Death Rites

Witty, saucy prose, served with a healthy dollop of attitude, contributes toward this book's strongest attribute -- you can't stop reading it. Despite a feeling that you've been here before, and a few "oh please" contrivances, you simply must keep going to find out what happens. Nonetheless, the main reason I didn't rate this book a "5" is because the primary characters (not to mention the plot) tend to lean toward primetime-TV cliches -- the sad, recovering quasi-alcoholic ex-jock cop hero, his grouchy lieutenant boss in need of a chill pill, the whacko psychotic killer into whose mind we get a frightening peek. Rather than imitate the genre (note to author: there's too many Patterson wannabes in the game already), Elliot should use his considerable talent and skill to take us somewhere new. Here's hoping.

Mr Elliot continues to show his wonderful imagination with "Death Rites". Elliot writes in a very descriptive manner making one feel they are a part of the story. The pace is fast, pulling you along in its wake until you realize you have reached the end of the book!

This is the second incarnation of the detective Touch Benson (the first being STILL LIFE), and, as before, Mr. Elliot created him perfectly without making him perfect. The plot deals with a psychotic serial killer who hopes to find his ancient mate, as well as Touch's new involvement with an old childhood sweetheart.As usual the writing is excellent, and the tone is dark. Highly recommended for admirers of the genre, and also for anyone who craves walking on the dark side...

Wow. I can't believe that Bruce Elliot, a new writer, could top last summer's thriller, STILL LIFE, but by golly he did with his newest, DEATH RITES!Weird is the only term for the serial killer in this book, which for a police procedural has a distinctive gothic flavor. Elliot brings back Touch Benson, the hero of his first book, and gives him a new love interest, who isn't new at all, but rather a childhood sweetheart and best friend. Trouble is, she seems to be able to predict the murders through her dreams, and she becomes a prime suspect. However, the surprise ending is totally different than STILL LIFE, but just as thrilling.I think I'm in love with Touch Benson, so please, Mr. Elliot, write another Touch thriller...

Having read Still Life last summer and loving it, I was very much looking forward to Bruce Elliot's next book. It was a smart move to use his Still Life hero, Touch Benson, in this amazing book. In Death Rites, Touch is on a case that defies logic, and once again one of the chief suspects is his high school friend and now near-lover, Michelle, who seems to be predicting the murders through her dreams.Nothing is what it seems in this book, which makes for an exciting and fascinating read, and I highly recommend that you read Still Life first, then Death Rites. Touch Benson is a great character and should be good for a long run!