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ginny17's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. Nice little page turner. The big twist is easily figured out early on, but that doesn't take away from the story.
ashleybreader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
erboe501's review against another edition
40 pages in and I just couldn't handle the writing. The story was mildly intriguing, but not enough to save it from the plague of telling instead of showing. I don't need to read "Her anger swells and she loses control-- Isabel cocks her arm and hurls the remind across the kitchen." Just say the last part! There were also too many seemingly irrelevant digressions, as if the author is trying to fit in too many details in one paragraph.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
3.0
THE ACCIDENT by Chris Pavone, is a fast paced and a dangerous ride, within the world of a big time publishing company, a mysterious manuscript, politics, ruthless business people, the CIA and a suspenseful murder mystery.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Mozhan Marno--definitely kept me alert while driving. However, with all the characters in different locations and back stories, I found myself rewinding if I missed a part. This was my first book by Pavone (as have heard about his earlier book, THE EXPATS, which I have not read --look forward to reading).
The novel alternates between a variety of desperate characters, in the film and publishing business as well as politics, with many power plays and some surprises (no spoilers). An action packed novel about betrayals at all levels and the suspense takes place in 24 hours.
The Accident is about an anonymous author who is living in shadows in Copenhagen, trying to atone for a lifetime's worth of lies and betrayals by attempting to get his book published.
Isabel Reed, located in NYC and one of the most powerful literary agents--reads an anonymous dark manuscript, (a biography of a media mogul, a potential blockbuster, and people will die if word of its existence leaks).
Full of shocking and disturbing truths, holding long buried secrets which would prove a high profile case compromising national security, government agencies, as well as secrets from her past. As the novel progresses, a cast of powerful characters, with flash backs from a number of different locations from Copenhagen, Zurich, Manhattan, Hamptons, to Hollywood.
The lives collide between Zurich, the mysterious author, Gray- veteran CIA, and Isabelle --attempting to keep the manuscript low key, trying to find a way to publish with many obstacles along the way, sex and betrayal, including those who want to ensure the book never gets published, and those greedy enough to think they can claim their fame. As the book is closer to publication, everyone is at risk and danger of losing for an engaging and suspenseful thriller.
Sounds as though Chris is a talented clever writer, having worked in the business with a sophisticated flair in the high profile publishing business – look forward reading more. http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/post/856774/-theaccident
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Mozhan Marno--definitely kept me alert while driving. However, with all the characters in different locations and back stories, I found myself rewinding if I missed a part. This was my first book by Pavone (as have heard about his earlier book, THE EXPATS, which I have not read --look forward to reading).
The novel alternates between a variety of desperate characters, in the film and publishing business as well as politics, with many power plays and some surprises (no spoilers). An action packed novel about betrayals at all levels and the suspense takes place in 24 hours.
The Accident is about an anonymous author who is living in shadows in Copenhagen, trying to atone for a lifetime's worth of lies and betrayals by attempting to get his book published.
Isabel Reed, located in NYC and one of the most powerful literary agents--reads an anonymous dark manuscript, (a biography of a media mogul, a potential blockbuster, and people will die if word of its existence leaks).
Full of shocking and disturbing truths, holding long buried secrets which would prove a high profile case compromising national security, government agencies, as well as secrets from her past. As the novel progresses, a cast of powerful characters, with flash backs from a number of different locations from Copenhagen, Zurich, Manhattan, Hamptons, to Hollywood.
The lives collide between Zurich, the mysterious author, Gray- veteran CIA, and Isabelle --attempting to keep the manuscript low key, trying to find a way to publish with many obstacles along the way, sex and betrayal, including those who want to ensure the book never gets published, and those greedy enough to think they can claim their fame. As the book is closer to publication, everyone is at risk and danger of losing for an engaging and suspenseful thriller.
Sounds as though Chris is a talented clever writer, having worked in the business with a sophisticated flair in the high profile publishing business – look forward reading more. http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/post/856774/-theaccident
sally_beee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lisawreading's review against another edition
4.0
Another terrific spy thriller from Chris Pavone. Excellent escapist fiction, impossible to put down.
jhaubnerreads's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely a page turner of the "beach read" variety, and great for anyone interested in the publishing industry, ripe with jokes and interesting, relevant commentary. Sometimes trite, but I've got to give Pavone credit for the twists he sticks in the last few chapters.
kdurham2's review against another edition
3.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
What a crazy whirlwind ride that didn't stop turning until the very end! With a crazy cast of characters, I definitely had to chart this one out from an author and the things he set in motion to a publisher, editor and the subject of this book, this book had an interesting combination of thriller rolled into the book publishing world.
