Gideon's Sword (Gideon Crew)

I decided to read this book (listened to audiobook actually, more below) because I love everything these authors have written. I should've read the reviews before wasting my time. This book is miserable. It lacks the substance, credibility, and excitement that you expect from Preston and Child. I for one will not be continuing the Gideon series and will have to accept that I will not have read all the books by these otherwise fantastic authors.

I actually listened to the audio book instead of reading this story. I've listened to a few books now, and I have to say John Glover should never be allowed to read for Hachette Audio again. He has the most nasally voice I've ever heard, and he constantly messes up his character voices which can be quite confusing and frustrating. I hope Scott Brick does a better job with the other Preston and Child audiobook I have waiting.

Once upon a mid-night dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, a thought occurred my mind entrapping,
My interest gently sapping, I knew I needed something more,
"If only I'd a tome exciting, t'would never be a bore--
If only this and nothing more."

Distinctly I recall the chore, trolling through another book store,
Viewing case upon case of uninspired reads,
Each book dismissed as lifeless, dull, and sour--
O me, this hour what I'd give for a heroic story to devour!
And then my gladness would never cease,
Perchance I would at last be released from this staid monotony.

T'was mere accident I came upon it, swiftly did I move to buy it,
A new creation by Preston and Child, Masters of Suspense,
With treasure in hand, procured at a reasonable expense,
I bid the bookseller good day and home I flew from thence.
Eagerly I sought to borrow, from my book surcease of sorrow,
So certain was I that this read would be intense.

Curled upon my chaise, I cracked the cover, began to appraise,
This adventurous new world of Gideon's Sword.
A character so smooth and smart-- my, but this saga had me floored--
Witness to murder at tender age, I couldn't help but turn page after page,
And when Dajkovic had him cornered, "Watch out!" I roared,
But t'was just a trick and nothing more.

When Eli Glinn from pages past hired Gideon, I was aghast--
Yet despite bad news, my hero hastily took charge.
Although Gideon had assistance from Orchid, Mindy, and old friend Tom,
The mission seemed doomed, and its uncertainty writ large.
Especially when nemesis Nodding Crane came to the fore,
Murders committed, Gideon's vengeance he swore.
Only this and nothing more.

At last I turned the final page, previous ennui happily assuaged,
I will not spoil, and any more plot I shan't give away.
Reader, beware, let my story serve as warning--
The novel Gideon's Sword will leave you in mourning,
Yearning for the next installment, Preston and Child, I am imploring--
Quoth the reader, "I want more!"

Between the awful math (cover blurb has the dying mother when he's 24, but he's 20 in the book), the completely implausible backstory, the diagnoses, and the lousy plot- even Eli Glinn can't save this book. Howard Johnson's has room service? Room service with oysters???? These and other improbabilities render this effort very much an effort to read. Like many readers, I have read their entire body of work and thoroughly enjoyed the Pendergast and individual novels. They are fun and do demand suspension of disbelief, but don't actually require you to be blind, deaf and dumb to reality. Sleeping with anything female (none of it his idea, of course)- hooker with a heart of gold? Ugh.

Sorry, this one wasn't worth the (very little) time it took to read it. Two stars for the cool cover.

I feel like I'm really missing something here. These two have always been in my top three list--I own all their earlier books and I've re-read most of them, especially the Pendergast series. I knew this book brought a new character, but I expected a certain amount of similarity in plot and writing skill.
It's just not there. The plot is completely predictable (and I'm not usually good at that) and the dialogue is laughable. Nobody talks like that, especially in the book's beginning. The writing is beyond simple-minded. A reasonably intelligent middle-schooler could do better.
I think we're being played somehow. Maybe they hired a hack to write it, just to see if their names sold it. Maybe they took a bet to write in a mind-altered state (although that could be an improvement. Maybe they wanted to see how dumbed down they could make it. Maybe they were just in a hurry. I don't know.
But it's almost impossible to believe they could produce this book with a straight face. As good as their other books are, this one is bad.
There has to be a reason. And hopefully, the new Pendergast novel coming soon will be a return to the writers I loved.

