Even Steven

I really like Nathan's Run, but couldn't get into At All Costs. I'm glad Even Steven came along. Very fast paced and a convoluted, but very followable , plot. Enjoy it.

Even Steven was one of the better books I have read in awhile. The story begins with a young couple, camping outdoors on a romantic weekend with the hopes of overcoming their pain of not being able to have a child. Mysteriously, a child comes running from the woods, screaming, a toddler. The couple then becomes involved in a game of cat and mouse, a web of murder and drug smuggling, kidnapping, and intrigue. Their lives are turned upside down in a matter of an hour. The story is fast paced and interesting, and will keep you turning pages. The ending is....well, can't give that one away, let's just say it is an interesting turn of events. This author has a great grasp on how to entice and hold onto a reader.

What a book, from the first page a great story was woven with the last 50 pages being breath taking. His personal background enabled him to express a ghetto and its hopelessness better than others,and his building of characters was impressive. Have to go back and read his first book as I missed it. Will certainly look forward to his next.

Thoroughly enjoyed Gilstrap's two previous books, Nathan's Run and At All Costs, and expected to be pleased with Even Steven. But when I caught my breath after the crazy 24-hour ride that is this book - WOW, I realized this is his best yet- and a wild ride it is. The action is real, so when it gets to the big screen, there won't be much work to do on the screenplay! The characters really ring true, and I wanted to stay with them. The author is truly a master of character and suspense, and so very good at describing the range of emotion that comes with having children in our lives. Bravo Mr. Gilstrap!

It's quite obvious to fans of John Gilstrap that this is an author who likes the "chase". In his debut novel, Nathan's Run, he had 12 year old Nathan Bailey being chased by the cops. In his second novel, At All Costs, the entire Donovan family was being chased by the FBI. Now in his third novel, Even Steven, Gilstrap has stayed true to form as we find Susan and Bobby Martin being chased by the cops, the FBI and a kidnapper.In this book, Gilstrap gives us three concurrent stories that you know will eventually be neatly tied together by this skillful author. In Maryland, Susan and Bobby Martin have been disappointed one too many times in trying to have a baby. After their last mishap, they decide to take a camping trip to West Virginia to regroup and celebrate their wedding anniversary. In Pittsburgh, April Simpson returns home from work to find out that her three year old son Justin has been kidnapped. In West Virginia, two brothers, Jacob and Samuel, have been hired out to kidnap a child. You will travel from state to state during this chase led by FBI agent Russell Coates. The opening scene finds Susan and Bobby relaxing at their campsite when their peaceful evening is disturbed by a screaming child who is obviously running away from someone. While trying to quiet the child, a man comes running into the clearing claiming to be the boy's father. The couple realize that something is not right with this scenario and challenge the man. A fight ensues, someone is killed and the "chase" begins.Those familiar with Gilstrap now know they will be in for the ride of their lives. As with his other two books, it is a fast- paced page turner and, midway through the book, you can't imagine how this will ever turn out OK. As the FBI begins to close in, Agent Coates has his own doubts as to the actual suspects at the same time that the reader does.I became a fan of this author when I read Nathan's Run three years ago. I now anxiously await every new book he writes knowing that I will never be disappointed. He's one of a kind in a class all his own. I envy anyone who hasn't read his books yet knowing that they have some wonderful surprises ahead of them.