The story line for this book was such a great sounding idea, unfortunately, that great idea deserved better execution. I hated all the nonsense about McGruff; why was that even in there? It was not only unrealistic, stupid, and sordid but boring as well, drawing the book away from the main stories into places it need not go, a gross inanity that did not serve the story in any positive ways, but detracted in so in many negative ones. I know third world governments and military can be disgustingly corrupt, but such sociopaths are also greedy, so I found it hard to picture Peru killing off whole groups of tourists, just for the fun of it, in the heart of their prime tourist areas without regard for their multi-million dollar tourist industry. Surely they would have some concern for the financial repercussions. The book on the whole was very short on consequences, especially with the news media picking up on stories like the State Department's indifference and laziness allowing the cold-blooded murders of American citizens right in front of their door, also with no repercussions? I found myself unable to get into the story or its characters for about two-thirds of the book and really had a hard time making myself stick with it, but the final escape was exciting. First of all, I am never going to visit Peru. After reading what happens to the main characters of Cold River Rising and the ordeal these young people go through with the authorities in Peru makes me leery of visiting there.This is a good book that will have you turning pages to find out what happens next. Interesting plot point with the Reservation declaring their Sovereign Nation status to help out the young members of their tribe.
What do You think about Cold River Rising (2006)?
Entertaining and interesting. I will probably read the rest of the books in this series.
—mari
Good story that kept me engaged. I loved the last line the best. Totally unexpected!!
—eun
