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FRITZ GALT
HENRY D. SMITH
STEVE DONALDSON
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Reader Reviews: Chasing
the Tiger I just finished reading Chasing the Tiger and
enjoyed it a lot. The ending was especially fun. Good action scenes that are well paced. Good
twist at the end. Exciting! May be GaltÕs best! Great reading
with a clever ending. Reader Reviews: The
Canton Connection I canÕt resist reading the book. Marvelous. I really like Jake Maguire. Great
mystery and surprise ending. Compelling. I want to keep reading. A very timely theme. This is an enjoyable mystery with an
international flavor. It does have a computer hacking and programing theme
running through it but you don't have to be computer literate to enjoy it.
Everything flows quickly with fairly clear plot line. A nice mystery and a
nice read. Very unique and different. I would give it a
big hand full of stars. I canÕt set it down. Hollywood is waiting for this one. The Canton Connection is very good reading.
The plot keeps the pages turning from beginning to end. He just keeps getting better. Fritz makes you
feel as if you are along side of him and you know he's been there and
experienced the locale. Reader Reviews: The
Maltese Cross Such a clever story, so fascinating. I
couldnÕt stop turning the pages. This is my kind of story. This is it! A feel-good story. GaltÕs books have this strange way of
attracting a reader. The writing tugs at the reader and pulls him along.
Perhaps it is the unusually rich passages or the occasional sentence which is loaded with sensory imagery or the
unseen guiding hand of the writer that comforts the reader. It's like
watching a 2D movie and suddenly it turns into 3D for a few
minutes. You're left in wonder and hoping for (and getting) more. A pulse-racing and high-stakes thriller. With
the attention to evocative detail that characterizes all GaltÕs novels, The
Maltese Cross is an authentic and timely thriller woven together from the
fabric of current events. (The Brussels Weekly) Five stars! Another winner! Fritz does it
again with a new sure to be best seller. I have read
all of his works and find them progressively more interesting and complex,
yet very readable. You know he has been on the ground where the novels are
set and allows you to see the world through his observations and time in
country. This type of writer epitomizes my choice in style. Quite well written. Bravo! For some reason there are no reviews of any
of Fritz GaltÕs books on Goodreads, so this could
be the first. I really liked this book. GaltÕs books fit
into the old tradition of 99-cents spy thrillers, a tradition that gave us
heroes like Philip Marlowe in the past. Expect no complicated plot twists and
turns, no switching of perspective, no deep character studies. What you get
instead is straightforward story telling, well written, at high speed, with
lots of moving from place to place. All in all, I think this one stands out
between other books in its category. No need to compare a pop song to a
Mozart symphony, but this is a good pop song. In the pursuit of high fortune, one finds
anything and everything in their way. The Maltese Cross follows Johnny Blade,
American banker, as he travels to Europe to find the lost fortune of an
African dictator. With a tinge of romance, Johnny finds heÕs not the only one
out to find the lost riches, and the world may collapse around them before they
can make their claim at wealth. The Maltese Cross is a strong pick for
community library general fiction and thriller collections. (Small Press Bookwatch
(May 2012) Midwest Book Review) Reader Reviews: The
Accidental Assassin Readers are treated to a CIA mystery that
grows into an international crisis. With vividly portrayed locations across
the Middle East, Galt draws on his extensive knowledge of life abroad and
world affairs to spin a pulse-racing thriller. The Accidental Assassin helps
readers understand the context behind the current uprisings in the Middle
East. It is a contemporary look at Syria, Egypt, Jordan and Israel, including
their history, cultures and religions all within an entertaining spy story.
(Brussels Weekly) Fritz Galt has done an admirable job at
researching the accoutrements essential to the plot
and at keeping the reader in suspense. And the subtext about misguided
American foreign policy and the Palestinian side of events serves a greater
purpose. To paraphrase Joseph Conrad, "Fiction is the big lie that
reveals an even greater truth." Fritz Galt's most solid writing yet. A great mystery, well told. Fritz Galt's knowledge of government and
diplomacy convey an authentic experience. A real page-turner. Quality research, like a documentary in a
work of fiction. Realistic yet clever dialogue. Powerful
characters step right off the page. If you have any association with Israel, you
can get something out of this book. You'll see many points of view about the
Middle East crisis. Interplay between the characters is playful
and intriguing. Throws the reader into the setting. I am
there! Intelligent, realistic, engrossing. Reader Reviews: Destiny of the Dragon Steve Donaldson manages to take us into an
intriguing world with very accessible (guy and gal next door) kind of
characters. Destiny of the Dragon
is fast paced, suspenseful with a twist of good old
fashioned funny stuff.
