The List

"The List" features Abby Chandlis, an attorney who writes in her spare time. She has had three books published with only lackluster sales, but has now written a book that has truly tremendous potential to hit the top. However, with her background, she is certain she will see only the backside of any publisher's door - not to mention that, being around 40, she is considered to be "too old" and "not glamourous enough" to be put on the dust cover and bring in the money. So, she fights back - she pens the book under the name Gable Cooper and finds a handsome man to play the part. Things quickly spiral out of control and Abby discovers that, when it comes to the big bucks that come in when it comes to getting on the top of The List (the New York Times bestseller list, that is), not to mention a big Hollywood film contract, people are willing to kill to get a piece of the action. A bit slower paced than his Paul Madriani books tend to be, this book nonetheless keeps the pressure on pretty well. I adored the way the characters are created - even those who only appear briefly are given individual characteristics so we can differentiate them from each other. Those who love a good thriller are going to gobble this one up. Admittedly this has been out for awhile (I believe it was originally published in 1997), but if you haven't had a chance to read this gem yet, go out and get a copy. You'll be glad you did.

It's somewhat hard to believe that the man who has written the outstanding Paul Madriani series is the same guy who pens this spiffy little "potboiler". It reminds me a lot of Sidney Sheldon's forays, but Martini's brisk pace and innate sense of plot and characterization propel this novel into higher ground. The plot revolves around an author/lawyer who after several misfires in writing finds she's written a hit---a big, money-making bestseller. Only problem is, she's an over-40 woman, not incredibly beautiful, and she knows her past flops will prevent any publisher from wanting the book no matter how good it is. She creates a pseudonymn, Gable Cooper, as the author and then sets out to find a handsome hunk to "play the role." In steps incredibly gorgeous hunk Jack Jermayne, a perfect fit to play the role. But, what have we here: murders of author's friend, ex-husband and her friends' vicious ex-husband start to point evidence that Jack may not be what he seems?? Hmm..in typical cinematic fashion, the author flees for her life to seek help from her long-time friend, Spencer.The climax is appropriately suspenseful and the little "twist" at the end satisfying.A fun, involving tour de force for Mr. Martini.

Steve Martini is the master of the thriller with the last minute plot twist. He weaves together a fascinating, yet believable tale of struggling authors, with seemingly unrelated events happening (death of friend, sinking of boat, etc.). Just as he traps you into thinking you know who the bad guy is - as you are trying to tell the hero's/heroine's to watch out - he throws a wicked curve ball into the plot that leaves your head spinning. And after you see it, you say, "wow, I should have seen that coming, but I got trapped just like the author intended." I found myself going back, re-reading sections where Martini left those clues I had skipped over. You beat me again, Mr Martini, touche'.

This is the first Steve Martini book I've ever read. Are all his books this good? I found myself intrigued by the storyline. Abby Chandlis is sick of her job, has been writing a book in her spare time, and decides to try her luck in getting it published. In a twisted and sorted way, she decides to hire a man to pose as the "writer" while she plays his lawyer. In walks Jack Jermaine. In the many twists and turns throughout the story, I found alot of mystery, humor, and yes! even romance, but not too much. This story was exhilorating, to say the least. If you're ready to try your hand at "whodunnit" and to go deep inside the literary world, hold on tight to your copy of "The List" and enjoy the ride! Three cheers for Martini on this well-written and highly entertaining book.

Fast, clever, and full of surprises. I loved this departure from his other books.