Blind Spot
Stuart Held
Reviewed by Carianne Carleo-Evangelist
Blind Spot, though a follow up to Behind
the Yellow Filter, is also a strong enough story to stand on its
own
merit. In some respects, I found this to be more developed and solid,
testament
to Mr. Held’s growth as a writer and storyteller.
Perhaps the aspect of the book that was the most solid was
that as a reader, I was always on my toes. Mr. Held allowed me to think
I was
headed in a given direction, and gave me enough confidence in my
‘detective
skills’ to totally surprise me when the story went in yet another
direction. By
the same token, this didn’t feel artificial or forced-it was the
natural
progression of the story to change direction. This is wonderful in an
era of
stories where the reader sometimes feels as if he or she is reading the
same
plot over and over, with only the names changed.
Speaking of the characters, similar to in Behind the
Yellow Filter, I was left
feeling as if I’d known these characters. I followed them, and wanted
to know
more. When Robert Schein became personally involved in the kidnapping,
I became
involved along side him. I wanted to know the outcome as much, if not
more,
than he did. These were real people jumping off the page.
Blind Spot is also
written in such a manner that it appeals to espionage fans, without
alienating
the more mainstream reader. It’s mystery with a taste of espionage in
the right
amount to keep the reader intrigued without going too far into a realm
which
might not interest the general readership. In
the same vein, he keeps the gadgets
interesting, without going into too much detail. As always, he
maintained the
balance.
As with Behind the
Yellow Filter, Mr. Held left me wanting more and I eagerly
anticipate his
next work.