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Deadly Sports Mystery #1
Sudden Death
Reid Clark is a pro golfer at the top of the leader board during the PGA tour; he is also a hothead with a reputation for trouble. Reid receives a death threat right before teeing off on the final day of the Master's Tournament, and hires a P.I. to track down the perpetrator. Suspense builds throughout as Reid tries to compete in one of golf s most prestigious contests...and woo the woman he loves...while dodging death at every turn. Sudden Death will score big for all mystery lovers."You like golf, you like murder mysteries - - then Sudden Death is your book!" James Patterson "Pure fun, pure intrigue. The action never stops till a fascinating climax." Clive Cussler Be sure to read Dead Ball, the highly endorsed sequel to Sudden Death.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
97 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Michael Balkind
7 books78 followersMichael Balkind's novels; Stealing Gold, Sudden Death, Dead Ball, Gold Medal Threat, & The Fix are endorsed by NY Times bestselling authors; James Patterson, Clive Cussler, Wendy Corsi Staub, Andrew Gross, John Feinstein, Tim Green, John Lescroart, & Reed Farrel Coleman.
Sudden Death (November 2007)
Dead Ball (July 2009)
Gold Medal Threat (January 2013)
The Fix (January 2014) Co-Authored with NBC Sports/Golf Channel Host & 2014 Winter Olympics Host, Ryan Burr
Stealing Gold (September 2021)
"Pure fun, pure intrigue. The action never stops till a fascinating climax!" Clive Cussler
Sudden Death (November 2007)
Dead Ball (July 2009)
Gold Medal Threat (January 2013)
The Fix (January 2014) Co-Authored with NBC Sports/Golf Channel Host & 2014 Winter Olympics Host, Ryan Burr
Stealing Gold (September 2021)
"Pure fun, pure intrigue. The action never stops till a fascinating climax!" Clive Cussler
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 7, 2012
Poorly researched and poorly written, this book is chock full of irrelevant minutiae that pads a twenty page anecdote into 534 pages of drivel. The plot is thin, where a plot exists at all. Many of the golf-related portions of the book are unconvincing, and the ending of the story is almost an afterthought. This writer needs to take some writing courses. The book is uninteresting and amateurishly-written.
September 15, 2011
My impression of this book:
Pro golfer throws tantrum
Pro golfer spends exorbitant amounts of money to show love
Pro golfer gets death threat
Pro golfer golfs
Pro golfer throws tantrum
Pro golfer spends exorbitant amounts of money to show love
Pro golfer gets more death threats
Pro golfer golfs
Over and over again. All that changed was what he was spending the money on.
After reading about 2/3 of the book I couldn't take anymore. I skipped to the end, found out who was writing the death threats, rolled my eyes and closed iBooks.
Pro golfer throws tantrum
Pro golfer spends exorbitant amounts of money to show love
Pro golfer gets death threat
Pro golfer golfs
Pro golfer throws tantrum
Pro golfer spends exorbitant amounts of money to show love
Pro golfer gets more death threats
Pro golfer golfs
Over and over again. All that changed was what he was spending the money on.
After reading about 2/3 of the book I couldn't take anymore. I skipped to the end, found out who was writing the death threats, rolled my eyes and closed iBooks.
March 14, 2011
As rivetting as watching paint dry - no mystery , a protagonist who I would quite cheerfully have killed myself after the first fifty pages. If you like reading passive writing about a selfish man drinking, smoking cigars, worrying about his hair and occasionally playing golf then I recomend this book.
May 8, 2024
A murder mystery where nobody dies. And golf. Lots of golf.
Balkind's 2007 "Sudden Death" has been on my Kindle forever. Billed as a "golf centered murder mystery" -- it hits exactly 1 of those 3 elements. There's no mystery. There's no murder, but there's lots of golf.
Reid Clark is the "bad boy of golf," which is kind of like saying you're the best pogo-sticker in the world. His bad-boy antics basically just means he's occasionally snippy with reporters. But apparently, he's enough of a bad boy that somebody wants him dead and sends a grand total of three notes to him during the course of the novel, saying he better not win any more tournaments. Mind you, this only starts AFTER he wins the MASTERS. So the entire novel is Clark, and his security detail going through their day, hitting golf balls and receiving uninformative updates on the "investigation" of who might be threatening him.
Just from a narrative standpoint, it would have made more sense to have the story unfold DURING the Masters tournament - but no. The dude wins the most prestigious golf tournament in the first 1/3 of the book, and that's it.
There's no tension. There's no investigatory discovery, and there's also NO MURDER! We're introduced to several characters that arguably could have a motive, and I was trying to read closely enough to spot clues for the inevtiable "here's how they did it" - but that never occurs.