Good read. Nancy Stapp, KTAO Radio, Taos,
NM
I enjoyed the book and
thought it quite the page turner. Great character development and
colorful backdrops, a fun plot, and an altogether entertaining pace and tone.
Five Stars! Highly recommended for both
personal reading lists and community library fiction collections. A unique,
iconoclastic, funny, deftly crafted and compelling read from first page to
last. Midwest Book Review
November, 2007 Sex, Science & Politics From Tucson to Beijing to the fabled Yangtze
River and the Three Gorges Dam, we are exposed to the exotic culture of the
graduate student and the transformation of China into a modern economic juggernaut. . . The characters are lovable, the plot
episodic, and the set-up satirically correct. Given the Star Wars troupe and
inevitable pop culture Freudian influence, Horse Fly predicts a date with
Hollywood dealmakers for these two authors. . . I
couldn't put the page-turner down during deadline. B.W The Taos Horse Fly
October 20, 2007 Link to complete Horse Fly review I enjoyed the humor, bold plotting and
rapid-fire action! I like it! Nice mix of intrigue, romance, and
ambition. The rock climbers' run-in with the helicopters, the question of
Richter's ethics, the relationship of the two Chinese pilots -- it all keeps
me intrigued. I am able to connect easily with the characters. (Author,
Reviewer) I find the writing quite good. You're great with description and
really do a great job making me feel like I'm there. (Author, Reviewer) I liked the whole archeological / political / cultural / environmental
premise. I kept thinking of Charlie's Angels movie with Lucy Lu as May. Even
though the sophomoric sex theme was not my cup of tea, I was compelled to
keep reading. The whole drug element is very inventive. I loved the little
facts at the beginning of each chapter, with the facts given straight (to
learn about the book's primary subject), then twisted with the humor. This
would make a good movie, because of all the action. (Book Reviewer) Fast-paced, racy, and fun. I asked for and received Destiny of the
Dragon for my recent birthday and loved it! Can definitely sense Steve's wit
in it! Your best book yet! Talk about action packed! Every atomospheric and geographical detail is authentic. I am enjoying this story. Your writing is
superb. Keeps my interest and flows. I really enjoy the characters and felt I
got to know them. (Author review) Five
Stars! Breaking up is never something that is too easily done - and for Brad
West it means being left for dead with a murderous psychopath. Mind Control:
A Brad West Thriller is the second novel in the series of thrillers about
Psychic Brad West. This time his ex-girlfriend's father, an expert on mind
control is meddling with the latest Presidential race in the United States -
and he must overcome countless obstacles to get back to America to stop him
before it's all too late. Mind Control: A Brad West Thriller is highly
recommended for community library collections with an interest in thrillers.
(Midwest Book Review)
Reader Reviews: The Shangri-la Code I loved it. Exciting. 5.0 out of 5 stars A fun-filled thriller The things people do for love. "The
Shangri-La Code" is another of Fritz Galt's 'Brad West' novels,
following Brad's tumultuous romance with the Chinese woman of his dreams,
May. When May performs at an air show in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is defaced
and she is to blame. Brad must travel across Europe and Asia to clear her
name before he can hope for a happy life with her. A fun-filled thriller,
"The Shangri-La Code" is of particular interest to fans of the
previous volumes in the series. (Midwest Book Review) Reader Reviews: Treasure at Tanat Mansion Everyone loves a good treasure hunt. This
story has all the features of a great treasure hunt, and more. Throw murder, diplomats
and a rugged mountainous setting into the mix, and Henry D. Smith has
delivered you the results, on a silver platter. An atmospheric mystery a la Agatha Christie.
