Customer Reviews: Read 44 more reviews...
 I've Got a Secret..." August 12, 2008
Philip A. True (Fairfax, VA USA)
This is the first Stephen White mystery I've read, though I vaguely recall reading reviews of some of his other books, notably "Kill Me." In "Dry Ice" we have Dr. Alan Gregory, a psychologist, who is pursued by various demons--his relationship with his wife, his career, secrets in his life and, the crux of the novel, the evil machinations of an escaped inmate, Michael Macmillan, and the threats he brings to Gregory and his family. And everyone in the book has some sort of deep secret that hasn't been revealed to their wives or closest associates.
Good points about the book include the atmosphere and surroundings of Boulder, Colorado, which promotes a good sense of place; usually good writing; and some chilling moments, particularly near the end of the book. On the other hand, I found the inner dialogue and italicized angst of Gregory a drag--a little goes a long way. As often happens in mysteries involving ordinary citizens, there is a link with a law enforcement person, in this book Sam, who always seems to be on call to answer any emergency of the hero. Don't these guys have regular duties that they must attend to, other than be a personal retainer? [All right, I know that in some mysteries this is deemed a necessity]. Some of the psychological jargon could have been either left out or explained somewhat better.
Do I read another Stephen White mystery? Maybe, but if I want something that really is compelling, holds my interest, and keep me turning pages, I'll probably look elsewhere.
 Boring & Highly Unbelievable July 30, 2008
a Reader from Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA USA)
This book was a waste of my time & money. Characters kept being introduced at random throughtout the read. They were there only to explain the unexplainable and boring plot. I was really turned off by this book. A high school sophmore could have penned something better.
Dry Ice Didn't Hold Freshness July 13, 2008
coalpuss (USA)
Ok, I will admit I haven't liked Mr. White's books for awhile. His prior "Kill Me", I enjoyed thoroughly which proves he is a fine author but might want to let Dr. Gregory rest for now. In "Dry Ice" I figured let's see if he can grab me with Gregory. No and no. His wife has MS, we know we all know it is a terrible disease but from almost the first book I have found her to be a royal pain. The good doctor does everything to accommodate and comfort her and still she is always pissed off at him about something. More of this comes out in Dry Ice. Yes they have a conflict of interests due to his patient/client privilege and hers as a prosecutor, but still the title should have been Deep Freeze because that is how Lauren Gregory treats her husband. The plot is there, an old nemesis is loose and they are all targets, including their police friend, Sam. The story drags on to its conclusion with a lot of bending of the law. It hurt me to give it even 3 stars, but he is a good author. He just needs a new protagonist. Don't read unless you are a fan of mountain descriptions.
With a title like Dry Ice..... June 30, 2008
Jamie (Richmond, Va.)
It has to be dry. This book was very......very......slow. Reading it was like treading in quicksand. I really enjoyed his previous novel, but this one was terrible.
 A Portrait of Desperation May 2, 2008
Neysa Droker (West Sacramento, CA USA)
After reading some of the early reviews, I was reluctant to purchase this book, despite being a big 'Alan Gregory' fan. To my surprise, I found myself liking White's Gregory even more in this book. The sense of dismay and desperation that Alan expresses as his life spirals out of control, as the things he holds most dear are threatened, is palpable. Granted, the sheer volume of incidents that serve to unsettle Alan's life does stretch credibility a bit, but the sensation of life conspiring to overwhelm you is all too familiar. The complexity of characters and the plot twists make this an engaging read.
|