Nobody dies. We're told the culprit was a character we've never seen, and then we go play more f'n golf.
Balkind's 2007 "Sudden Death" has been on my Kindle forever. Billed as a "golf centered murder mystery" -- it hits exactly 1 of those 3 elements. There's no mystery. There's no murder, but there's lots of golf.
Reid Clark is the "bad boy of golf," which is kind of like saying you're the best pogo-sticker in the world. His bad-boy antics basically just means he's occasionally snippy with reporters. But apparently, he's enough of a bad boy that somebody wants him dead and sends a grand total of three notes to him during the course of the novel, saying he better not win any more tournaments. Mind you, this only starts AFTER he wins the MASTERS. So the entire novel is Clark, and his security detail going through their day, hitting golf balls and receiving uninformative updates on the "investigation" of who might be threatening him.
Just from a narrative standpoint, it would have made more sense to have the story unfold DURING the Masters tournament - but no. The dude wins the most prestigious golf tournament in the first 1/3 of the book, and that's it.
There's no tension. There's no investigatory discovery, and there's also NO MURDER! We're introduced to several characters that arguably could have a motive, and I was trying to read closely enough to spot clues for the inevtiable "here's how they did it" - but that never occurs.
Nobody dies. We're told the culprit was a character we've never seen, and then we go play more f'n golf.
October 26, 2008
Reid Clark is at the top of his game. After fulfilling his lifelong dream of wining the Masters Tournament in Augusta Georgia, he lands a huge multi-million dollar product endorsement deal. But everything is not quite right for Reid. Having led a fairly carefree yet successful life, Reid is prone to temper tantrums which has lead the media to coin him as golf’s “Bad Boy”, and while Reid supports philanthropic endeavors, not everyone is as happy with Reid as he is with himself. Players on the tour resent his success and frequent arrogance, ex-girlfriends are legion as he is just as much a “player” off the green as on, and ex-caddies and business associates are frustrated with his juvenile outbursts.
Its no surprise Reid receives a death threat. The rules for staying alive – never win another golf tournament. Impossible for Reid. The threats do, however, cause him to take stock of his life and attitudes. He sets out to spend more time with his family, appreciate those around him, and perhaps even find the girl of his dreams. But it’s hard to turn around your life on a dime, and Reid finds himself frequently agitated by the press and those hired to protect him.
Will Reid back off and retire from golf while at the top of his game? Or will he risk everything and take on the thugs threatening him?
I enjoyed “Sudden Death”. Michael Balkind takes you into the clubhouse, the mind, and the life of a professional golfer – the stress, the deals, the parties, the game, the fans, the agents, you name it.
My one issue is that I found it hard to connect with and like Reid Clark. Though he tries to re-evaluate his life after receiving multiple threats, connecting with family and his budding relationship are all centered around buying them high priced gifts and taking them on shopping sprees. There’s no real emotional connection. This is certainly consistent with his persona, but does make it difficult to really route for him as the novel’s main character.
None-the-less, “Sudden Death” is a very enjoyable read. If you like golf and a good mystery, “Sudden Death” is for you!
Its no surprise Reid receives a death threat. The rules for staying alive – never win another golf tournament. Impossible for Reid. The threats do, however, cause him to take stock of his life and attitudes. He sets out to spend more time with his family, appreciate those around him, and perhaps even find the girl of his dreams. But it’s hard to turn around your life on a dime, and Reid finds himself frequently agitated by the press and those hired to protect him.
Will Reid back off and retire from golf while at the top of his game? Or will he risk everything and take on the thugs threatening him?
I enjoyed “Sudden Death”. Michael Balkind takes you into the clubhouse, the mind, and the life of a professional golfer – the stress, the deals, the parties, the game, the fans, the agents, you name it.
My one issue is that I found it hard to connect with and like Reid Clark. Though he tries to re-evaluate his life after receiving multiple threats, connecting with family and his budding relationship are all centered around buying them high priced gifts and taking them on shopping sprees. There’s no real emotional connection. This is certainly consistent with his persona, but does make it difficult to really route for him as the novel’s main character.
None-the-less, “Sudden Death” is a very enjoyable read. If you like golf and a good mystery, “Sudden Death” is for you!
February 4, 2013
"Plunk"! I knew that very satisfying sound when my ball went rolling and hitting the bottom of the cup. I had putting down pat! I didn't play professional golf, but I was a darn good amateur player. For sure the adrenalin rush from winning is consuming and addicting. Playing golf is one game that will not let you concentrate on anything else, not if you don't want to dub all over the place.
I especially liked the way the author put descriptions in his novel of the different country club golf courses. I could visualize the tight, tree lined fairways and almost impossible greens. Forget about the sand traps and the water holes.