NobodyÕs going to leave that old West Virginia mansion until Josh Draper
fingers the murderer. A gross murder, but you can count on Draper
to clean up the case. I loved to spend more time with Josh and
Annie. Their interaction is so touching. IÕve read them all, and Treasure at Tanat
Mansion is an exciting new setting and cast of characters, with plenty of
interaction between Josh Draper and Annie McBride. Reader Reviews: Mystery
on Puckachee Mountain The perfect Halloween story. Put on your raincoat and hiking boots for
this one! This is Smith at his very best. Great surprises. Josh and Annie, as always, are a delight. Henry Smith masterfully uses a mountain
forest to magnify doom, gloom, and mystery. Quirky characters, good suspects of mayhem! A great read where death leads Josh and Annie
on their journey of discovery. An unexpected climax that causes one to feel
the terror of death. Reader Reviews: Murder at Eagle Mine After reading Mr. Smith's novel Murder at
Eagle Mine, I can say this book now is at the top of my list of all time
favorites. From the opening page to the closing words, it captivated and kept
me reading. I read this book in two sittings. It would not let me walk away,
because it had me become part of all that was happening, and did so without
me knowing what would happen next. It is the type of novel that makes you
feel you are there in person watching all that takes place! My rating scale is 0 to 10 stars. I gave
this book 9+ stars!!! (MCCOA Book Review) This is a good mystery, with plot twists and
surprises. The author apparently has experience with mining and with West
Virginia; you get a real sense of being in those places. It's a nice
opportunity to enjoy a mystery while meeting some interesting, generally
believable, characters and learning something about coal mining. (Amazon.com
Reader Review) It blew me away! As avid mystery readers, my wife and I both
found Murder at Eagle Mine by Henry D. Smith quite enjoyable. The author's
character development is excellent and his knowledge of the history of the
coal mining industry in West Virginia proved very interesting. He involves
his readers in the twists and turns of the story while adding information
about coal mining in the past and present. A great suspense drama in an unusual locale.
Full of surprises! Smith's book is authentic, fast-paced, and
absolutely absorbing! (Fritz Galt, author of The Trap and China Gate) A page-turner. Well-drawn characters. A
well-plotted murder mystery with as many twists and turns as a coal mine.
(David M. Kinchen, Huntington News Network Book
Critic) The write stuff! Murder at Eagle Mine
combines Smith's knowledge of the mining industry and its history with a good
murder mystery. The book reveals a talent for writing! (Bluefield Daily
Telegraph) Back
Reader Reviews: Tangle
at Briar Fork I stayed up all night reading Tangle at Briar
Fork. I couldn't put it down. If you write another Josh Draper Mystery, you
should give Annie McBride a promotion and a raise. I could hardly put the book down. It is a
coming of age novel, as the title reads. It's about life, leaving behind and
a new beginning and that is written very well. It's also a love story,
because love is woven into it. When the book ends, one still wants to know
what will happen to the two. He leaves for college, she has his hat. . . . . 10 years later, does she still have his hat
somewhere?. . . . . If you want only love, you go to Nora Roberts or Danielle
Steel. Those are fluff, yours is meat. Keep on writing. Fritz Galt's evocative and engaging prose
hits home on many levels. Summerville is a tour-de-force! Galt is a rising star in the new generation
of writers. (University of Illinois Honors Committee) Many thanks for providing us with some
gripping reading material for our trip. China Gate -- perfect, combines
China and our new home in Washington. I enjoyed China Gate so much. An engaging political and espionage thriller.
Fritz Galt keeps on thrilling. A fast-moving
plot. (Westfield Leader) Very enjoyable. Takes me to the farthest corners of the
globe. I enjoy Alec, who is a little out of control.
Some of Fritz's best writing. Alec is really sexy. Reader Reviews: The Lost
Cutlass Great story, adventure, hope, close calls,
dismay, and triumph! Loved it! I finished reading The Lost Cutlass and it
was just delightful. I totally enjoyed it. It was one of those books that I
was sorry to finish as soon as I did. Interesting and original. Enjoyable! I just enjoyed The book so much. This
book is really amazing. To think that you had so much knowledge of
history, sailing, geography, use of language and most importantly an
understanding of people and behavior way beyond your years at 15 is truly
incredible. I just marvel at your ability. There were some scenes I just didn't want to
end. From the high seas of the Atlantic Ocean, to
England to Africa and beyond the book is packed with mystery, discovery, war,
and yes, even a little romance. As they chase him around the globe, Rab's journey comes to be more than just a high-spirited
adventure; it is a journey of self-discovery as well. (Westfield Leader) A classic. It tells you just about everything
you need to know about life. It's like meat. It's tough and harder to
swallow. It's a very deep book. (Young reader review) Five Stars! This was the best of Mr. Galt's
five books. I have read them all and have enjoyed each one. "The
Trap" was hard to put down and get anything else done. An excellent spythriller and so in tune with our world today. I hope
he is at work on another book right now! (Amazon.com reader review) I just finished reading "The Trap"
and I enjoyed it the most. George Ferrar and Bonnie
Taylor are terrific, and the different parts of the world the story takes
place in were super. Having lived in Montreal, the Montreal scenes really hit
home. My knowledge of Maine made the Maine scenes also seem so real! Thanks
for the entertaining read!! Please let me know when your next book comes out
as 5 is not enough!! Bye for now. One of your fans. Eeeeck...what
a scary scenario. It has a great Ken Follet, Robert
Ludlum feel to it and bizarrely enough, made me want to visit the markets in
Pakistan. This novel has a direct tie-in to our
nation's war on terrorism. A fast-paced thriller that hops continents to
America. (Great Wall Gazette) In the midst of the World Trade Center,
Pentagon, and Anthrax situation, your accuracy and details about all of this
are really scary. I received my copy of "Fatal Sting"
on Thursday so I started reading on the flight to New York. It's fascinating.
