Speaking in Tongues

One of my favorite crime thriller authors is Jeffery Deaver, and I just recently had the chance to finish his book Speaking In Tongues. Great stuff... Aaron Matthews, a former psychologist with a knack for talking people into things, is out to destroy the life of Tate Collier. Collier is a trial lawyer who prosecuted Matthew's son for a killing when he was a teen. A short time after the teen went into prison, he was brutally murdered. Matthews wants to take the life of Collier's teenage daughter in revenge. He does this by kidnapping the daughter after a counseling session and makes it look like a runaway. She's taken to an old abandoned mental hospital where Matthews plans on murdering her. Collier suspects that his daughter's disappearance is not what it seems, but everyone who can provide answers is either dying or being framed for other crimes. The story is a race to see if Collier can figure out who is doing all this, and to find his daughter before harm comes to her. This is an excellent story with numerous plot twists and tight story-telling. The interaction between Collier, his ex-wife, and the daughter (who has numerous issues) provides all the necessary color to allow the characters to struggle with both family feelings and the on-going crime investigation. Definitely not a book that is easy to put down.

"Speaking in Tongues" is the ultimate novel for readers who enjoy a suspsenseful, gripping, thrilling, violent, and intelligent psychological thriller. Jeffery Deaver is a brilliant author, and he brings such raw emotions to his characters. Megan's emotions were well written, and Dr. Aaron Matthews is one of the most brilliant villains, because he understands that words are the most dangerous weapons. This book kept me turning the pages; I couldn't stop reading until it was over. This book is a masterpiece, in my opinion, and I consider it one of the best thrillers I have read. Mr. Deaver, you have done a superb job!!

OOe of the reasons i give this book five stars not four (which is probably a more reasonable assesment of it's quality) is its stunning beginning. The first two paragraphs are spectacular. They grab you by the throat and yank you into the story. The psychology and pace which is displayed in the first 20 pages is stunning. It really gives you a taster of what is to come. We are introduces to Megan Collier, the daughter of tate Collier, as she goes to visit her psychiatrist, in one of the most breathtaking and well-written scenes i have come across in a while. I especially liked the tale of the Whispering Bears (which, essentially, mirrors the entire message of the story.)What follows after Megan is kidnapped (Yes, that is how those first two chapters climax) is a slick, fast paced, action packed thrill ride which should delight all fans of James Patterson. However, why this might not satisfy Deaver fans is that the characters are not always so well developed, nor has the writing such depth as is the norm with Deaver. However, the plot is a steamroller that just keeps on going, as the chilling villain remains one step ahead of tate collier (hero of the piece) every step of the way. Right until the brilliant climax, where things all come to a head in an atmospheric and run down psychiatric hospital (at least, i believe thats what it was. it was about five months ago i read this book). It's very fast, very exciting, and probably the most page-turning of Deaver's books. The plot, whilst being a simple tale of revenge, does work, but feels at times less fleshed out than it should be. In fact, the book as a whole seems a little short. Nonetheless, its a sharp, thrilling, exciting, well written, rollercoaster of a book, with some likeable characters. (Especially Megan's friend.) and a chilling villain. Slightly different to Deaver's normal style, but still, in my opinion, excellent despite it's flaws.

Awesome book! Many twists and turns and a very unexpected ending. Once I started reading, I couldnt put it down.

This is one of Deavers best books as he weaves a complicated thriller around the horrible premise that words can kill. The manipulative person who plants thoughts into the minds of others to the point that some even commit suicide is probably the most dangerous monster of all. This alone is worth thinking about. I know the settings and rapid twists are going to eventually be made into an equally exciting movie.