Gideon's Sword is a departure for Preston and Child. The story is primarily an international thriller featuring a brand new character named Gideon Crew, a damaged man, art thief and computer genius. After his father is gunned down by police in front of him as a child, he concocts a plan to strike back at those responsible for his father's wrongful death.

The first 50 or so pages deal with this part of Gideon's life, but afterwards, the meat of the story begins with a visit to the incredibly entertaining side character in several Preston-Child novels, Eli Glinn. Gideon is presented with some alarming information that strong arms him into working for Glinn, following a Chinese defector.

After a few stunning murders by an assassin named Nodding Crane, Gideon is thrust into a world of espionage, trying to find out exactly what the Chinese defector was bringing to the US, and why it was important enough to kill for.

Gideon's Sword is a rather thin novel. By Kindle location count, it is half the size of some of the Pendergast books. Yet, it moves with incredible momentum. Little time is wasted on passages where there isn't action, or at least a new revelation.

Unfortunately, the momentum that drives the book is also its largest problem as at times, the book is incredibly shallow. The only character with any true depth is Gideon Crew, and even his character leaves plenty to be desired. Of course, if this truly is the start of a new series, there will be plenty of time to dig into that character.

Some passages are just silly, including liaisons with two different women, seemingly moments after meeting them. Gideon's attachment to one character in particular seems completely incongruous with the amount of time he spent with her.

On the other hand, other scenes sizzle, including the climatic showdown with Nodding Crane.

Gideon's Crew is a flawed book, but it is entertainingly so. It isn't deep, it won't make you think, and so far Gideon Crew is not the character that Pendergast or D'Agosta are. However, it is a promising start to a new series.

Because of their writing style, I breezed through this story. That being said, unfortunately, this one does fall quite short of their other books. As other critiquers have noted, this one feels a bit rushed. I think the series has potential, but it needs a lot more work.

Gideon, with the threat of death hanging over him, makes for an interesting premise, yet I always had the feeling he was being taken for a ride. It was as if his handlers had given him someone else's x-rays and it was not really him.

As for the way he cons people, it is kind of cool, yet it all seems way too easy. He is able to weasel his way into some pretty secure places in a way that I really had to suspend my disbelief.

The FBI agent thing was a bit off too, but I'm not sure what I didn't like about it.

His computer hacker friend was cool but with everyone following Gideon, it was a bit unrealistic the way things turned out with him (the hacker friend).

Despite the flaws, I still enjoyed reading it, even though in the end, I found myself ultimately, unsatisfied. There was just something missing, something unfinished? I don't know how to describe it, but whatever it is, it's just not there yet. I am going to give this one more book to see if things get better before I write the series off. In the meantime I'm looking for the next novel, either Prendergast or individual books by Doug or Linc.

Gentlemen, you are SO much better than this... I, too, have communicated with you personally and know your combined intellect and talent. With this effort, however, I feel betrayed. Let Gideon die...none of us will care. Stick with Pendergast, who is exponentially more interesting (as are the supporting cast). And please don't ever stick me with another "free" bonus novel. Had I paid more attention to the description of the book in the Kindle offering, I wouldn't have bought it... especially since the largest percentage of the selection isn't even yours... and the topic of Brad's bonus book is boring in the extreme.

Most Preston and Child books have a macabre or speculative twist to them--legendary treasure pits, museums with monsters, or subterranean humans. Gideon's Sword is a departure from all that though, a decided step outside the authors' comfort zone. Certainly it is still a thriller, but it is more of an intrigue and action book. (James Bond meets Dirty, Rotten Scoundrels is the best way I can describe it.) So how does it hold up?

Frankly, I found this literary diversion enjoyable. I was amazed by how fast the pages turned. The pace was absolutely frenetic. There are no slow parts. As a reader you're pulled from one scene to the next. What is surprising here, though, is that it isn't blind action that does the pulling, it is your curiosity at how Preston and Child's new hero--Gideon Crew--will massage and coerce his way through his current scenario. How will he pull this one off?

Gideon's Sword is a fun read. A departure well worth taking. Check it out!

The Gideon series is a disappointment, and I would not recommend it to Preston/Child followers who want stories in the same vein as the Pendergast series. This book actually started out well in its initial pages, but then the writing and plot devolved. Darn.

