About Me

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Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada
I am a lawyer in Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada who enjoys reading, especially mysteries. Since 2000 I have been writing personal book reviews. This blog includes my reviews, information on and interviews with authors and descriptions of mystery bookstores I have visited. I strive to review all Saskatchewan mysteries. Other Canadian mysteries are listed under the Rest of Canada. As a lawyer I am always interested in legal mysteries. I have a separate page for legal mysteries. Occasionally my reviews of legal mysteries comment on the legal reality of the mystery. You can follow the progression of my favourite authors with up to 15 reviews. Each year I select my favourites in "Bill's Best of ----". As well as current reviews I am posting reviews from 2000 to 2011. Below my most recent couple of posts are the posts of Saskatchewan mysteries I have reviewed alphabetically by author. If you only want a sentence or two description of the book and my recommendation when deciding whether to read the book look at the bold portion of the review. If you would like to email me the link to my email is on the profile page.

Friday, February 17, 2012

The Tourist by Olen Steinhauer

15. - 478.) The Tourist by Olen Steinhauer – A wonderful spy thriller. I was grabbed on the opening page when Tourist (CIA black operative) Milo Weaver fails to commit suicide when he does not rise into the fire of an attempted assassination by the Tiger. The plot roared forward the next day, September 11, 2001, when he is shot trying to arrest a rogue agent. The book carries on 6 years later with Milo pursuing the Tiger. In the intervening years he has gained a lovely wife, Tina, and a precocious 7 year old stepdaughter, Stephanie. (Milo is my first spy hero with a real family. He also has secrets with regard to his parents.) After he encounters the Tiger the plot races forward. The action is credible rather than the cartoonish action of Hollywood today. Milo does function in world of absolute ruthlessness and treachery. The cover says George Clooney has optioned the story. It could be a great movie. The writing is crisp and the characters remarkably diverse. I can hardly wait for Steinhauer’s next book. Hardcover. (Apr. 14/09)
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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 18, 2012 at 7:40 AM

    Bill - So glad you found a good spy thriller. They aren't always easy to come by. And you know I hadn't thought about it but you're right. The protagonist in spy thrillers usually doesn't have a family. Interesting..... Thanks for a fine review.

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  2. Bill SelnesFebruary 18, 2012 at 8:04 AM

    Margot: Thanks for the comment. I think it is easier to find a good mystery than a good spy thriller.

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