Spencerville

I bought this as a gift for someone for Christmas and I have enjoyed other of Nelson's books but tihs was a real shocker. Although the story was really good I felt that the language was really raw. If you like that kind of language you'll be good but if not......this may not be for you. The characters and story was a page turner and really deep. I felt really bad for Annie and the life she was forced to endure> When her situation really spun out of control only then did she finally realise how strong she was and what a good person she really was. Just get passed all the rawness it is really a good story. Due to language is why I only gave it three stars.

Update after second reading July, 2008: *** spoilers *** Enjoyed it better the second time. Excellent character development. Suspense and action throughout. Keith's errors are consistent with falling head-over-heels in love with someone, despite his experience as a spy. His nearly fatal error was when he did not call Annie at her sister's house while he was trying to get back from Washington, but that and other errors make for more realistic, exciting drama. I think the clean-up operation at the end seemed a bit phony. Keith and Annie NOT going to see Marlon's ex-wife at the end was not consistent with Keith's empathy for Marlon's plight. ==== prior comments ==== Spencerville was my first Nelson Demille book. Since then I have been an avid reader of all his books I can get my hands on(six so far). Nearly non-stop reading of his books has caused me to nearly miss job deadlines, lose much too much sleep and turn my wife from a golf widow to a N.Demille widow; but sacrifices are sometimes necessary! The story of returning to your home town and finding your friends and enemies after 25 years is an exciting and original story line. I enjoyed the idea of renewed love toward an old girlfriend and revenge against the high school bully. Women play an important and responsible role of his stories. The male and female lead characters are well developed and people we readers can relate to. I also could relate to things that have happened in my life. At times the events are a bit violent and gruesome for my taste, but this is outweighed by the detailed descriptive writing, character development and story line. I enjoyed getting into the emotional aspects of the characters. Many other writers concentrate more on geographical descriptions and physical aspects of their characters. Nelson provides sarcasm, humor, and fast-paced action. As my first book by Demille it holds a special place in my literary honor roll. You won't be disappointed.

My very first Nelson Demille book. Loved it. It prompted me to go back and read everything he has written.

There are books that take time to read, books you make time for and books you steal time for. "Spencerville" is in the latter category...it never left my side from the minute I started it and kept me up late.Great characters, very deeply drawn...both the heroes and villains. I felt I got to know them all. The plot is straight forward, but the journey to its conclusion is fast paced, tense, filled with twists and turns and makes you turn the pages rapidly.There is enough wry humor, sarcasm and cynicism from the protagonist (Keith Landry) and his allies to allow the reader a chance to relax from the nonstop action...refreshing and almost necessary in a book this lengthy.The major bad guy (Cliff Baxter) is truly despicable, but devious, dangerous, deadly and cunning (and he wears a badge). It is quite easy hoping he gets what's due him.I have now read all the novels of Nelson DeMille. Only "Cathedral" was a disappointment. Every other one I highly recommend and still think "The Charm School" is my favorite.

DeMille has an uncommon ability to pull you into the world of his characters. Spencerville did a better job of creating real fear and tension than all of his other books. The evil sherriff was probably demille's best bad guy. Truly EVIL!...and the love story was one of the best I've read.

& #65279;Spencerville by Nelson DeMille Spencerville is the poignant love story of Keith and Annie, reunited after a twenty five year separation. Keith went to Viet Nam right out of High School, then came home to a government job in Washington D.C., while Annie, stayed in Spencerville and married the sadistic county sheriff. Secretly, Annie still corresponded with Keith, using her sister as a go- between. Keith returned to take over his family farm, to live alone. From here the story follows a predictable path, resulting in the inevitable reunion. There are frequent side trips into the unexpectedly bizarre, provided by Annie's husband, Cliff. Just when you feel it is safe to take a deep breath, he surfaces with typical sociopathic behavior and you begin to wonder if love will ever conquer all and rid Spencerville of their least law abiding citizen. The Author has a knack of lulling you into complacency and then standing you on the edge of the crumbling precipice. If you like a combination love story, and spell binding tale of horror this will occupy a space on your book shelf. Nelson DeMille is also the Author of "The General's Daughter", "The Gold Coast", "The Charm School" and "Word of Honor".