Gideon's Sword introduces Gideon Crew a renegade who devotes his life to avenging his father's death (like Bruce Wayne?). Crew was into robbing valuable artwork when he learns that his father may have been set up to be murdered by someone high in the military. He decides to train his body and learn all the skill necessary to extract revenge.

Gideon's efforts come to the attention of Eli Glinn (a recurring character in some of the author's other books). Glinn hires Gideon to obtain the secret to a new weapon that a Chinese scientist is bringing to New York. The scientist is chased by a deady Chinese assassin but stays alive long enough to give Gideon a long string of numbers.

It is up to Gideon to stay alive and find out what the numbers mean before the assassin can get to him. Gideon has help from an unlikely trio (a friend, a CIA agent and a prostitute). I gave this book 3 stars because it has a good pace and did not get boring. I could not rate it any higher because:

- Gideon is a very one dimensional character and it is hard to really understand anything about the person he is.
- Gideon uses very lame social engineering techniques to easily get things from people in highly secure facilities. The techniques were so obvious that even in the most mundane place, they would not work.

Possible spoiler below:

The authors set the book for an obvious sequel so they are not done with Mr. Gideon Crew. With a little work he could prove to be their next Pendergast.

I've read all the Pendergast novels, and have enjoyed them very much, however there are sometimes where I would be thinking let's just get to the point. Gideon Crew is no Pendergast. Gideon is gifted in his own right. His best weapon is his mouth and he takes pride in that. Most reviews I've read say " it seems rushed, it seems short, it's not Pendergast". I found the novel very fast paced. That and the fact that it is also very singularly focused(not a lot of sub plots)may be the reason people find it short or rushed. I really enjoyed the pacing, it was like Bing, Bam, Boom, making it difficult to put down. That's not a bad thing. I hope to see more of Gideon Crew, although the Authors seemed to have painted themselves into a corner. I hope the negative reviews won't cut Gideon's adventures short.

Please pay no attention to the one-star reviews this book has gotten. Those people are out of their minds. There is no way that these two incredibly talented authors could produce a one-star book, even if they tried. If you want to see what an actual one-star book looks like, let me know and I'll point you to a few shining examples. lol.

Yes, Gideon's Sword is a departure from the well-loved Pendergast series...but Gideon is a great character in his own right! He is funny, smart, charming and brave, but with some very human flaws that make him interesting and sympathetic.

The story takes place in the same "universe" as the Pendergast series; there is some crossing of the streams character-wise, which was fun. It's fast-paced and exciting, especially the last part, which takes place on Hart Island.

Give Gideon a chance. If you can keep in mind that this new series is supposed to be different than what you're used to and read it on its own terms, you will not be disappointed. I can't wait to see what the next book in the series brings...like Pendergast did, I think that Gideon will get even better as we learn more about him and accompany him on future adventures.

Imagine it is 1981 and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (Special Edition) is just out in the theaters. You go in and the first thing that assaults your senses is a thrilling entry into a cave, protected by spears and diabolical devices. Indy grabs the treasure and rushes back out through the treacherous paths to freedom, where he is promptly relieved of his booty. And then the real adventure begins.

That was the way this book felt to me. It starts with a revenge killing, years in the planning and when that ends, all too soon, one can only wonder, what's left? Well what's left is the real adventure, the tale of an accidental hero, a scientist named Gideon Crew, charged with unraveling a mystery wrapped in an enigma. What motivates Gideon is part of the tale, and all I will say is that as a series character we cannot expect a lot more of him. This is too bad. Gideon is creative, smart, and fearless. He is a master of disguise, and can use his academic connections to unravel technological conundrums.

Some of the scenes here seem designed for the big screen, battling earth movers are particularly inspired. The bad guys are a bit cartoonish, and the good guys, a bit ambiguous. Still the book delivers roller-coaster excitement. Surely Gideon will be back, but for how long?

Unfortunately I did not pay heed to the comments and rating of other readers on this book. Being a fan of Preston and Child I went ahead and bought the book anyway. Well, I did not think it possible but Gideon's Sword - the only way to put it - is terrible.

Character development is weak, the story line hard to believe. I quit reading at chapter 24; I should have quite at chapter 4. There are too many books in the world to waste time on this one. No need for further comments- they are in he other one star reviews.

