FICTION

The October List

by Jeffery Deaver
Grand Central. Oct. 2013. 320p. ISBN 9781455576647. $26; ebk. ISBN 9781455576661. F
COPY ISBN
In his second thriller of 2013 (after The Kill Room), set amid the high-octane world of Manhattan's investment brokers, Deaver delivers a devilishly deceitful plot in reverse. Occurring over a three-day weekend, the story begins with its supposed clincher, which takes place on a Sunday afternoon, then moves back to Friday morning's startling climax. Confused yet? Beginning in the present, Gabriela, an office manager at Prescott Investments, waits in her apartment for an update from Daniel Reardon of the Norwalk Fund, who's striking a deal with her daughter's kidnapper for a $500,000 ransom and the notorious missing "October List." This was a document kept by Gabriela's former boss.
VERDICT Although Deaver doles out plenty of surprising twists and cliffhangers, fans accustomed to his staccato pace, fluid style, and exceptionally clever plotlines may feel a bit hoodwinked after finishing this overly convoluted tale and its disappointing big climax reveal. In the novel's foreword, Deaver wonders if he could pull off telling a tale in reverse. Nope, not in this case—this superb thriller writer missed the mark here.
Reviewed by Jerry P. Miller, Cambridge, MA , Sep 27, 2013
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MEDIA

The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye
by Cameron, Briony
MEDIA

Summer
by Wharton, Edith
FICTION

A Dog Called Ducky
by Morgan, Amanda K. & Ducky the Yorkie
FICTION

Blood Test: A Comedy
by Baxter, Charles
FICTION

Secret Fling with the Billionaire
by Douglas, Michelle
FICTION

Holiday Under Wraps
by Mettner, Katie
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?