The publishing aspect of the book was so interesting, to see all of the hands that it takes to get a book from the author into the public's hands and then to add the anonymous author and the thriller aspect was genius. As a book blogger I have an interest in the publishing world and I always find it interesting to read books that center around the business of books.
What a crazy whirlwind ride that didn't stop turning until the very end! With a crazy cast of characters, I definitely had to chart this one out from an author and the things he set in motion to a publisher, editor and the subject of this book, this book had an interesting combination of thriller rolled into the book publishing world.
The publishing aspect of the book was so interesting, to see all of the hands that it takes to get a book from the author into the public's hands and then to add the anonymous author and the thriller aspect was genius. As a book blogger I have an interest in the publishing world and I always find it interesting to read books that center around the business of books.
christajls's review against another edition
3.0
This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic
The Accident is a thriller about the publishing industry.Yup, you read that right. Given my obvious love of reading and my employment in the industry I was curious how Pavone would twist this slow moving, paper heavy industry into a mystery. And it was definitely an interesting attempt.
Isabel is a literary agent who has a received an anonymous manuscript. This manuscript is a scathing exposé of Charlie Wolf – a Rupert Murdoch like character. It’s a dangerous manuscript that has the potential to ruin his career. But before 24 hours have passed Isabel’s assistant is murdered. And then one of the employees in the publishing house she gave it to is run off the road. It’s an intense story and a extremely complex and well plotted mystery.
Part of the complexity is how many points of view there are. It switched so often and so quickly it was impossible to get invested in any of the characters. The Accident is written in short, choppy chapters, which keeps the reader off balance – it’s great for the suspense and the twists but it didn’t help with the flow and the character development. What was even more frustrating was when the timeline would switch within the chapters themselves. It gave the entire book a chaotic feeling that prevented me from really becoming hooked on the story.
Chris Pavone has a very descriptive but at times overly verbose writing style. In addition to the short chapters I found that this also threw the pacing off. So much time would be spent on details about the setting, or the characters’ clothing and mannerisms. I’m not opposed to detailed writing, at times it can really help enrich the story. But the detail didn’t feel balanced because it also felt like Pavone was racing through the important plot information. At times I had to go back and reread a chapter because I was unclear on what had just happened.
I did think all of the publishing sections were well researched and can provide an interesting view into the world of publishing for those who aren’t as familiar with it. If you’ve ever been curious about how books were made, this would be a really great book to read. From the agent to the acquisition editor to the actual release – this book walks you through all the steps. I particularly liked one part where Pavone mentions the pile of paper/galleys/books that you can never get rid of. I am very familiar with with that pile.
Overall, The Accident is a very interesting, well plotted mystery that didn’t quite make the jump to “page-turner” status. However, if you like mysteries and are interested in publishing you may want to try it out.
The Accident is a thriller about the publishing industry.Yup, you read that right. Given my obvious love of reading and my employment in the industry I was curious how Pavone would twist this slow moving, paper heavy industry into a mystery. And it was definitely an interesting attempt.
Isabel is a literary agent who has a received an anonymous manuscript. This manuscript is a scathing exposé of Charlie Wolf – a Rupert Murdoch like character. It’s a dangerous manuscript that has the potential to ruin his career. But before 24 hours have passed Isabel’s assistant is murdered. And then one of the employees in the publishing house she gave it to is run off the road. It’s an intense story and a extremely complex and well plotted mystery.
Part of the complexity is how many points of view there are. It switched so often and so quickly it was impossible to get invested in any of the characters. The Accident is written in short, choppy chapters, which keeps the reader off balance – it’s great for the suspense and the twists but it didn’t help with the flow and the character development. What was even more frustrating was when the timeline would switch within the chapters themselves. It gave the entire book a chaotic feeling that prevented me from really becoming hooked on the story.
Chris Pavone has a very descriptive but at times overly verbose writing style. In addition to the short chapters I found that this also threw the pacing off. So much time would be spent on details about the setting, or the characters’ clothing and mannerisms. I’m not opposed to detailed writing, at times it can really help enrich the story. But the detail didn’t feel balanced because it also felt like Pavone was racing through the important plot information. At times I had to go back and reread a chapter because I was unclear on what had just happened.
I did think all of the publishing sections were well researched and can provide an interesting view into the world of publishing for those who aren’t as familiar with it. If you’ve ever been curious about how books were made, this would be a really great book to read. From the agent to the acquisition editor to the actual release – this book walks you through all the steps. I particularly liked one part where Pavone mentions the pile of paper/galleys/books that you can never get rid of. I am very familiar with with that pile.
Overall, The Accident is a very interesting, well plotted mystery that didn’t quite make the jump to “page-turner” status. However, if you like mysteries and are interested in publishing you may want to try it out.