When Darkness Falls

by James Grippando

Book Overview

In the latest novel from the bestselling author whom critics have called the thriller writer to watch, lawyer Jack Swyteck tackles a case in which the life of his best friend hangs in the balance--and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060831138
• ISBN13: 9780060831134
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Harper
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

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Irresistible Forces Prepare to Collide as the Tension Builds

Thrillers present different benefits to readers than mysteries do. In a thriller, you need to identify with many of the characters. You need to feel like you are in the situation . . . and frequently feel helpless. When a thriller works well, your stomach starts to turn queasy and you find your heart beating faster. The best thrillers increase the intensity at a rate that leaves you racing to get to the end. A mystery, by comparison, is more of an intellectual test. Can you figure out who did what, to whom, and why? To make mysteries more interesting the author will often add an element of a thriller by putting an appealing character in jeopardy near the end. In a thriller, figuring out what's going on makes the tension higher and the story more effective. In a mystery, figuring out what's going on often pops the balloon of your interest. When Darkness Falls is a thriller. Some will figure out the plot's elements much sooner than others. But it doesn't matter. In either case, the thriller works. Defense attorney Jack Swyteck usually finds himself being bailed out by his friend and former client, Theo. In When Darkness Falls, it's up to Jack to do the saving of Theo and that's a bigger challenge. Jack normally takes on three pro bono (nonpaying) clients a year. Homeless suicide-threatening Falcon seems like a good candidate for this good deed. Jack is surprised when Falcon turns out to have the money for bail and to pay Jack, all in cash . . . Jack just has to go get it. But this arrangement soon goes awry when Falcon decides that Jack is a thief. Falcon's paranoia extends to wanting to talk to the mayor's daughter, a policewoman, something the mayor doesn't want to have happen. An unexpected accident leads to a hostage situation developing. How will Jack deal with it? The plot is further complicated by blind hostage negotiator Sergeant Vincent Paulo having lost Falcon's trust in the bridge jumping threat. To make matters tenser, the sergeant is the former boy friend of the mayor's daughter, Alicia Mendoza. For unknown reasons, the mayor wants Paulo in charge of the new negotiation. Meanwhile, the SWAT team is honing their charge. Can a bloody charge be avoided? What will happen to the hostages? It's touch and go. I suspect the ending will surprise you. I encourage you to read this early in the day. Otherwise, you'll undoubtedly lose sleep. Great work, Mr. Grippando!

Never a Dull Moment in This Book !

When Darkness Falls" does not disappoint. Love the friendship between Theo and Jack. And it is 11:21 PM central time just couldn't put the book down. The complex weave of nationalities, history, the sighted vs. the blind and other colorful threads entwined make for the story to be told most pleasurable and a "hold your breath" novel. Grippando, is an author, who writes for the pure joy of telling a rich story rather than churning out nonsense books for making a buck: what a delightful gift for the reader.

Remarkable, Rich, and Cleverly Addictive

Attorney Jack Swyteck agrees to represent Falcon, a homeless man who stops traffic for hours when he stands on a bridge and threatens to jump--his only demand, to speak to the Mayor's daughter, police officer Alicia Mendoza. Falcon comes to an agreement with hostage negotiator Vincent Paulo, but is soon captured. Jack's less than grateful client manages to make bail and is on the run after a dead woman is found in the trunk of a car he calls home. Jack soon finds himself in the middle of a hostile situation where Falcon has taken his best friend, Theo, and a woman hostage. Jack, with the help of Paulo, Alicia, and several law enforcement agencies jockeying for jurisdictional command, must race to meet the demands of an unstable man to save his friend. What's revealed are dark secrets that stretch from Argentina, the Bahamas, to Miami's political elite. Miami's rich setting is a character of its own with diverse culture, rich cuisine and changing weather that sets the tone and raises the stakes in this adrenaline-charged thriller. The characters and scenes are made even more vivid through the experiences of a blind man, Sergeant Vincent Paulo, not because of the strength of his other senses, but because of his insight and skill as an experienced hostage negotiator. Even Falcon proves to be not your typical monster. He's likable despite his absurd demands and acerbic wit. There is also enough humor weaved throughout to ease the tension on the volatile situation. This is one high-powered thrill ride. The more pages I turned, the more I craved. Grippando knows how to grab your attention and keep it. Be prepared to devour this in one sitting because once you turn the cover, Grippando has you! Excellent!

Just Keeps Getting Better and Better

I won't write a synopsis as it has been done quite well by the previous reviewer. I have read all of Mr. Grippando's books and find they get better and better with each new book. This new story of Jack Swyteck and Theo is indeed a book you will not put down - I didn't until 6:00 a.m. the next morning. The tension is there along with the bits of humor that Mr. Grippando does so well. I'm not sure why he's not on the best seller list, but I can assure you that once you starting reading his books, you will not want to miss any of them. It is my understanding, like many of today's terrific authors, he is also writing books for young adults. Even though that does not describe me, I'm going to pick them up as well. Give yourself a treat and pick up this book.