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Home > Blackmail > Comments And Reviews Comments And Reviews
"An outstanding blend of great characters and a plot that will keep you guessing throughout. A must-read tale."
From sleezebags to elected government officials, Jack's laid back method of soliciting information provides him with more trouble than he expected. And, like all good heroes, he manages to barely escape annihilation until... But that would be telling! Suffice it to say that this is truly an evening's entertainment! The characters come to life with stunning clarity. Mr. McElwain has created frighteningly realistic people and dialogue. I was mesmerized with the unexpected sensitivity, loyalty and humanity emerging from this "action" genre. Can't wait to see where Jack Collier's going from here! (P.S. Could it be I liked him just because we have the same handle! Nah! He's one of those "characters" that every man wants to be and every woman wants to love.) Nancy Hayes
When Bob dedicates a note to the reader at the beginning of his book, "I hope you enjoy reading this tale as much as I enjoyed writing it," he isn't kidding! Sheer exuberance accompanies his narrative all the way through the book from the very beginning. From the moment Terri Delaney …"litheness, draped in a rich creaminess"… turns up on Jack Collier's doorstep, revealing that a night of indiscretion has led to years of blackmail, you're spun into the grip of a fast-paced novel, with twists and turns that will make you wonder if Jack will ever succeed in discovering just who is blackmailing Terri. But Jack is nimble, and Jack is quick! Although he might appear nonchalant in his dealings with the sleazes he meets along the way, he's far from a sluggard when it comes to gathering leads. I hope that Jack Collier, resplendent in his role of laid-back investigator/New Age man, will get involved in a future escapade, so that his readers will have another chance to be highly entertained! © April 2003 Celia A. Leaman,
A semi well-to-do albeit self-made man-of-the-world, garbed in the latest fashion, largely describes Jack Collier (Blackmail's protagonist). His many distinctive differences raise him above the generic classification of P.I., but he's as capable of striking without warning, spying without being 'made' and using his gun as quickly as his fists, when provoked. He has developed 'false sincerity' to an art and manages to talk his way into and out of multiple situations - often within one 24 hour period. The reader is frequently treated to these many faces of Jack, which is often a positive effect because it causes said reader to pause, examine the evidence (thus far), and attempt to reach a conclusion about whether Jack was being truthful or fanciful - being equally adept at both. Terri Delaney, Lady in Jeopardy, adds extra class to a plot which is peopled with murderers, thieves, con artists and blackmailers, which brings up the subject of numerous characters, many who do not leave an impression. Personally, I had some difficulty tracking the myriad cast and the roles they played in the plot, but the cure for temporary memory loss, in this case, is to underline the name of each character who is introduced, preferably in same color per character, but different colors for all, and the reader can track their progress, or demise. Or have a tablet handy and make brief notes as each player is introduced. The entire book is action-driven, and it is not recommended for late night, put-me-to-sleep reading. You'll probably be reluctant to stop reading (when real life intrudes), but a couple of sleepless nights are a small price to pay for adrenalin-enhanced entertainment. Out of necessity, the book is lengthy, but after reading a small section, I'm sure the reader will agree that this particular tale couldn't be told in an abbreviated version. Sonya Rolls
The author is a native of Los Angeles, California. He set this tale in this city he dearly loves and knows so well. "It's an offbeat plot that could only happen in L.A.," says McElwain. McElwain draws characters so real and lifelike they appear to you as your neighbors and friends. And all tend to surprise you by becoming more than they appear to be at first glance. PI Jack Collier most of all. He's not a street-wise tough guy so common in this genre. Instead, he's a positive upbeat fellow you'll enjoy meeting. A man you'd like to call your friend. And Terri Delany, the rising young TV star who is being blackmailed, is not your typical "doll" of detective fiction. You quickly discover she's quick, bright and capable, yet has that inner strength required to do what is needed. From the first page to the last, you'll be rooting for Collier to free Delany from the clutches of the blackmailer. And in some way, prevent others with their own objectives from destroying her. While the story may be a bit slow in getting started, as McElwain introduces Collier and Delany in considerable detail, it accelerates from this point without a break into an unexpected wrap that will surprise you. Blackmail is a fast, easy read. You'll quickly come to identify with the characters. And throughout, you'll catch glimpses of the sprawling megalopolis that is L.A. ActionTales.com
Jack Collier is not your typical private investigator. His cool suave ways and stylish clothes set him apart. Having the means, he thoroughly enjoys the many pleasures life has to offer. But lately, Jack has a sense of burn-out. He's thinking of getting out of the whole investigative bit. Too much negativity. He has started planning a long overdue vacation to the Figi Islands. Immediately, he's tossed back into the deep recesses of shady characters and life-threatening situations. As with all of Bob's books, you immediately feel you know the characters. No one is all good and no one is all evil. They're so real. As an example, Bob describes Jack when forced to deal with brutal bloody work. "There was a roguish corner of his soul, the consequence of a defective gene, perhaps, that demanded he accept the challenge. Now." A little dark in-the-corner secret he holds that perhaps explains why he enjoys playing rough. The action will keep you flipping page after page. No peeking at the end of the book either! You'll find yourself there soon enough. And that ending will totally surprise you! Fascinating book! ActionTales.com
"A classy who-done-it with plenty of fast paced action. And, for a change, a classy private investigator with a positive upbeat view of life. You'll love it."
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