REVIEWS

Gillian M Palmer

Was it coincidental that I was sent this book to review just before we were about to embark on a Viking Portugal’s River of Gold cruise? Set against the back drop of Lisbon in early July, Two Nights in Lisbon is a fast paced thriller. The book poses lots of questions. Who really is Ariel? Who really is John? Are they really married? What do they know about each other? Why would anyone want to kidnap John? Ariel does not want to engage with the police or the higher international authorities, which eventually take an interest in John’s kidnapping. Instead, she raises a ransom in an unconventional way, which has rippling repercussions, up to the highest levels. Everyone has secrets which are skill fully woven into the plot. There are flash backs to Ariel’s previous life, giving insights into her present, and perhaps her future. There is a strong emphasis on abuse of women and power, and how seriously or not they are regarded by the world. Don’t be put off by this. The book is fast paced and well written. The ending is unexpected, and perhaps a contrived, but it does not detract from the enjoyment of reading it. I just hope that our two days In Lisbon are not quite as exciting!

Peter Gabitas

When I started this book, I didn't think I would like it because of the writing style. Short passages jumping from subject to subject, back & forward in time. However, once I got used to it I really enjoyed it. A compelling story exploring the reasons for what was happening. The characters were interesting including the Lisbon police & the CIA. I guessed the outcome when about halfway through, but it was still interesting to read till the end. I think it was overlong, could have been at least 100 pages shorter. I have not been to Lisbon & the parts of the book dealing with the city, it's history, buildings restaurants etc were very interesting. Would love to visit.

Ray Murdoch

Newly married Ariel Pryce and her husband John are spending a few days in Lisbon, ostensibly on a business trip from the US. One morning Ariel awakes alone in their hotel room – no sign of John at breakfast, none of the staff have seen him, his phone unanswered. Ariel contacts the local police and the US embassy, everyone seems disinterested – but are they? So begins a well written enthralling thriller with intrigue and twists to the final page. Pavone creates a real sense of place with action occurring in locations throughout the city. If you are spending a couple of days in Lisbon before heading off along the Douro, as we did, this book would be an enjoyable companion. Find a cosy corner in the shade, order a pastel de nata and a glass of port and settle down for an exciting read.

Julie Mitchinson

Two Nights in Lisbon is an excellent and exceptionally well written read. I found I was gripped from the first page. The novel is well constructed and I found the characters interesting and well described but not always likeable. There were lots of twists and turns to keep my interest throughout the book. I loved the fact it was set in Lisbon, which is such a beautiful city. The author catches the vibe of this buzzing European city perfectly. I did not suspect the ending and thought it was an unexpected but good finale. I have not read any books by Chris Pavone before but will definitely try more from this author having read Two Nights in Lisbon. Overall it was an excellent and absorbing novel.

Jan Greenhough

I confess I am not a regular reader of present day ‘thriller’ novels; in recent years I very much seem to have moved to a comfortable diet of biographies and the re reading of much-loved classics. So, when I first opened Two Nights in Lisbon, I very quickly realised I was well outside of my comfort zone. It took me several restarts to become accustomed to the style of narration and the rapid time changes between the immediate present, and the past events that were gradually being revealed. I am however very glad that I did persist as I began to realise what a skilful story was being constructed. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience; it certainly was as it said on the cover, an intelligent, multi-layered thriller. Without betraying a single clue, I can safely say that the characters were very well drawn and the situations they found themselves in were all too believable. I look forward to reading more books by Chris Pavone in the future.

Mary Ames

This is a thriller with a message – achieving justice or revenge does come at a cost, but a worthwhile cost. An American woman, Ariel, wakes up in a Lisbon hotel to discover her husband is missing. She immediately panics and gets the police and the embassy involved in searching for him. Little by little Ariel’s earlier life is revealed in the ongoing search. Just as it seems the story is heading in one direction, it twists, and what appeared to be obvious is no longer the case. This is a complex tale of seeking revenge, though with a price to pay. At the beginning, I thought this was going to be a run-of-the-mill story, but I found as I progressed through the book that I wanted to read more with each revelation. It was a good read.

Amanda Moores

Having been to Lisbon last year it was easy to picture the surroundings in the book. There were plenty of twists and turns to the plot, which kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen next and understand more about the characters involved. I was almost disappointed when I finished reading the book, and it left me hoping that there would be a happy outcome for the main characters in the future. I would certainly recommend this book to others – it has been a great read, and apparently I became quite antisocial as I didn’t want to put it down!

Ella Mitchell

One of the best books I have ever read. There are so many twists and turns and many secrets - it kept me enthralled - couldn't believe how someone could even think it up. Will definitely look for more Chris Pavone books.