Never Say Die Hardcover – June 1, 2015

It pays to be an eclectic reader, by exploring all genres of fiction. How? At the very end of this review, take a glance at what I found at Audible. For now, though, let’s stick to my review.This little piece snipped from chapter 5 shows the writers use of our sense of smell to draw us a picture:‘...Major Nathan Donnell of the Casualty Resolution team had shocking red hair, a booming voice and a cigar that stank to high heaven. Guy didn’t know which was worse—the stench of that cigar or the odor of decay emanating from the four skeletons on the table. Maybe that’s why Nate smoked those rotten cigars; they masked the smell of death...’While reading this story, I was surprised that Vietnam was used as the backdrop for this tale. However, as I was prepared this review, I discovered the story was originally published way back in 1992, which was far nearer to the action in Laos and Southeast Asia. That then made sense to me as to why Vietnam and Laos, instead of Afghanistan or Iraq.BLUSH FACTOR:Unlike so many other books in this genre, romantic scenes are tastefully written, and the entirety of this book is absent of profanities. No blushing to fret. Well, except, perhaps, for the romance. Even then, if this were a film it would be rated PG, I believe.ADVENTURE:You betcha. A strong sense of adventure.GRAMMAR, TYPOS, & OTHER EDITING:First rate in all aspects.SOUL:Yes, this is a tale that exhibits soul.OTHER POINTS:The writer uses all of our sense to draw a vivid picture for us. In fact, I believe, the use of smell in this work is as well done as in any tale I have reviewed for Amazon.EXCERPT:From Chapter 1‘...“Let me guess. An invitation to your room?”“Is that what you think I’m trying to do?” he asked in a hurt voice. “Pick you up?”“Aren’t you?” she said. Then she turned and once again walked away.This time he didn’t follow her. He didn’t see the point. Leaning back against the rail, he sipped his beer and watched her climb the steps to the dining terrace. There, she sat down at a table and retreated behind a menu. It was too late for tea and too early for supper. Except for a dozen boisterous Italians sitting at a nearby table, the terrace was empty. He lingered there a while, finishing off the beer, wondering what his next approach should be. Wondering if anything would work. She was a tough nut to crack, surprisingly fierce for a dame who barely came up to his shoulder. A mouse with teeth.He needed another beer. And a new strategy. He’d think of it in a minute.He headed up the steps, back to the bar. As he crossed the dining terrace, he couldn’t help a backward glance at the woman. Those few seconds of inattention almost caused him to collide with a well-dressed Thai man moving in the opposite direction. Guy murmured an automatic apology. The other man didn’t answer; he walked right on past, his gaze fixed on something ahead.Guy took about two steps before some inner alarm went off in his head. It was pure instinct, the soldier’s premonition of disaster. It had to do with the eyes of the man who’d just passed by.He’d seen that look of deadly calm once before, in the eyes of a Vietnamese. They had brushed shoulders as Guy was leaving a popular Da Nang nightclub. For a split second...’Taken from Chapter One of “Never Say Die” by Tess Gerritsen, originally published 1992. Digital publication date, August, 2018, MIRA. Sold by Harlequin Digital Sales Corp.BOTTOM LINE:Although billed as romance, there is a larger plot arc than merely romance. At least, for me, the mystery and action kept me turning pages.Five stars out of five.I have one final point of interest:When I noticed a special deal for the Audible edition, I leaped at the opportunity to get unlimited romance productions for a measly 6.95 per month. Don’t get me wrong, I am not an addict of Romance stories. However, a good deal of romance novels include adventure or mystery. Another writer, Liz Adair, especially, as well as Barbara Bretton, Toby Neal, and Eden Baylee write great romance mysteries. So, I’m sure I will have plenty of stories to share with my wife as we drive cross country...I am striving to produce reviews that help you find books that you want, or avoid books that you wish to avoid. With your help, my improvement will help you and me improve book reviews on Amazon. Together, you and I can build a great customer review process that helps everybody. Will you join me? It is people such as you who have helped me improve over the years. I'm still learning, and I have a great deal yet to learn. With your help, I'll improve every day.One request: Be respectful and courteous in your comments and emails to me. I will do likewise with you.Thank you so much for indicating if this review helped you, or for your comment.

I enjoyed reading this book. I think she could have developed chemistry a little better though. Willy is too stiff for too long

This is one of Ms. Gerritsen's earlier books which falls into the category of romantic suspense. Willy Maitland is looking for her father who was downed in Viet Nam twenty years earlier while flying for Air America. Guy Barnard is also looking for Wild Bill who is suspected of being a traitor to the USA known as Friar Tuck.I vaguely remember a movie called Air America with Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr, and that's all I know about the company which flew supplies (legal and illegal) into Southeast Asia for the CIA. Willy and Guy are personable enough but I did wonder about their propensity to leave the people who aided them behind, usually dead. It seemed like they should be a bit more aware of involving others in their search for Willy's father.The suspense part was pretty good though it wasn't as good as Ms. Gerritsen's later works. It's a quick and interesting read.

I love Tess Gerritsen's writing. I have read most of her suspense books and she never disappoints me. Her story is fresh and exciting. I was so intrigued throughout the entire book, I didn't want to put it down. I couldn't figure out who the "villain" was, which makes the book interesting. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes suspense and adventure.

This is an earlier Gerritsen novel for me. It was an exciting, if not totally realistic plot, and the characters were interesting. It was entertaining to read this knowing the author went on to write a series that led to a tv series and also many exciting novels .

Perhaps because this is an older book re-released, it seems formulaic, less original, but it is still a good adventure. There are quite a few dead bodies by the end, but there is a HEA ending.The mystery is compelling, and there are a few red-herrings that keep the reader guessing about which guys are the bad guys. The romance builds in a typical, movie plot way. There is kissing and one sex scene that is vaguely described. There is no profanity, which is refreshing.It’s a solid story, a quick page-turner, with excellent editing.

I'm not into love stories, but with what else was going on in the story, it was alright. The only thing was that the characters were really predictable.

This is the story of a daughter seeking her father who disappeared while serving in Vietnam. As she and the man escorting her travel, many dangers surround them. When they reach a remote village, they begin to find answers to their quest.

Enjoyed this story although it seemed to take a long time for the content to get to the source of the plot of finding her father.

Yet another great book by Tess Gerritsen. Could not put it down, if your a fan you will love this book!!

I was expecting to read more of the Rizzoli & Isles series, so this was a complete surprise to find this is one of Tess's earlier books. Quite different yet still compelling. I quite enjoyed the romantic side of it, yet there was plenty of suspense to keep you turning the pages.

One of Tess' earlier ones, I think. Although it doesn't have her usual 'can't put-downability' I found this a really good book to read, with a few twists and turns along the way.

Tess Gerritsen's books are always brilliant and this is no exception. Always well researched. Well worth buying, especially if you can get an Amazon deal!