Dry Ice (Alan Gregory, No. 15)

I am an avid reader - of anythithing and everything. Stephen White is one of my two all time favorite autors. His latest book - Dry Ice, is one of those books I read in less than two days. There was no other way, even though I tried to prolong the pleasure into a week. The book is strong, that is the best word I can come up with. It delivers suspence, personality of the characters, pleasure, wonder, you name it - it's there. I can't wait for his next book.

I've enjoyed every one of Stephen White's thrillers and found DRY ICE to be one of his best! Knowing the book would reprise the Michael McClelland character from White's first book (PRIVILEGED INFORMATION), I read it again and found it just as entertaining and suspenseful as the first time I read it. Now, with DRY ICE, I thought there wouldn't be any surprises, but I was wrong. Just when I thought I had it figured out, a new plot twist came along, adding intrigue. After so many years, I feel as if the main characters are part of my family, evolving as they face new challenges. I look forward to what the future holds in store for Dr. Alan Gregory, et al.

I am a big fan of Stephen White. I have had to read many a book and many a script for my director and producer bosses. I still can't believe someone hasn't persuaded Stephen to put Alan on the screen, but, alas someday - just think of the casting fun. Anyway, I couldn't wait for DRY ICE - it didn't disappoint at all. Everybody is back and in wonderful form. The only part I hate about a Stephen White book is that I have to finish it. I start out slow, savoring each page and twist. I try not to read it in only one or two sittings, but alas, this one took only one. I've read them all and I still can't get enough. The characters are so well developed and the story points are so much fun to watch roll out. I can't wait until the next one.

I have been in Stephen White withdrawal since his last novel, Kill Me. I found Dry Ice to be as readable, believable, and ultimately satisfying as his previous efforts. In Dry Ice he sets out scattered clues, which he eventually weaves together artfully, while incorporating sub-plots of the characters' personal lives. The intrigue and suspense come in waves, giving a nice little jolt to the denouement. He remains one of my favorite authors.

Revenge is a dish best served cold. And it is in this latest Dr. Alan Gregory novel. Priviledged Information introduced Alan to us, and I can't believe it's been so long ago. Everyone was affected when Gregory, Sam, and crew finally got Michael McClelland captured and sent to a mental facility. So many years later, he escapes, and hasn't forgotten his 'buddies' who put him away. He literally has a plan for the destruction of all our friends in Alan's circle. We see Alan, terribly upset/damaged from his client (in Kill Me) who was shot on national television, and as that weighs on him, secrets, burdens from his past haunt him. McClelland sets a course of events that make our friends' lives chaotic. It gets a little complicated, but White brilliantly makes it work - Everyone it seems has a secret that burdens them in the process of finding McClelland. What I appreciated was when it seems everyone detachs Alan, someone 'protects his back'. And it is gratifying. There are a few shockers in Dry Ice, but this is one of the best books White has ever written. Fans will find that out too.