I will pay more attention to the ratings in the future.

Full of silly-isms. Some are obvious, some are subtle.
Here's an obvious one, p.87: Blood from the scientist had stained his chest and arms..... he... walked slowly and inconspicuously towards the subway...
More subtle one are to do with why people do things.

After falling for the twists of the Pendergast plots, and the deep research in novels from each of the co-authors, I could not get through the new "Gideon's Sword". The main character is two dimensional, incompetent, and unbelievable. All the characters, in fact, are unbelievable. I was expecting a clever loner like Lee Child's, "Jack Reacher" character, but instead Crew lies for no reason, exposes himself too much to be believed, makes too many mistakes that end up in his favor. The backstory is abridged but doesn't afford the reader much chance to connect with the character...PhD MIT Math and master liar ??? Seems the backstory should have been the story...his transformation from naivete to avenging son. That was the story, not the one week job he's been hired to do. A true disappointment by these master writers.

I love Preston & Child books and I am addicted to the Pendergast novels. That being said I cannot believe the same authors of those books wrote this horrible tripe. This book would have been much better as an Inspector Clouseau comedy rather than the halfhearted attempt at a drama. Gideon Crew is a bumbling, unbelievable character with little back story, no training and few skills to pull off the unbelievable assignment he is given. The entire story depends on a lengthy list of coincidences, lucky circumstances and what appears to be author interference. What I mean by that is the authors painted themselves into several corners with the plot that would not allow the the story to move forward so they invented, manipulated or just plain made up some totally implausible plot twist that allows the story to continue staggering on.

Do not waste your money on this piece garbage. I cannot believe that Preston and Child allowed this to be released and they should give refunds to all of us blind enough to have purchased it.

When I first started on this book I was instantly reminded of The Wheels Of Darkness and Cemetery Dance. Complete and utter disappointments from cover to cover. I got the feeling that this book, like the two I mentioned previousley, were hastely written, published and released. All the magic, spice and finesse of their previous novels disappeared. A letdown to all their loyal readers. Luckily we were vindicated with Fever Dream! Hopefully, Cold Vengeance follows suit.

In short, I only recommend this book if you are having trouble falling asleep. Or a doorstop.

Gideon's Sword introduces readers to a new character for the Preston and Child duo; Gideon Crew. Initially, the book introduces you to Crew's life and obsession formed after finding out that his father, a scapegoat to a government screw-up, was murdered to cover it up. I assumed that was the foundation of the book and that the book would follow Crew as he brought retribution down on the guilty.

Turns out, Crew got revenge in the first couple chapters. This surprised me until Crew quickly hooked up with Eli Glinn; a character from Preston and Child's books with FBI Agent Aloysius Pendergast.

Gideon Crew is appealing and eccentric; a loner, an MIT PhD employed by the Los Alamos labs, a fly fisherman, and an art thief. Glinn is intriguing and mysterious - smart, wealthy, and stealthy. Glinn, it turns out, wants Crew to do a covert job for him; a job that requires Crew's special capabilities. And, the job starts in four hours.

The story's premise, the quirkiness of Crew's character, the inclusion of Eli Glinn; all led me to hope for the special character and action dynamism that I have appreciated in Preston and Child books. Gideon's Sword pushes credibility in a way that does not quite work for me.

There is lots of action - titillating possibilities that are not followed, curious science and mysteries representing hope and wealth. They do not tip over into something meaningful that helps me care about what Crew is doing and why he is doing it.

Yet.

As the first book in a new Preston and Child series, I anticipate the next book will fix the flat sides of this uneven tire. Crew is an interesting enough character and they are gifted enough writers that I anticipate great things. My advice, which I am taking for myself, wait for the second book to come out before giving up on this series. (Originally written for the Luxury Reading website.)

