Even Steven - Softcover

Gilstrap, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1439184224 ISBN 13: 9781439184226

Publisher: Atria, 2009

Synopsis

In this new page-turner from acclaimed suspense novelist John Gilstrap, a childless couple crosses paths with a lost boy -- and find themselves on the run from his deadly kidnappers.Bobby and Susan Martin want nothing more than to have a child of their own, the blessing that would make their marriage whole. Never did they dream that a restorative camping trip would change their lives forever -- when a tiny, filthy, freezing young boy dashes out of the woods near their campsite. The boy's violent kidnappers quickly come for him -- and in a chaotic, explosive moment, the Martins appear to be drawn into an unthinkable crime: the brutal murder of a police officer.Now Bobby, Susan, and the eerily quiet young boy must stay one step ahead of a vicious crime ring, and are unsure whether they can trust the police -- or if they were responsible for the death of one of their brethren. As the couple desperately plunges into the heart of danger to save themselves and the boy, deep emotions about their failed pregnancies come to the surface. Even if Bobby and Susan figure a way out of their spiraling circumstances, will they be able to surrender this child who has come into their lives and, in his own way, filled a painful chasm in their marriage?A galvanizing story of kinapping, murder, mystery and love, a page-turner that builds to a heart-stopping climax, John Gilstrap's gripping new novel enhances his reputation as one of the most ingenious and innovatiove of contemporary thriller writers. His works explore original territory, with characters that are refreshingly complex and aren't soon forgotten. Even Steven is a top-notch work of suspense fiction.

About this title

Review:

Gilstrap has produced some highly authoritative thrillers in which characterisation that leaps off the page is seamlessly melded to plotting of machine-like precision. At All Costs was a breakthrough book for the author, and the sheer panache of that book is replicated in Even Steven, which modifies the kinetic movement of the action into something richer and more subtle, with human longing as a key theme.

The Martins, Bobby and Susan, have one desire: to have a child of their own. While considering how their marriage could be consolidated by such a gift, the couple undertake a camping trip, little realising that this will utterly change their lives. An unkempt, dirty young boy, shivering with cold, appears at their campsite, and the Martins' parental urges are soon kicking in. But when the boy's kidnappers make a violent appearance, the couple find themselves caught up in the savage killing of a police officer. Soon they are outrunning a band of dangerous criminals, and while struggling to stay alive, dark emotions concerning their failed pregnancies add a disturbing spin to the situation.

Gilstrap has pulled off two difficult tricks in his invigorating tale: the narrative itself is fresh and innovative (very welcome in these days when many thrillers are content to warm over exhausted plot devices); but he has also adopted and customised a device once very popular in the thriller genre--the action takes place over the course of 24 hours, and Gilstrap ensures that the ratcheting up of tension always has a ticking clock as its motor. Finally, of course, however assured a thriller is at dispensing action, it's the characterisation that really lays claim to a reader's attention. And the conflicted couple at the centre of Even Steven are so roundly drawn that few readers will be able to avoid empathising with them. --Barry Forshaw

Review:

"State Journal" (Lansing, MI) A compelling roller-coaster ride with enough plot twists to leave you breathless in anticipation....Chock full of chase scenes....Gilstrap is in fine form, offering intriguing scenes with believable characters...it's great fun.

"The San Francisco Examiner" Gilstrap is a unique storyteller, with a crisp writing style, a fine eye for detail, and an obvious love of children.

CNN.com Entertaining....Gilstrap is at his best when writing action sequences....The climax is exhilarating.

booksnbytes.com For readers who enjoy hyperspeed, "Even Steven" is the novel to take you there.

"Library Journal" A fresh, unpredictable thriller....[Gilstrap] just keeps getting better and better.

"Denver Rocky Mountain News" A frightening and superbly done story.

"I Love a Mystery" Superior to the average thriller mystery....John Gilstrap shows the reader his characters' motivations, dreams, and passions without ever allowing the action to drag.

"The Denver Post" Gilstrap has an uncanny ability to bring the reader into the mind of his characters....["Even Steven" is] surprising and satisfying.

Jeffery Deaver "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Blue Nowhere" Gilstrap proves once again that he's the leading practitioner of the imperiled-family suspense novel. With "Even Steven", Gilstrap pulls off what few suspense writers canhe's able to make readers' palms sweat at the same time that he tugs masterfully at their heartstrings.

About this edition

• Publisher: Atria
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1439184224
• ISBN 13: 9781439184226
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 370