Cheap 24 Hours (Book) (Greg Iles) Price

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Customer Reviews of 24 Hours

Possible to Read in Twenty-Four Hours
24 Hours, by Greg Iles, is a quick, exciting read. The plotline is intricate enough to keep one's interest, though not too complicated or complex to follow. The book is a page-turner.
The opening scene begins with the reuniting of a mother and her kidnapped child. The scene switches to present day, and a new family. We learn about Will Jennings, an aspiring research doctor, his lovely wife Karen, and their five-year old daughter Abby. As Will is whisked away to a medical convention, terror strikes at the Jennings' home. Abby has been kidnapped. A kidnapper confronts Karen, telling her about an elaborate scheme to finish the kidnapping in twenty-four hours- as long as the Jennings play by the rules. Will is confronted by another kidnapper at the convention, and Abby is held by a third party at an unknown location. Will's mind goes into overdrive as he looks for a way to rescue Abby; Karen is in the same situation. As Will's actions at the convention mold with Karen's at home, the story unfolds. Will Abby Jennings be safe in twenty-four hours?
Though I enjoyed this book, there were a few aspects of it I didn't like. It kept my interest while reading it, but after putting it down, I found it easy to ignore- this wasn't one of those books that I had to finish as soon as possible. The characters weren't very well developed. Iles does a great job of conveying their emotions, but there isn't a whole lot of background information. There's also a vital plot element that is unfeasible in real life. All in all, this was a pleasurable read. It's quick pace and smooth writing helped propel this book to a spot on my shelf. It should be on your shelf, too.

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A good place for me to start...
I've been intrigued by the way Greg Iles keeps popping up in my peripheral vision, mostly on the Amazon site, but also forcing his way into my subconscious in bookstores and airports. So I decided to try his writing style with a book not as beloved as some of his earlier material, and go from there. I give "24 Hours" 3 stars, although for action and intensity, and the inability to put the book down, it probably deserves more.

An intriguing and complex kidnapping plot by a group of grifters who have perpetrated the crime before sets the stage in three locations as the race to save a child's life unfolds. Joey, Cheryl & Huey, the band of kidnappers, realistically portray the number and type and psychology of most of those involved with acts of targeted violence for financial gain. Iles correctly captures the fear and willingness to take risk that all parents must feel when trying to save the life of their child. Will and Karen Jennings are accurately drawn as a wealthy physician couple , losing interest and faith in each other and staying together for their young daughter. Karen Jennings survives the novel as the most believable; facing the most dangerous of the kidnappers and willing to take risks she needs to take not only for her daughter but for her own soul. Iles increases the tension and keeps the reader stimulated throughout his novel.

Drawbacks include the larger than life rescue scene, the thought left that there will be a happier ever after for the Jennings' and the needless twist that ties Joey to this kidnapping for stakes larger than any of his previous crimes. To understand and believe in the character of Joey, it is important that the author would have kept the storyline to the thought that "one crime is pretty much the same as another" for a band of casual criminals. That said, I really enjoyed the pace & characterization of the novel and hope to read more by Iles in coming weeks!

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Worst Greg Iles book I've ever read!
This book was horrible from start to finish. I never once believed the characters. Their actions and words did not speak of truth at all. I read the entire book and the entire thing felt like wading through sludge.
I normally like Greg Iles (The Quiet Game is one of my all-time favorite books) and it is hard for me to believe this was even written by the same guy.
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who has a shred of understanding of the human psyche.