5.0 out of 5 stars A Truly Fantastic and Thrilling Read, 4 Dec 2010 By Miss Mary - This review is from: Head Count (Paperback) What started off as a casual glance at the first few pages ended up 4 hours later with my having read the entire book. Captivating from the outset, the writing instantly draws the reader in, offering just enough suspense and intrigue without giving too much away.
I am of the opinion that the true brilliance of this novel originates with the writer's ability to encapsulate the tension and turbulence of events without resorting to melodrama. Lively and yet understated, 'Head Count' maintains the self-concious subtlety of a great crime thriller without sacrificing anything of the penetrating wit and keen insight that make this book such a gratifying read.
Charming, astute, and highly entertaining, 'Head Count' is a novel that demands attention.
5.0 out of 5 stars "Hot potato, can't put it down!", 29 Jan 2011 By Grayone -This review is from: Head Count (Paperback) I was recommended this by a friend, and being one who rarely reads novels outside the holiday season thought I would leave reading it till later. After just a quick dip, into the book not the pool, I, like Miss Mary, couldn't put it down. I found it an interesting mix of the 'Miss Marple' whodunit with the `Columbo-esque' we know who did it; we just have to prove it. All through there are wry observations and a gentle humour threads its way across some very gruesome scenes. The author's style just kept hold of me to the point where I was cheating and looking to the end of book! But of course the clever part of the story is that the ending isn't so straightforward as to be given away so easily. I am just hoping that the author can rustle up another book in time for my summer holiday!
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I've read this year(even if it is only January), 28 Jan 2011 By Peter Stone - See all my reviews This review is from: Head Count (Paperback) I really enjoyed this book on a number of levels. As a thriller it was nice to see it set in a world we are all familiar with rather than imagined exotic and improbable locations and situations. Alongside the main story line the author frequently takes humorous and irreverent sideswipes at situations in life we all find frustrating or annoying. The characters develop throughout the story causing you to change allegences as the plot unfolds and the author cleverly dripfeeds clues and red herrings to keep the pages turning. As a bonus if you are a teacher the way the author exposes the convoluted heresy of education policy will make you cry with both laughter and familiar frustration.
5.0 out of 5 stars Head Count, 20 Feb 2011 By Mad Max - This review is from: Head Count (Paperback) Head Count is a novel with something for everyone. Devotees of James Bond films will enjoy the action scenes and detectives will enjoy working out "who dunnit?" Those who admire rough justice will be pleased that the author kills off some very unpleasant teenagers and adults whilst those who are concerned about the morality of this can look forward to philosophy and theology worthy of Tolstoy towards the end of the story.
My favourite character is Mr Singh, the wise newsagent who knows how to motivate a young delinquent and my favourite scene is the one where a respected pillar of the local community tries unsuccessfully to lie his way out of involvement in a fatal road accident.
The story takes place in the Swiss Alps and the Weald of Kent and there are insights into the state of the teaching profession in the 21st century and carpentry. There is a useful mnemonic for the elements of the periodic table and this is the only book that I have purchased from Amazon which actually has Amazons in it.
Highly recommended!
5.0 out of 5 stars Whodunnit so well?, 13 Jun 2013 By Bea Sinclair - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?) This review is from: Head Count (Paperback) This is a gripping page turner written with humour and intelligence. Once started I had to get to the end. I found the story riviting from start to finish. The story is original, convoluted and totally unpredictable. I highly recommend this book. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | PermalinkComment Comment
4.0 out of 5 stars Very readable, 9 July 2012 By EJasperWriter (Andalucia, Spain) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?) This review is from: Head Count (Kindle Edition) This was an interesting read with a few cunning twists and turns which kept me guessing right to the end.
5.0 out of 5 stars Exeptionally clever story., 10 April 2013 By R. Jones - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: Head Count (Kindle Edition) I'll keep it short.
Likeable characters and good dialogue, the banter between the two main protagonists is so natural it's hard not to like them.
The storyline has more twists in it than a plate of Fusili pasta, but magically it all fits nicely together like an old jigsaw puzzle being played for the first time. Just when you think the case is closed, Mr. Cruse adds another dimension that takes the reader off in another direction. This goes on right up until the end and parts that fitted in before, though rather weakly, are then seen in another light and make proper sense.
As I wrote in the title, clever... I should have written entertaining as well.
Five stars and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone.
5.0 out of 5 stars Head Count - a good read., 15 April 2013 By Tracie - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?) This review is from: Head Count (Paperback) Great story that has the reader guessing until the end. There was many possible "suspects" and it took me by surprise to learn who the killer was!
5.0 out of 5 stars Head Count, 9 Aug 2013 By Jes - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?) This review is from: Head Count (Kindle Edition) This is a murder, mystery, crime, thriller with more leads, red herrings, deceptions and twists than I have ever read in this genre. It kept me on my toes throughout and all came together perfectly at the end. I could have kicked myself at not working out the conclusion when it was there all along. I won't spoil it though.
There is also an underlying love story, but don't be put off by that, it is not even close to 'romance'.
