When I started "Sudden Death" by Michael Balkind I expected a straight forward murder mystery set in golf circles. I was pleasantly surprised to find quite a bit more to the book.First of all I have to say that I loved the setting, since I have many golf playing friends and neighbours who follow the sport closely and so I have become familiar with the tournaments and the expressions. All that is peculiar and odd about golf players is brilliantly depicted in the portrayal of the main character and drawn into the sports world most tension and suspense seemed to be coming from the games, the teams and the rivalry instead of murder. The title character is hunted by the press and has a hate for all things paparazzi and is widely hated for his temper. He receives a death thread and so we wait for the execution of this death foretold. When I found on my kindle that after twenty percent there was still no sign of this murder I was starting to get restless, expecting a murder at any given moment and at every corner and became to appreciate the suspense of a death foretold. I naturally cannot tell you when the murder happens, how and what happens after, that would be spoiling the fun, but rest assured that this book will keep you on the edge of your seat in any case.Besides the tension that permeates the book there is also some surprising depth to the way some characters develop throughout the book and the main characters are backed up by an excellent supporting cast.I am very glad I picked this book. "Plunk"! I knew that very satisfying sound when my ball went rolling and hitting the bottom of the cup. I had putting down pat! I didn't play professional golf, but I was a darn good amateur player. For sure the adrenalin rush from winning is consuming and addicting. Playing golf is one game that will not let you concentrate on anything else, not if you don't want to dub all over the place.I especially liked the way the author put descriptions in his novel of the different country club golf courses. I could visualize the tight, tree lined fairways and almost impossible greens. Forget about the sand traps and the water holes. In this novel, Reid is a pro golfer who loves winning, (and who doesn't?) But, Reid has a problem with his temper (it's more like a trigger temper-it doesn't take much to set him off). One instance: Reid grabs the camera of a paparazzo and smashes it to pieces on the pavement. "Maybe next time you'll stay a little farther away."Reid started having dreams that haunted him. What did the dreams mean, if anything? He finds himself dealing with death threats. How did he become the target?Can he play confidently and win tournaments when his life may be hanging in the balance? His timing for falling in love with a gorgeous woman comes at a difficult time in his life. However, he tries to become a better person to win her love.Can he win the tournament and the woman he loves? Or will death catch up with him?I hope you read "Sudden Death". It is well written, and has an intriguing plot along with interesting characters and places.Jeannie Walker- Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil"- A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
What do You think about Sudden Death (2007)?
This is a sports thriller - great for golfers, duffers, and who-dun-it fans alike.
—kopsi
