nick’s ex), and of course, any and all local crime families!

When Nick begins to do his own investigation, he realizes that although all outward signs point to Pinero getting revenge, since Marcozza botched his trial and thus got Pinero convicted, there is something more to this. As Patterson’s trademark chapters click off, and Nick’s roller coaster ride begins, readers will probably have a lot of suspicions as to the real person behind the murder, probably changing their minds as fast as the pages turn and the theories vary. But there is one fact in all this that remains constant. Nick is still working for a magazine whose Editor, Courtney, just happens to be Nick’s true love. Unfortunately, she is currently engaged to the owner of the magazine, the wealthy, obnoxious cad, who Nick can see right through. Courtney and Nick have a one time romantic encounter and that not only makes Nick more and more positive of his feelings for her, but also starts to eat away at her resolve about her engagement. Their chemistry is enchanting as you find yourself rooting for Nick in this situation as well. Nick becomes even more likeable when you see him with his widowed older sister and his niece, fourteen-year-old, Elizabeth, who also happens to be blind. Elizabeth is a scene stealer and allows another part of Nick to be revealed as he is a tender protector and friend to this lovely young teen.

As Nick, and those he loves, all find themselves in danger, and the violence escalates and the bodies start to add up, Nick finds he literally has no place to hide and so as much as he’d like to avoid it, he finds he must take matters into his own hands to get this mystery solved. He is given valuable evidence but has no time to even look at it before his friend who gave it to him is also brutally murdered. Now Nick really has what everyone wants and how he tries to get out of this, is what makes the story move so quickly and keep your interest. The story has all you could want in a thriller and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I read a few reviews that didn’t like the story and commented on certain literary aspects about the characters and plot line which has to make me laugh. This is JAMES PATTERSON!…. and along with Howard Roughan, they give readers what they expect to find when reading one of his mysteries. The action and fun, the entertainment and mystery, the characters and locales, all add up to the reason Patterson is THE best-selling author there is. Enjoy the book, and get over yourself, I say, as this is what an enjoyable read is all about.


REMEMBER TO GO TO TODAY'S
EARLIER PREVIEW POST HERE,
FOR MORE INFORMATION
AND FOR MORE ENTRIES

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO BRAD AND MY FRIENDS
AT THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP,
I HAVE THREE COPIES OF THIS
EXCITING NEW MYSTERY
TO GIVE AWAY!



--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES, PLEASE
--INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS IN COMMENT
--ALL ENTRIES/COMMENTS MUST BE
SEPARATE IN ORDER TO COUNT
AS MORE THAN ONE ENTRY



HOW TO ENTER:
BONUS ENTRIES


+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHAT YOU THOUGHT ABOUT MY REVIEW AND PERHAPS SOMETHING YOU FOUND INTERESTING IN IT
+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON HOW YOU FOLLOW MY BLOG. IF YOU FOLLOW MORE THAN ONE WAY, YOU CAN PUT THEM ALL AND AS LONG AS YOU LIST THEM SEPARATELY, THEY WILL EACH COUNT AS SEPARATE ENTRIES
+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON JAMES PATTERSON'S VIDEO ABOVE AFTER LISTENING TO IT. THERE ARE A FEW PARTS TO IT WITH PAUSES IN BETWEEN SO KEEP LISTENING
+1 MORE ENTRY: GO TO JAMES PATTERSON'S WEBSITE HERE AND COMMENT ON SOMETHING NEW AND INTERESTING YOU FIND AT HIS SITE. PERHAPS, YOU WILL EVEN FIND ANOTHER CONTEST TO ENTER WHILE YOU ARE THERE!
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, SEPTEMBER 27!



70 comments:

CMash said...

Loved your comment..."this is James Patterson", which is why I am entering the giveaway.
CMash
Mash1195(at)aol(dot)com

CMash said...

Am a google friend connect follower.
CMash
Mash1195(at)aol(dot)com

CMash said...

I am a newsletter email subscriber.
CMash
Mash1195(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

What a creative murder weapon, a tape recorder. Mine wouldn't qualify, it would be in pieces before it even hit anyone or anything.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I am an e-mail subscriber of this blog.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Cindy W. said...

Thanks for the great review. It makes me want to read it all the more. I'm glad I read your review before reading someone's who didn't like the book. Course I'm a big fan of James Patterson so I always read his work so I can see for myself.

Thanks for the giveaway!

Smiles,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Cindy W. said...

I am an email subscriber.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I follow this blog with GFC.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I also follow with FB.

CarolNWong(at)aOL(dot)com

Cindy W. said...

I went to James Patterson's website and learned that in 2007, one of every fifteen hardcover fiction books that were sold was one of his. Awesome!

Smiles,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I looked at James Patterson's site and really want to read more the Women's Murder Club books, I have only read one so far.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Cindy W. said...

The video was very interesting and the one thing that really drew me in was his racks/shelves of books behind him. Oh to be able to take a peek at his 'titles'


Smiles,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

scottsgal said...

I like that there's a Mafia twist to this one!
msboatgal at aol.com

scottsgal said...

I follow via GFC
msboatgal at aol.com

scottsgal said...

I also subscribe via reader
msboatgal at aol.com

scottsgal said...

I like that Patterson writes for teens as well as now my son enjoys his max series
msboatgal at aol.com

Andrea I said...

