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Readers > Take the Shot > Comments And Reviews
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Comments And Reviews
"A tale moving at full gallop about vivid characters dashing along a collision course with each other and destiny."
--- ForemostPress.com
Lisa Anders is running for her life. Reporter Lisa Andrews is scared; seven years ago a serial rapist attacked her, but she escaped and rebuilt her life. The same rapist has struck again attacking and murdering a local girl. The media coverage of this event is heavy and Lisa has once again become his target because she is the only one of his victims that has survived. A local preacher’s chest explodes in front of her outside the newspaper office where she works. She knows she was the intended target. She meets
ex-cop Todd Hallister in a diner. He is taken with her at once, and comes to her aid to help her. Together with L.A.P.D Lt. Parker, they help Lisa track down the killer and put him into custody. The killer ends up being powerful, wealthy, and influential. Lisa knows that even though he is behind bars, she still is not safe. Not only has the killer been exposed publicly, but now he has a taste for revenge.
This is a powerful gripping story with non-stop action. The ending is surprising with an intricate plot twist that is completely unexpected. The writer’s style flows beautifully and is so in sync with the action; you are given a heart-pounding ride to the finish. The ultra real settings and characterizations set the stage for a dramatic plot that won’t leave you disappointed. Excellent read.
Qetesh
TCM Reviews
I'm including here my review of Take the Shot. It's well put together, and for once I didn't groan at trite dialog. The reader is immediately sympathetic to Lisa and her predicament, and it is easy to cheer her on as she becomes involved with Todd. The introduction of Carlos and his many cousins is a particularly nice touch. The story flows fast enough to engage the reader's interest without sacrificing necessary details.
The premise of Lisa's story is as real as the headlines in today's newspaper. How she deals with the situation certainly held my interest through to the last page. Her chance meeting with a genuine hero in disguise was nicely set up. (I must say, I like the recent trend towards "big" heroes - just a personal quirk.) The characters were well developed, believable, and engaging. The presence of Hastings, the "dumb cop", was perhaps a bit predictable, but even his obstructionism added to the need to follow along and see what happened next. The conclusion is inevitable and satisfying. I was unable to "put the book down" until I finished it. High marks to Mr. McElwain, and I look forward to the next one.
Brenda Russell
aranrhod2002+yahoo.com
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A native of Los Angeles, California, McElwain uses this setting for this tale of a serial rapist who murders his victims, then buries their bodies. Unexpectedly, the grave of his latest victim is discovered, and the hunt is on.
From what she knows of this crime, Lisa Anders, a young writer for a LA newspaper, knows the killer is the same man who raped her nine years ago. And she knows she is now marked for death because she can identify him. In seeking to avoid pursuers, she meets Todd Hallster, an ex-cop, a mix-it-up kind of guy, yet one who is always ready to help when he can make a difference.
Together, Lisa and Todd with a supporting cast of vivid and delightful characters, uncover the identity of the killer, and ultimately capture him. In court, however, the man's wealth and power make a conviction unlikely.
Wrapping with a double twist, this tale will fascinate fans of the fast-paced action genre. From start to finish, all is one grand acceleration of action and suspense.
While McElwain never wastes words, he does omit details some might wish had been included. For example, the killer is obviously a sociopath, without conscience or the constraints of emotions. While there are clear indicators that this is so, details about this deviate personality are lacking. To be fair, in focusing on the actions of the character rather than his personality, McElwain may have taken the best course. As is always the case, the reader will decide.
If you enjoy a tautly drafted tale that moves swiftly, you'll enjoy this one. Mix in boldly drawn characters you'd love to meet, and you have a must-read story you'll find difficult to lay aside until you have read the last word on the last page.
ForemostPress.com
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"Lightning-paced action at its best!"
--- ForemostPress.com
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