David Wisehart

This is an enjoyable historical fantasy woven around Dante's Inferno, the Grail legends, and the history of the Knights Templar. The focus, however, is less on knights than it is on poets and theologians. Wisehart obviously loves medieval poetry and has studied theology, but the book never gets bogged down in "clever" asides. The substance of the poetry and beliefs have a direct impact on the plot, and you don't need to have an understanding of those topics to enjoy it.

This is not a great novel, but it's unique and a pleasure to read.… (mehr)

This book is just as it is advertised. Just when you think you know where it's leading, the plot turns another way. It is scary, bloody, creepy, keep-you-awake-horrible. Each character plays an active part. I can identify with their actions, they are mostly those of ordinary people confronted with their situation. I won't spoil it for you except to say that you will be really shocked at the ending. I don't usually read horror because it does scare me. This was an exception to my reading rule, I wanted to read one of Wisehart's books. And I recommend it if you really do like horror!… (mehr)

Nick Shaw is a private detective reminiscent of Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe, except neither one of them aspired to be an actor to the best of my recollection. In fact Nick is trying his best without much luck to break out of private investigation and into acting when he see an ad online for a casting call. Thus begins Cold Reading, by David Wisehart.

Nick does really poorly in the cold reading tryout, but the good news is the producer, Edward Grant notices his previous work experience on his resume. What a coincidence...his girl friend is missing and he is in a hurry to find her. Not really wanting the job, Nick quotes a high fee but that backfires. The producer immediately agrees and Nick is on the case, ready or not.

Though he has little to go on, Nick is enterprising and begins to follow up on the few clues he has. Before he knows it, he is caught in a web of lies and confusing clues but he doesn't consider giving up...not even when he is set up and framed for murder.

Author David Wisehart aspires to recreate the hard-boiled detective genre of the 1930's updated to the modern era. Wit and irony are used frequently to move the plot along, and maybe a few too many coincidences in the multi layered conspiracy surrounding the missing girl. It does make for an interesting tale with surprises unfolding throughout the book. The climax is chilling and I'm sure will play well in the movie version...I doubt real people would live through that, but that is what makes fiction so exciting. I think we may be seeing more of Nick and confidently expect to be hearing more from David Wisehart. Hard boiled detective fans should enjoy the ride.

I received a free ebook version of the book Cold Reading in a giveaway on LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.… (mehr)