'Fallen Idols'
By: J.F. Freedman
(Hardcover / 368 Pages / Warner Books / ISBN: 0446531898 / $24.95)
Description:Beyond lust, beyond vengeance, beyond murder lie the dark truths of retirement planning, all of them revealed in this flabby suspense novel by Freedman (Bird's-Eye View, etc.). When famed archeologist Walt Gaines ends up with unexplained wealth and a girlfriend half his age a year after his wife was killed on a Central American dig, his sons grow suspicious.
Verdict: I am a long term fan of J.F.Freedman, but came away from his latest book disappointed. While starting out with a good story line, it quickly bogged down in too many words and details that added nothing significant to the plot or character development. The portrayal of the nefarious world of antiquity thievery, political corruption and human greed was solid despite the rather unbelievable efforts of family members to resolve their grief and confusion. Neither tight nor thrilling, but good beach reading. I hope the author returns to more likeable characters and more thrilling plot.
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