Reading a David Morrell novel is like going to an action movie. If you want a complicated, realistic plot, you've gone to the wrong movie. If you want strong, principled, admirable men, beautiful women and unremittingly evil villains, wrapped up with fast moving action, you've come to the right place. The protagonist here is Chase Malone, a former Marine and helicopter pilot who has secluded himself in Baja Mexico to paint, mostly landscapes. He is offered a commission to do a portrait of the current wife of a reclusive tycoon, an evil arms dealer named Bellasar. Chase rejects the offer but is harassed and has his life torn up. Soon after, he is approached by an ex-marine colleague, Jeb, and asked to take the offer, infiltrate Bellasar's operation and save Bellasar's wife, Sienna, from the same fate suffered by Bellasar's previous three wives. Malone accepts hoping to get revenge for his mistreatment by Bellasar's minion, Potter. The story unfolds from there and while predictable is also developed in interesting ways. In an exciting conclusion, Morrell ties up all the loose ends and then provides a surprisingly poignant epilogue. The characters behave as expected and there are some over the top events but over-all, it is an enjoyable, easy read. I recommend it, especially for long plane rides or as a beach vacation activity.
I've tried David Morrell's before and didn't like them, but someone said Burnt Sienna was good, so I started it. It started out with painter (ex-military) Chase Malone being pursued by an agent for a very wealthy man who wants him to paint a portrait of the man's beautiful wife, Sienna. When Malone refuses, terrible things start happening to him. So, of course, he gives in. It stopped reading. Way too violent and evil for me and I thought the whole premise was too contrived. This book will keep me away from Morrell's books for a very long while.
What do You think about Burnt Sienna (2001)?
I enjoyed burnt sienna by David Morrell. I gave it a 4 star rating as it is not the best book I ever read, but certainly good enough or me to want to read more of Morrell's books. It kept me turning the page even though the outcome was predictable halfway through the book. I still needed to know how they would get out of the situation.
—Lynne Lexow
I remember reading this a long time ago.It was interesting because an ex-military guy is trying to forget his past and move on.The quality/success of his work is recognized because a wealthy guy wants him to do a portrait of his missus. Tension is created when he refuses and you are drawn along because you want to know the consequences for him.The story thickens when he agrees and you can feel the danger level going up when he is living with the couple.Then when he discovers the truth the pace quickens and you pulled along a roller-coaster ride fraught with danger from different angles and right at the end when you think the new couple is safe - BAM!A good climax, plenty of opportunity to feel empathy/involvement.
—Ronald Ward
