Act of God

I happened upon my first Susan Sloan book at the library going through the fiction section. I started with the A's and worked my way through the alphabet. When I got to the S's I stumbled upon Guilt by Association, and after reading it, I was hooked. I have now read every single one of this author's work. I just started purchasing them again to re-read and add to my collection. Act of God is a powerful story that will keep you reading. The bombing of an abortion clinic has been done many times before, but Ms Sloan, in her inimitable style, brought the characters alive for me, and kept the action going. Of course, I love courtroom dramas if they are done well, and I felt this was done very well. I have enjoyed all of Ms Sloan's books, and continue to be a fan. I think if you start reading this book, you won't be able to put it down. A very good read.

Susan Sloan comes through again with another page-turner. She is one of the country's best-kept secrets. As with her first two books, she keeps the reader on edge. As a reader, you know there is going to be a twist, but it is always beyond comprehension what that twist will be. The most difficult thing about a Sloan novel is resisting the urge to turn to the back and see "who did it." Susan, as one of your greatest fans, please do not make us wait as long for the next thriller.

Act of God is the author's third novel and like the previous two is a five star read. Once again, Ms. Sloan has produced a fast paced novel about a contemporary social problem which attracts the reader's attention and requires the reader to examine preconceived assumptions. While the plot concerns the bombing of a medical clinic, which performs abortions as part of its services, and while the book scrupulously examines both sides of the abortion debate, the book is not about abortion. Instead it is an examination of the consequences when both sides loss all sense of civility and proportion and resort to extra-legal measures and extreme rhetoric. My only criticism is that Ms. Sloan is so successful in creating her characters, in describing the ripple effects of the act of terror which is at the core of the novel and in recreating the trial the that I was let down by the ending.

Susan Sloan has written another book that had me reading the last two pages over and over again to be sure that I had read it correctly. She is the master of surprise twists, that is for sure. "Guilt by Association" remains my favorite of hers, the ultimate suspenseful thriller.From the very first page, I was pulled into this story and the intensity never let up. I hated to put the book down to attend to the necessary chores of daily living! And when I finished, I was sorry that I no longer had this book to look forward to.No need here to go into another synopsis, because other reviewers have ably done so before me.Sloan's characters are fully fleshed out, as is her plot. She never got preachy about the abortion issue but presented a balanced view. At times I found the politics/policies a little confusing as each "side" tries to present its case in the best light.If you get this book, be sure to put aside a good chunk of time to read it, because you will not be able to put it down!

The author really hooked me from page 1-all I know is I couldn't put the book down-outstanding in all categories, including the courtroom action-kept me guessing until the very last page-very little distracting, trivial information included in the 500+ pages which made the book even more readable-she is now #1 on my list for legal thrillers, by far surpassing John Grisham, who pales by comparison-hope she has another one in the works!(By the way, I very rarely give 5 stars-I'm a tough grader-read 2-3 mystery/thrillers a week,and recently there have been plenty of the "same old, same old" 2-3 star forgettable books, but not this one!)

The Seattle Family Service Center is a landmark. The Center's health facilities have catered to a wide range of city people; from feeding the homeless, providing day-care services for working parents, to providing complete gynecological services including abortions, that's why it comes as a great shock when, on a chilly afternoon, a bomb goes off killing hundreds of men, women, and children. The city is stunned, and the mayor wants answers. After a few weeks of investigating, the police come up with their first (and only) suspect, young Navy officer Corey Latham.Attorney Dana McAuliffe is a partner in a very prestigious law firm, and was a patient of the Center for many years so imagine her surprise when her senior partners approach her and ask if she will take on the defense of Corey Latham. Outraged, Dana wants to turn down the case, but after meeting Corey she has her doubts about his guilt. It seems the police have rushed to judgment with Corey for one reason only...his wife had an abortion without his knowledge, and after she told him about it he became very angry. Dana does not believe this information proves her client's guilt so she takes on the case and begins her own investigation.After looking into several (shady) corners of this case, Dana realizes everything is not what it seems, and the further she probes, the further the media exposes every aspect of the case, as well as bringing to light things from Dana's personal life. With her life spinning out of control, Dana begins a battle with an unknown assailant hell-bent on using her as a pawn in a vast conspiracy that reaches far past the courtroom.`Act Of God' is not only an excellent page-turner, but a novel of a very controversial topic. The plot takes off on page one, and does not let up for 500 pages more. Every character in this novel is well-drawn, and the plot twists come fast and furious. You will not only stay up late to find out the answers to this perfectly plotted mystery, but also to find out what will become of the main characters. Everything in this novel works, from it's hot topic, to it's heart racing suspense. Susan Sloan is the author of two previous best-sellers; `Guilt By Association', and `An Isolated Incident' both of which happen to be two of my favorite all-time novels. This time around Ms. Sloan raises the stakes with a legal thriller that not only thrills, but makes you think.I can't recommend this novel highly enough, at a whopping 530 pages I finished it in one sitting, and was sad to see it end. Buy this book, you will not be disappointed.A MUST read!!!Nick Gonnella