I tried to show some self-control and not read the new Jack story until I got to that spot in the Thriller Anthology. In fact I was even thinking of "saving the best story for last", but by the time I got a few stories into it, my discipline faded fast. I started taking peeks at that new Jack adventure and a few chapters into it finally gave up the chase altogether.

Now after reading the story twice, here are a few comments:

*******Minor Spoilers Ahead*********

I loved this story! Anything that starts out with Jack dropping a wreath at the top of the Empire State Building in honor of Kong has got to be a good time.

Loved the humor in this story! There were a couple of spots where I burst out laughing. For people who have already read it, I'll just mention these two lines: "Jack hoped that wasn't meant for him" and my favorite, "Was there a community model?"

A "naked" Jack having to live by his wits in a fast-paced adventure - too much fun! Always nice to have a new Jack story - even if it is a short one.

On a bit of a negative note, I was a little disappointed to see that James Patterson's introduction lifted just about everything verbatim off of this website. Seemed a bit of a cop-out to me. Anyone else feel that way?

-Luthie

On a bit of a negative note, I was a little disappointed to see that James Patterson's introduction lifted just about everything verbatim off of this website.

[SIZE="3"]Good eye: Each author was asked to submit a precis about him/herself and the character. The editor did not know all 32 of us or our work well enough to do it on is own. I supplied my standard puffery.[/SIZE]

Before I start reading "Harbingers", I read "Interlude at Duane's". Oh yeah, I really like RJ short stories!


*******Minor Spoilers Ahead*********


It was like a Die Hard. At first, he struggled with robberies without a gun. So what was that weapon he got in drug store? Band-Aids, Ice cream, Curling Iron....Cheetos, Beef jerky.....? No, it's spatula! Repairman Jack got spatula! LOL I couldn't imagine he use spatula as a weapon! I like that!

Before I start reading "Harbingers", I read "Interlude at Duane's". Oh yeah, I really like RJ short stories!


*******Minor Spoilers Ahead*********


It was like a Die Hard. At first, he struggled with robberies without a gun. So what was that weapon he got in drug store? Band-Aids, Ice cream, Curling Iron....Cheetos, Beef jerky.....? No, it's spatula! Repairman Jack got spatula! LOL I couldn't imagine he use spatula as a weapon! I like that!

I couldn't wait either - I went straight the the RJ story. Loved it!

As soon as Jack found the outdoor section - charcoal, starter fluid, etc., you knew the bad guys were in for a BIG suprise.

I was a little disappointed to see that James Patterson's introduction lifted just about everything verbatim off of this website. Seemed a bit of a cop-out to me. Anyone else feel that way?

I don't expect much of Patterson anyway. But I'll cut him a little slack here because it would be suprising if he were highly knowledgeable about each of the Thriller authors. Though it would have been cool if he were an RJ fan.

I too, was like the impatient little kid..........went right to the RMJ story. After seeing FPW that night I bought Thriller and hearing him describe the premise of the story, well I just had to read what he was describing. On the way home that night in the rain, our cab went by SEVERAL Duanne Read's.........too funny!

I too, was like the impatient little kid..........went right to the RMJ story. After seeing FPW that night I bought Thriller and hearing him describe the premise of the story, well I just had to read what he was describing. On the way home that night in the rain, our cab went by SEVERAL Duanne Read's.........too funny!

LOL! I might have to make a trip down to NYC and tour a Duane's or two.

LOL! I might have to make a trip down to NYC and tour a Duane's or two.

I wonder if their selling strategy is to loose the cutomer in the store, wandering around looking for spatulas and lighter fluid? There must be a method to their maddness, no? :p

And now we have another reason for wanting more stories about Jack's early years in NYC. Jack was a waiter??? And how does Loretta know that he wouldn't want any of the other people in the store to talk about what he did -- sounds like maybe he did a fix-it for her at one time....

Aside from the RJ story, the next one I couldn't wait to read was the one by Preston & Child. I liked that one a lot too! I'd like to see them turn that one into a full novel. It definitely has potential.

Observations on Thriller, which I received yesterday!

First off, I read Paul's story first (I'm not into self-deprivation--I'm too old for that shit). I'll read Joe Konrath's next, cuz he's a friend and I want to.

Regarding Paul's story:

I liked the improvised weapons aspect of it, because I've often been faced with the prospect of traveling sans firearms (in Illinois for example, where my exemption from having an Indiana carry permit is meaningless). Ever since I saw Diehard 2 I've thought about what I would do if I had to defend myself in a secure facility without having my Glock 19 or backup on me. I always think about what potential weapons are within reach, so this struck a responsive chord.

The pace was fast and furious, and I liked that a lot.

Only (slight) criticism is probably the editor's fault--a revolver is not a pistol. But again, that does not detract from the story.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the book, and I'm glad I bought it.