In this novel, Reid is a pro golfer who loves winning, (and who doesn't?) But, Reid has a problem with his temper (it's more like a trigger temper-it doesn't take much to set him off). One instance: Reid grabs the camera of a paparazzo and smashes it to pieces on the pavement. "Maybe next time you'll stay a little farther away."
Reid started having dreams that haunted him. What did the dreams mean, if anything?
He finds himself dealing with death threats. How did he become the target?
Can he play confidently and win tournaments when his life may be hanging in the balance?
His timing for falling in love with a gorgeous woman comes at a difficult time in his life. However, he tries to become a better person to win her love.
Can he win the tournament and the woman he loves? Or will death catch up with him?
I hope you read "Sudden Death". It is well written, and has an intriguing plot along with interesting characters and places.
Jeannie Walker- Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil"- A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
I especially liked the way the author put descriptions in his novel of the different country club golf courses. I could visualize the tight, tree lined fairways and almost impossible greens. Forget about the sand traps and the water holes.
In this novel, Reid is a pro golfer who loves winning, (and who doesn't?) But, Reid has a problem with his temper (it's more like a trigger temper-it doesn't take much to set him off). One instance: Reid grabs the camera of a paparazzo and smashes it to pieces on the pavement. "Maybe next time you'll stay a little farther away."
Reid started having dreams that haunted him. What did the dreams mean, if anything?
He finds himself dealing with death threats. How did he become the target?
Can he play confidently and win tournaments when his life may be hanging in the balance?
His timing for falling in love with a gorgeous woman comes at a difficult time in his life. However, he tries to become a better person to win her love.
Can he win the tournament and the woman he loves? Or will death catch up with him?
I hope you read "Sudden Death". It is well written, and has an intriguing plot along with interesting characters and places.
Jeannie Walker- Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil"- A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
June 17, 2012
I downloaded this book from Amazon as a free download. Reid is the bad boy of Golf. I loved his character. He is a good boy with focus and issues. Who does not have those? But I was concerned reading this book for review once I started. It is after all a book about Golf. Golf is a sport. I am a reader, pacifist and snacking, according to me, should be an Olympic sport. Golf is mighty sporty for my taste. Guess what, between the mystery, the suspense, the romance etc, I ended up with a new appreciation for pro-sport in general and Golf in particular. I am even considering taking up Golf as a sport since I love walking. This is a brilliant book, basically aimed at men but as a woman, the suspense, murder and romance more than kept me engaged, I fell in love with the characters as well. For inspiring me to being more active and keeping me up way past my bed time I give this book a 7 * review.
September 13, 2008
James Patterson said it best, "You like golf, you like murder mysteries, then Sudden Death is your book."
Michael Balkind's Sudden Death is the story of PGA Tour star Reid Clark, a sometimes not-very-likeable hero who competes--and wins--at the highest levels of competitive golf while literally under the gun from an anonymous assailant. Reid perseveres despite the cloud of death hovering over him, making for a suspenseful, hard-charging plot.
I particularly enjoyed Balkind's description of places like Westchester Country Club in Harrison, where I play frequently. Now that I've read Sudden Death, in addition to the extreme elevation changes, tight fairways, and ridiculously difficult greens, I can add visions of a sniper lurking in the trees to the list of hazards to be considered the next time I tee it up there.
Michael Balkind's Sudden Death is the story of PGA Tour star Reid Clark, a sometimes not-very-likeable hero who competes--and wins--at the highest levels of competitive golf while literally under the gun from an anonymous assailant. Reid perseveres despite the cloud of death hovering over him, making for a suspenseful, hard-charging plot.
I particularly enjoyed Balkind's description of places like Westchester Country Club in Harrison, where I play frequently. Now that I've read Sudden Death, in addition to the extreme elevation changes, tight fairways, and ridiculously difficult greens, I can add visions of a sniper lurking in the trees to the list of hazards to be considered the next time I tee it up there.
August 4, 2016
This was an awful book, but since it was a freebie I suppose I can't be too critical. Oh, sure I can.
The golf-related passages were mildly interesting, but the book itself went nowhere and then abruptly ended. It followed this pattern: golfer receives a threat, several dozen pages of golf and related topics, another threat, another series of golf pages, another threat... Until the end, when it wraps up. Absolutely no investigative narrative, nothing explaining what was going on to 'solve' the problem between the threats. I would've ditched it but I was sure something interesting would happen at some point, but alas, no.
The golf-related passages were mildly interesting, but the book itself went nowhere and then abruptly ended. It followed this pattern: golfer receives a threat, several dozen pages of golf and related topics, another threat, another series of golf pages, another threat... Until the end, when it wraps up. Absolutely no investigative narrative, nothing explaining what was going on to 'solve' the problem between the threats. I would've ditched it but I was sure something interesting would happen at some point, but alas, no.