I can't believe how on target it is. I just finished Fatal Sting. Wow. What a
read! The comic scenes at CNN are classic. Camille is a perfect character,
playing both sides at once. My wife just can't put the book down...refuses
to even go to work until she's read it all! I just finished Fatal Sting yesterday. I took
it on a business trip and I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed it. By all
means let me know when your other books become available. I just got your new book from Barnes and
Noble and find it quite interesting and a good read. Fatal Sting is an
interesting concept of global bio terrorism. Bioterrorism is to me one of the globe's most
terrifying possibilities. You have done it up right. Have just a minute to say I'm enjoying your
book thoroughly. Galt presents a compelling trio of
protagonists...The plot is tight and well-crafted...What this reader enjoys
most about Galt's books, however, is his detailed and knowledgeable portrayal
of their settings, from the history and landscape to the local cultural and
even culinary habits. Galt has lived in South Asia, and it shows. Highly
recommended! (Tales from a Small Planet) Five Stars! Thrills around the globe This biological thriller has everything:
suspense, exotic settings, human interest and humor. The hilarious scene in
CNN Atlanta alone is worth the book's price. Author Galt has lived in
numerous foreign countries, and it shows. As the fast-paced action takes us
around the world, from the Maldive Islands to India
and more, the settings are depicted in an authentic and fascinating manner.
Highly recommended! (Barnes & Noble reader review) A spy thriller for the thinking man (or
woman!) I really enjoyed this book! The author has created
a tightly plotted spy thriller against a very well researched background of
exotic locations (India, the Maldives, etc.) The reader will learn a lot
about the far corners of the world during the course of this novel. The action is nonstop, and the characters are
interesting, eccentric, and engaging. Mick Pierce is an unusual and very
modern hero--an ex-CIA agent who has chosen to accompany his wife in her
diplomatic career.... The dialogue is intelligent, and occasionally
brilliant, with a dry wit that pops up to surprise you when you least expect
it. The plot revolves around a new, and deadly
strain of malaria concocted by the leader of a terrorist organization. A very
timely plot in an age when the tiniest weapons may be the most deadly. I'm
not a biologist, but the subject seems to be extremely well researched. Hey I
believed it could happen! All in all a good read, especially for anyone
interested in the world of diplomacy or international espionage. (Amazon.com
reader review) The writing is taut and masculine, the
characters interesting, the descriptions of surroundings excellent. There's
immediate suspense and the reader wants to know more. Galt really knows his stuff. He obviously has
a handle on the intricate politics of the Indian subcontinent. Almost without
exception, the "background" information was compelling rather than
the usual boring "filler." Galt's characters are interesting and varied.
Natalie is intriguing, Mick obviously quite deep, Alec really sexy, Abu a
very well-fleshed out character, important for "the bad guy." The
dialogue is right on target throughout the novel, with a lot of catchy lines.