It's a very well written book. Constant intrigue gives the reader's mind no time to rest.
I feel like I watched the film, if you get my drift, and that's why I'm recommending this as a great story.
Excellent.
I am of the opinion that the true brilliance of this novel originates with the writer's ability to encapsulate the tension and turbulence of events without resorting to melodrama. Lively and yet understated, 'Head Count' maintains the self-concious subtlety of a great crime thriller without sacrificing anything of the penetrating wit and keen insight that make this book such a gratifying read.
Charming, astute, and highly entertaining, 'Head Count' is a novel that demands attention.
5.0 out of 5 stars "Hot potato, can't put it down!", 29 Jan 2011 By Grayone -This review is from: Head Count (Paperback) I was recommended this by a friend, and being one who rarely reads novels outside the holiday season thought I would leave reading it till later. After just a quick dip, into the book not the pool, I, like Miss Mary, couldn't put it down. I found it an interesting mix of the 'Miss Marple' whodunit with the `Columbo-esque' we know who did it; we just have to prove it. All through there are wry observations and a gentle humour threads its way across some very gruesome scenes. The author's style just kept hold of me to the point where I was cheating and looking to the end of book! But of course the clever part of the story is that the ending isn't so straightforward as to be given away so easily. I am just hoping that the author can rustle up another book in time for my summer holiday!
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I've read this year(even if it is only January), 28 Jan 2011 By Peter Stone - See all my reviews This review is from: Head Count (Paperback) I really enjoyed this book on a number of levels. As a thriller it was nice to see it set in a world we are all familiar with rather than imagined exotic and improbable locations and situations. Alongside the main story line the author frequently takes humorous and irreverent sideswipes at situations in life we all find frustrating or annoying. The characters develop throughout the story causing you to change allegences as the plot unfolds and the author cleverly dripfeeds clues and red herrings to keep the pages turning. As a bonus if you are a teacher the way the author exposes the convoluted heresy of education policy will make you cry with both laughter and familiar frustration.
5.0 out of 5 stars Head Count, 20 Feb 2011 By Mad Max - This review is from: Head Count (Paperback) Head Count is a novel with something for everyone. Devotees of James Bond films will enjoy the action scenes and detectives will enjoy working out "who dunnit?" Those who admire rough justice will be pleased that the author kills off some very unpleasant teenagers and adults whilst those who are concerned about the morality of this can look forward to philosophy and theology worthy of Tolstoy towards the end of the story.
My favourite character is Mr Singh, the wise newsagent who knows how to motivate a young delinquent and my favourite scene is the one where a respected pillar of the local community tries unsuccessfully to lie his way out of involvement in a fatal road accident.
The story takes place in the Swiss Alps and the Weald of Kent and there are insights into the state of the teaching profession in the 21st century and carpentry. There is a useful mnemonic for the elements of the periodic table and this is the only book that I have purchased from Amazon which actually has Amazons in it.
Highly recommended!
5.0 out of 5 stars Whodunnit so well?, 13 Jun 2013 By Bea Sinclair - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?) This review is from: Head Count (Paperback) This is a gripping page turner written with humour and intelligence. Once started I had to get to the end. I found the story riviting from start to finish. The story is original, convoluted and totally unpredictable. I highly recommend this book. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | PermalinkComment Comment
4.0 out of 5 stars Very readable, 9 July 2012 By EJasperWriter (Andalucia, Spain) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?) This review is from: Head Count (Kindle Edition) This was an interesting read with a few cunning twists and turns which kept me guessing right to the end.
5.0 out of 5 stars Exeptionally clever story., 10 April 2013 By R. Jones - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: Head Count (Kindle Edition) I'll keep it short.
Likeable characters and good dialogue, the banter between the two main protagonists is so natural it's hard not to like them.
The storyline has more twists in it than a plate of Fusili pasta, but magically it all fits nicely together like an old jigsaw puzzle being played for the first time. Just when you think the case is closed, Mr. Cruse adds another dimension that takes the reader off in another direction. This goes on right up until the end and parts that fitted in before, though rather weakly, are then seen in another light and make proper sense.
As I wrote in the title, clever... I should have written entertaining as well.
Five stars and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone.
5.0 out of 5 stars Head Count - a good read., 15 April 2013 By Tracie - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?) This review is from: Head Count (Paperback) Great story that has the reader guessing until the end. There was many possible "suspects" and it took me by surprise to learn who the killer was!
5.0 out of 5 stars Head Count, 9 Aug 2013 By Jes - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?) This review is from: Head Count (Kindle Edition) This is a murder, mystery, crime, thriller with more leads, red herrings, deceptions and twists than I have ever read in this genre. It kept me on my toes throughout and all came together perfectly at the end. I could have kicked myself at not working out the conclusion when it was there all along. I won't spoil it though.
There is also an underlying love story, but don't be put off by that, it is not even close to 'romance'.
It's a very well written book. Constant intrigue gives the reader's mind no time to rest.
I feel like I watched the film, if you get my drift, and that's why I'm recommending this as a great story.
Excellent.
