Like all John Gilstrap books, At All Costs grabs you from page one and doesn't let go. In the opening chapter, the reader is thrust into the lives of Jake and Carolyn; normal everyday people with normal everyday jobs, a son and a home, until one incident sends them fleeing for their lives, on the run from the police and FBI. By chapter two, we find out the couple hold the number one spot on the FBI's Top Ten Most Wanted list. They have been in hiding for the last 12 years and don't intend to give that up now.Enter Irene Rivers from the Jonathan Graves series. As FBI agent in charge of bringing Jake and Carolyn in, she must not only save her reputation by capturing Jake and Carolyn, but unravel the question of if they are really guilty.As a huge fan of John Gilstrap, I was thrilled to read the story of how Irene Rivers got to the top of the FBI. This is a woman who demands her own series. She is tough, capable, smart and tender all at the same time. I'd love to read more of her story. If you are a Gilstrap fan, you will love At All Costs. If not, you will be after reading this.Victoria AllmanAuthor of: SEAsoned: A Chef's Journey with Her CaptainSEAsoned - A Chef's Journey with Her Captain
When I find an author who is new to me and see that he or she has had a number of novels published I like to start with one of the earlier novels and progress through the list so I can follow their development as a writer. I think "At All Costs" is John Gilstrap's second novel. I rated it three stars because it is as good as many of the three-star novels I've read by established authors. What is most exciting, however, is Gilstrap's potential (well, the potential he showed in this early novel). I'm looking forward to reading my way through his work and following his development.
What do You think about At All Costs (1999)?
Good thriller. Jake and Carolyn are the only survivors of a mass killing at a chemical warfare arsenal. they are accused as the masterminds because they escape. On the run for 14 years, things start to unravel when Jake is swept up in a drug bust aimed at fellow employes at the body shop he works at. The two unravel the conspiracy that goes all the way up in the FBI to try to clear their name.
—Leonard
I think it was one of the readers of these pages that first turned me on to John Gilstrap. I really liked his first book, Nathan's Run, but this one may have to go on my top ten list for 2000. It is spectacular. Jake and Carolyn Brighton are the perfect small town couple. Until, that is, their small town finds out that these two are actually two of the FBI's most wanted fugitives. Their 'crime' was 14 years ago and their outing causes them to go back to the scene to prove their innocence. It is a fabulously crafted story and one who's ending kept me reading far too late last night.
—Susan
