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Elly M. (Roswell, NM)
Whew! What a Trip!
Noah Boyd spins a good tale. Through his protagonist, Steve Vail, he takes the reader on one fantastic roller coaster ride with more ups and downs and surprising turns than I've experienced in a long while. Vail bears a strong resemblance to several Nelson DeMille heroes, cut of the same cloth, personality-wise, and I like that! Somewhat distracting, however, were a few unfamiliar acronyms which lacked even a subtle explanation at their first use. In spite of that, this novel captured my imagination; I consider it a winner and definitely look forward to more adventures of the bricklayer.
Lucy B. (Urbana, Ohio)
Great Read
Once I started reading this book, I could not wait to see what the bricklayer's next challenge would be in delivering and then finding the ransom money that was paid to keep another person from being killed. I was hooked from the beginning of the book when this former FBI agent single-handedly kept the bank robbers from getting away. I can't wait for Noah Boyd's next book(s) to become available.
Barbara
I'm a sucker for a fast plot!
I like strong heroes and quick action, and this book filled the bill. Steve Vail is his own man, and he is smart and skilled. He gets out of tight places with imagination and creativity. I rated it only Good (4), because there were too many times when it was obvious that the FBI was not heading in the right direction! Dumb FBI vs. Smart Crooks combined with Dumb FBI vs. Steve Vail. However, that said, I would buy the next book by Noah Boyd sight unseen.
Barbra W. (Dexter, MI)
Good material for a series
Overall, I enjoyed "The Bricklayer." The book introduces a character who is somewhat similar to Parker's "Spenser" or MacDonald's "Travis McGee" in that he is smart, very good a snappy comebacks, and always keeps a portion of himself very private. The story is good in the level of detail that is presented, making it quite believable, although somewhat predictable at times. There were a couple of places in the book where I found myself to be ahead of the characters. And I found it interesting that the women in the book were very strong characters. I would read another book in the same series. In general, a good, diverting read.
Maryanne K. (Spanaway, WA)
The Bricklayer by Noah Boyle
Steve Vail (aka the Bricklayer) joins the ranks of Jack Reacher, Harry Bosch, and Joe Pike. I thoroughly enjoyed this newest entry in the thriller fiction genre. It's a fast-paced, entertaining read. I hope this is the beginning of a series.
Julie, PA; avid reader
Fast Paced Thriller
From the first page to the last, there was plenty of action and suspense. Very enjoyable, quick read. The author made the reader care about what happened to the characters and the characters themselves were very interesting. Will read more by this author.
Jerry P. (Santa Rosa, CA)
The Bricklayer
I enjoyed this book and couldn't set it aside. Although this is Noyd Boyd's ( a pseudonym) first novel, the main character, Steve Vail, should rank in the top tier of literary action heroes. I enjoyed the bantering between him and Kate Bannon, the main female character. I hope this relationship continues in future episodes. The plot, despite many twists, turns, and dead-ends smoothly came together. I agree with other reviewers that the undefined acronyms were unsettling and detracted me from the story. ( I finally resorted to googling them).
I am looking forward to the next episode.
Jim T. (Hilton Head Island, SC)
Intricate and Dangerous, a Unique Thriller
A great buildup to introducing Steve Vail, the unique character, who emerges after several FBI agents are killed in a twisted plot of extortion and madness. The story unfolds with ever increasing challenges through a maze of set ups that fool the FBI, and leads Steve Vail deeper into a web of anger, greed, and romance. However, the developing romance between Kate and Steve could have been handled with more sophistication at the end to make a truly great read.
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