Bannerman's Ghosts

Hey, if you're going to steal, at least steal from the old masters...they're not around to complain. That opening does, however, demand a list, so here it is:(1) The characters - John R. Maxim's characters are as real as any in popular fiction. You finish one of his books with the feeling that you really know these people, or at least would like to know them. (I personally would love to meet 'Uncle' Billy McHugh, the man formerly known as Bannerman's Monster who has now evolved into a personable, chatty bartender who just happens to be capable of incredible mayhem!) In this book Maxim brings together his popular Bannerman people, adds in the cast of his book 'Haven,' and then seasons it with the main characters from 'Whistler's Angel.' It's like going to a great reunion, meeting up with people you really liked and catching up with their lives and activities. The updates on the lives of Bannerman's people (including homes, businesses, hobbies, spouses and children) are worth the price of the book by themselves! (2) The plot - Maxim's books in general, and his Bannermans in particular, feature enough twists and changes of direction to hold your complete attention without lapsing into 'complication for its own sake.' He also frequently has a theme for a book. In 'The Shadowbox' it was counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and the eerily prescient 'Haven' (in 1997) presented a plot where Islamic terrorists tried to mount an attack on American soil with a dirty bomb. His plot here involves bio-terrorism in a way that can make you lose sleep. As usual, Maxim presents enough realistic detail that you know he did his homework long before he started writing.(3) The timeline - While Maxim has introduced characters from one book into another previously, here he's even dovetailing his plots. We last saw Elizabeth Stride (from 'Haven') settling into a peaceful life on Hilton Head Island. 'Whistler's Angel' came to its dramatic (and noisy and smoky) conclusion on Hilton Head Island. So how could a pro like Stride have missed such brouhaha so close to home? She couldn't. The main portion of the 'Bannerman's Ghosts' story picks up literally on the day 'Whistler's Angel' ends! (4) The humor - For a serious book with a serious plot about very serious people, Maxim sprinkles in a healthy dose of laughs along the way. It's impossible to quote anything here, since establishing a context would take way too long. Trust me on this: you'll have a lot of fun reading this book. This list could go on and on, but here's the bottom line: 'Bannerman's Ghosts' is great reading.

Awesome - I am so glad to have Bannerman back. I can't wait for the next one. If you are a Bannerman fan, they are all here - Carla, Molly, the twins, Susan, it's great.

My only complaint about this book is that I had to wait too long for it to come out. Now I find out that the new book, The Bannerman's Prophecy won't be out for another eight or more months. John R. Maxim is the world's greatest storyteller. I consider this book to be one of his best. He is an expert in weaving the background history of his characters into the new story. For the first time reader of Maxim's books they shouldn't have any difficulty to figure out who Bannerman and his "ghosts" are. I had a difficult time putting it down once I started reading it the first time. The story made me laugh and cry all though the book. The characters seem so real, I can almost imagine what Bannerman, Carla and of course Waldo might look like. I'm not sure I would want to know if they were one of my neighbors. I highly recommend this book for anyone's library. I have reread all of Maxim's books that I have several times.

I have been waiting for this new addition to the "Bannerman" series and was not disappointed. I could not put this one down till I had read it cover to cover. Being a patrol officer, I appreciate the realistic avenues this book travels and the sense of humor which matches those of us in law enforcement. I was on the edge of my seat.

It feels like forever between one Bannerman book and the next, but they're well worth the wait! Once again, John Maxim has done a superb job of bringing these characters to life in Bannerman's Ghosts. It kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next! The subject (bio terrorism) is timely -- and scarey -- but leaves the reader with a sense of hope for tomorrow. Mr. Maxim never disappoints!