Preston and Child are two of my favorite authors. The fact that they can write hair-raising novels together seamlessly is a testament to their combined talent and and friendship.
When I read the comments about their new character, Dr. Gideon Crew, not being Pendergast and other negative opinions about Gideon's Sword, I quickly ordered a copy of this one in order to learn what in the world this dynamic writing duo had done.
And, I liked what they'd done. Yes, this is different from what they have co-authored in the past, but different can be good. And this was good; if one overcomes expectations of Guideon morphing into Agent Pendergast at some point. Guideon bears no resemblance to that uncanny character.
P and C open their drama with Guideon, age 12, witnessing the murder of his father. As a young man of 24, he promises his mother that he will avenge his father's death. Another decade passes and now we're off and running.
Wheelchair-bound Eli Glinn, (does the name sound familiar?) complete with eye-patch and scar, facilitates Guideon's plunge into intrigue and danger. Seems Glinn has an anonymous client who will pay mega-bucks for a "wire" that will eliminate the need for all fossil fuels. Our hero is hired to find the wire.
That's the plot.
Gideon embarks on a thrill-filled search that appears to be just the beginning of this new character's adventures.
Oh, there is also something sad and horrifying you should know about Gideon, but I wouldn't dream of revealing it.

Gideon Crew watched his father get shot down by his government employers, accused of treason. Gideon was only twelve when his world was turned upside down, an event from which his mother never recovered. It sent her into a downward spiral which continued until her own death. Gideon vowed to wreak vengeance on the ones who'd destroyed his family.

L. Melvin Crew was a world-class mathematician who'd worked for a government agency. He was accused of causing the deaths of 26 field agents, and was summarily executed during a hostage situation, right before his son's eyes, although he had clearly surrendered and was unarmed. Gideon refuses to believe he was guilty. He distances himself from things, following a rather illegal career path. It isn't until some twelve years later, at the request of his dying mother, that he goes after the man responsible for his father's death, amassing the evidence he needs to clear his father. And the name of the man that was responsible for his death--retired General Chamblee Tucker.

After clearing his father's name, Gideon thinks he's going to spend a little time at his remote cabin, relaxing and fishing. But Fate has other ideas. A strange man turns up unexpectedly, with a very lucrative offer. One which Gideon cannot refuse. He decides to at least listen, and finds himself on a flight to NYC. There he meets the extraordinary engineer Eli Glinn, owner and chief CEO of EES--Effective Engineering Solutions, Inc.

How to explain Eli Glinn and EES? They specialize in the discipline of failure analysis, among other things. They take on difficult, unusual, and critical tasks that no one else can handle. And they do it discreetly. Eli has a job for Gideon, one he believes the other man to be perfect for. He knows all about his doings with Chamblee Tucker. As well as Gideon's stint as a major art thief. Gideon doesn't really have a lot of choice here, so he agrees. Especially when information of a rather personal nature is revealed, and Gideon assumes a what the hell attitude.

First things first. A Chinese scientist is on his way to the US; he carries plans for a new high-technology weapon. It is believed this weapon is more powerful than the H-bomb. Gideon's mission is to tail him from the airport, upon his arrival, and take the plans away from him and then bring them to Glinn. The fee is $100k. He has four hours until Mark Wu's arrival. Four hours in which to figure out how he's gonna do it.

From the very beginning, things do not go as planned. Gideon Crew is in for the ride of his life.

I am a huge fan of Preston & Child, so it was inconceivable that I would not read this book and review it. I loved it from the beginning. I found myself caught up in Gideon's dilemma, in the tragedy of his childhood which formed his life and his personality, made him what he is. Gideon himself is a likeable character, and you come to care for him, and cheer him on to ultimate success. The secondary characters are every bit as believable, and well-drawn. P&C suck you into this fast-paced world of high stakes technology. Luckily our guide knows what he's doing.

I found one small continuity error which an editor should have caught, but oh well. If you read the jacket, it states that Gideon's father died when he was 12. At 24 Gideon begins his mission of vengeance. The book begins in 1988, therefore twelve years later should be 2000. But the book says 1996. Small error, but I'm anal enough to pick up on it.

I loved the cliffhanger ending, and I am hoping there will be more of Gideon Crew. No, don't worry, they finished the first story, just dangled a second one like a carrot in front of Gideon's face. I think he has little choice but to take it. I'll definitely be there to see what he does with it.

While fast paced and an easy read, "Gideon's Sword" reads too unrealistic to be truly captivating. I would compare it to swimming on the surface, with deep diving being the other PCH works. I don't think I'll be reading any sequels about Gideon Crew. It was OK as an experience, but only once.