I liked your comment that he gives readers what they expect to find when reading one of his mysteries.


andrea.infinger@gmail.com

Andrea I said...

Google follower.


andrea.infinger@gmail.com

Andrea I said...

Follow via e mail.


andrea.infinger@gmail.com

Andrea I said...

In 2007, one of every fifteen hardcover books sold was a James Patterson book.



andrea.infinger@gmail.com

Andrea I said...

Follow through Networked Blogs.


andrea.infinger@gmail.com

Mona said...

After reading the whole review, book sounds too suspenseful. I like the weapon, a tape recorder and the Character NICK the most.

patelmona0113(at)gmail(dot)com

Mona said...

I am GFC follower.

patelmona011(at)gmail(dot)com

Mona said...

I ‘like’ facebook page of bookin’ with bingo.

patelmona0113(at)gmail(dot)com

Mona said...

I like the small video of the PostCard Killer on his website. I need to start Michael Bennett series too after reading the excerpt of this series books at his webite. I am going to start the book “The PostCard Killer” next month.

patelmona0113(at)gmail(dot)com

Mona said...

I like the small video of the PostCard Killer on his website. I need to start Michael Bennett series too after reading the excerpt of this series books at his webite. I am going to start the book “The PostCard Killer” next month.

patelmona0113(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

Great review, I can tell you really like his stories! I always think a Mafia type story works well for this type of book...lots of things to work with!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I am a loyal GFC follower.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I subscribe via RSS feed.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

grannyvon said...

I don't remember reading a James Patterson book about the mafia. I am a great Alex Cross fan and I am sure I will like this one. Thanks for the chance to win it. ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

I follow on Google Friend Connect. Thanks ybutler(at)oppcatv(dot)com

grannyvon said...

I don't remember ever reading a book about the Russian and Italian mafia in the same book. Should prove very interesting. Thanks ybutler(at)oppcatv(dot)com

grannyvon said...

James Patersons blog had a another chance to enter to win this book and also college money to purchase books. This is for high school seniors if you know one : TELL THEM. Thanks for all the chances to win. ybutler(at)oppcatv(dot)

Unknown said...

I am a follower. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com

traveler said...

I am an e-mail subscriber. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

chey said...

I enjoyed your review. It's been a while since I read a whole book in one shot!

chey127 at hotmail dot com

traveler said...

Your wonderful review made this book come alive and is unique. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

chey said...

I follow by gfc.

chey127 at hotmail dot com

chey said...

I subscribe by rss.

chey127 at hotmail dot com

traveler said...

His website is extensive and many of the books compelling. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

chey said...

I'd like this book because it's been a while since I read a good page turner.

chey127 at hotmail dot com

petite said...

Any James Patterson mystery is always great but your review was interesting. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

His books for teens are amazing. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

justpeachy36 said...

I really enjoyed the addition of the Video of James Patterson talking about the book to your review. That was really great.

Please enter me in the giveaway.

justpeachy36@yahoo.com

justpeachy36 said...

I am a GFC follower.

justpeachy36@yahoo.com

justpeachy36 said...

I also follow by e-mail.

justpeachy36@yahoo.com

justpeachy36 said...

I liked how James Patterson discussed the Italian and the Russian mobs and how living in New York had helped him with the setting of this novel.

jusptpeachy36@yahoo.com

justpeachy36 said...

One of the things I found interesting at James Patterson website, was in the biography section. It said that during 2007 one out of every 15 hard cover books sold was a Patterson novel. Now that's really saying something.

justpeachy36@yahoo.com

PoCoKat said...

Great review. Would like to read all the Women's Murder Club books.

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

PoCoKat said...

GFC follower.

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

Linda Kish said...

I am a GFC follower

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I entered the sweepstakes on James Patterson's website. I already get his newsletters.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I liked the author's comment about how the Mafia likes to do hits in restaurants...you have a knife and fork and no way to hold a gun.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

Reporter Nick Daniels accidentally gets caught up in a Mafia hit and the murder investigation when he unknowingly tapes to hit while doing an interview. Patterson's books are always so quick to get you into the story.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

bison61 said...

the statement the scariest Mafia thriller since The Godfather that interested me!

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

hendy said...

I liked your review, I find it interesting that one of the characters is a sports figure-sports and crime is the best combination
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

I am an email subscriber
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

I like that you can enter to win his book Witch and Wizard because I DID!
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

donnas said...

Great review. I like that you couldnt put it down. Makes me want to read it even more now.

bacchus76 at myself dot com

donnas said...

GFC follower

bacchus76 at myself dot com

donnas said...

networked blogs follower

bacchus76 at myself dot com

donnas said...

FB follower

bacchus76 at myself dot com

donnas said...

I like that you can read the first book of Dont Blink.

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Pamela Keener said...

What I like about your review is that you say upfront this is not Mario Puzo but James Patterson who always takes you on a reading ride like no other author.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I follow your blog via GFC.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I follow your blog via e-mail.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I follow your blog via Google Reader.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I follow your blog via FB/Pam Keener.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

Watching the video was interesting. I like how he explains his plot and the connections or not to real happenings. You know it happened you are not duplicating it but it is stil in your head.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I thought the article about Knowing James When was very informative. I did not know he was a God of All Things Creative at J. Walter Thompson Worldwide, the Largest Advertising Agency in The Known Universe.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

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