The author sets and ends scenes very well. The plot unfolds carefully as the author
reveals just enough to keep the narrative flowing. Slowly the reader catches
on to the politics and dynamics of the Indian subcontinent, and begins to
understand that every character has a mission and a purpose, which all come
together at the end. This kind of first-rate writing has much to hold the
reader's interest. My perspective as a reader is that I like to
be entertained. I don't really care about things being PC. When I read this
genre I want something enormous to be at stake, I want logical consistency,
some adrenaline highs, fast pacing, good writing, believable characters whose
fates I can care about -- whose moral and ethical dilemmas resonate with me
on some level. I also want an insider's perspective. I want you to take me
into this closed secret world. I want to feel like you've lived it, and I
want you to make me live it. I want it to be real down to the smallest
detail. So, congratulations, Mr. Galt. I'm impressed
and awed. Writing a novel is really an enormous undertaking, and you've given
us a lot. You offer some wonderful insights into the diplomat's life, it's
very well plotted, the locales are exotic, it's timely and topical, I can't
believe how much you know about politics, the scene between Natalie and her
co-worker in the seafood restaurant was brilliant. Reader Reviews: The
Geneva Seduction I enjoyed The Geneva Seduction a lot. It was
hard to put down as something was always happening. It was very fast-paced
and kept me wondering what was next. I particularly like the great
descriptions of the various places that the characters find themselves. With
the world situation these days, your plots are almost too close to the truth!
The dialogue is crisp and I as the reader
want to know more. I thought this was very well written indeed. Intriguing
characters, plot and setting. You are always strong with dialogue and
setting. I enjoyed this. You've really mastered the
thriller pacing -- throwing short, rapid-fire sections at us that set up a
series of mysteries. Your dialogue is also just right. As I've said before,
you would write fantastic screenplays, and I hope you can get these books
made into movies! I must congratulate you for making Natalie complex and
human. I think you'll have a great thriller here. This book makes me want to visit Morocco! This really works! Good job! Reader Reviews: Thunder
in Formosa Fritz Galt's third spy thriller "Thunder
in Formosa" booms! (Westfield Leader) Tensions over Taiwan! (Homewood-Flossmoor
Star) I just finished reading Thunder in Formosa
and really enjoyed it --the best one yet. I have been very concerned about the
proliferation of nuclear weapons ever since the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Weapons are available and being sold to renegade leaders and terrorists, so
your subject was chillingly realistic. Mick and Natalie are delightful characters. It's such a gorgeous day here that I wish I
was home in my hammock finishing this really good book that I'm reading...
it's called "Thunder in Formosa" and I don't like having to set it
down! Earthquakes, Government Overthrow, and a nice
pair of... I purchased this book for a flight back from Taiwan to the US and
found that it was perfectly suited to reading on an airplane-entertaining,
and an easy read which did not challenge me in a jet lagged state. I enjoyed
reading about the places I had just visited. The author made many mentions of
how male characters managed to scope out breasts peeking from blouses, bras
hanging on clotheslines and trapping men as they flee their pursuers, skimpy
bathing suits, and well oiled but less well covered bodies. I enjoyed the
book and think that for a light reading mystery fan, and for someone who
enjoys thinking about Taiwan, it's a pretty good book. (Amazon.com reader
review) Moans, Groans, and Political Bones in
Formosa. I bought this book for a trip to Taiwan, as I like to read fiction
set in the place I am visiting when I travel. The book is great for the goal
of killing time while traveling or having some light reading while settling
down to sleep. This mystery is fun to read, and is certainly worth taking on
a plane as it is totally readable, even with jet lag fatigue. I enjoyed the
book, as it was fun to have a mystery set in a place I was visiting and
becoming familiar with. (Amazon.com reader review) What this reader enjoys most about Galt's
books is his detailed and knowledgeable portrayal of their settings, from the
history and landscape to the local cultural and even culinary habits. Galt
has lived in the Balkans, and it shows. Highly recommended! (Tales from a
Small Planet) An entertaining read that also provides
insight into the convoluted cultural and historical struggles of the Balkan
region. I just finished reading Double Cross last
night and really enjoyed it. I learned a lot about Yugoslavia in the process
of following your story line. What a sad country it was and now all broken up
into factions that hate each other. I am sure we have not heard the end of
the troubles there. I am looking forward to the next book now. I enjoyed your easy-to-picture scenes. I just finished reading Fritz's second book
Double Cross and liked it even more than Fatal Sting!! I ordered Thunder in
Formosa from Barnes&Noble yesterday and can't wait
until The Geneva Seduction is available. I have become a big fan of Mick
Pierce and enjoy his wife Natalie and his brother Alec who is a little more
out of control! Be sure to let Fritz know I am one of his fans! The story zips by. I nearly missed my bus
stop once. A remarkable achievement. Great control over
the language, a clear story, and fully dimensional characters. |