April 14, 2008
If you are looking for that perfect gift for yourself or that someone special, look no further than Michael Balkind's book, Sudden Death. Michael weaves a story so well, that you will find yourself holding your breath as you turn the page in anticipation of what you will find. Just about the time you settle into the lives of the characters, WHAM! the author ratchets up the suspense. If you love golf, you will love Sudden Death--If you hate golf, you will love Sudden Death. This is definitely a book you will enjoy losing yourself in. I hope the author is hard at work on his next thriller.
November 10, 2008
Michael Balkind's "Sudden Death" is a great read, even if you are not a master of the game. I never would have thought that I would enjoy unraveling the mystery of golf while unraveling a mystery in a book. And believe me, I enjoyed all of it - A very, enjoyable quick read.
Sudden Death will keep you guessing right up until the exciting end!
J.R. Reardon, author of "Confidential Communications"
Sudden Death will keep you guessing right up until the exciting end!
J.R. Reardon, author of "Confidential Communications"
November 16, 2008
Michael Balkind's `Sudden Death' is a gripping thriller about a top pro golfer being stalked by a killer while on the PGA tour. This well written story provides an insightful look into the intense and challenging world of professional sports while presenting interesting characters and a suspense filled plot that will satisfy the non-golfer. I hear that this is the first in a series of sports thrillers by Mr. Balkind. I look forward to the next in the series!
March 9, 2009
I couldn't put this book down!
Sudden Death is a fast paced page burner. The characters are personable, and realistic as our hero struggles to win the elusive "Green Jacket" at the Masters, while trying to avoid an assasin. The writing is smooth while the plot is pockmarked with exciting twists. This is a great read whether you like golf or not. Everyone likes a good whodunit, and this is a good one.
Sudden Death is a fast paced page burner. The characters are personable, and realistic as our hero struggles to win the elusive "Green Jacket" at the Masters, while trying to avoid an assasin. The writing is smooth while the plot is pockmarked with exciting twists. This is a great read whether you like golf or not. Everyone likes a good whodunit, and this is a good one.
March 25, 2018
1 star is 1 star too many.
Must be the corniest book I've ever read. Felt like I was reading a book written by a 13 year old. Half the book is filled with "he said" "she said" "Reid said" "Shane said" etc etc etc.
I'm a golf lover and a pretty good player; even the golf details were annoying and completely unrealistic.
All in all, I'd give this piece of tripe an easy quadruple bogey (being generous).
Must be the corniest book I've ever read. Felt like I was reading a book written by a 13 year old. Half the book is filled with "he said" "she said" "Reid said" "Shane said" etc etc etc.
I'm a golf lover and a pretty good player; even the golf details were annoying and completely unrealistic.
All in all, I'd give this piece of tripe an easy quadruple bogey (being generous).
August 2, 2018
Great Storytelling!
I SO enjoyed this book! Growing up around the greens, I developed an abiding love for golf. Watching the Masters with my Dad is a warm, wonderful memory!
Combine that with my love of mysteries and, what a wonderful result!
Tense moments, loveable characters, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, I read it in one sitting!! Nice work, Mr. Balkind, thank you.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book!!
I SO enjoyed this book! Growing up around the greens, I developed an abiding love for golf. Watching the Masters with my Dad is a warm, wonderful memory!
Combine that with my love of mysteries and, what a wonderful result!
Tense moments, loveable characters, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, I read it in one sitting!! Nice work, Mr. Balkind, thank you.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book!!
May 28, 2019
Terrible. Not up to Patterson's standards by a long shot🤔
Worse book I've read in a long time. Trite, banal, vapid, inane, stupid and dull. I can't believe I Patterson added his name to it.
Worse book I've read in a long time. Trite, banal, vapid, inane, stupid and dull. I can't believe I Patterson added his name to it.
February 4, 2018
Mystery with a pro golfer with a bad attitude. This was a nice change of pace. I liked the bad guy turned good guy approach. This was a good story.
January 26, 2019
Easy beach read
If you want a book to read which doesn't stretch,intrigue you or get you excited then read no further.
Plot is predictable with a cheesy "love" story thrown in.
If you want a book to read which doesn't stretch,intrigue you or get you excited then read no further.
Plot is predictable with a cheesy "love" story thrown in.
October 25, 2021
Sadly, I had to force myself to finish this book. Plot was lacking and was simply a boring book with no substance whatsoever.
November 14, 2024
Diappointing!
Found the writing style very staccato, the phrases didn’t flow , and too many short sentences that didn’t really do it for me, sorry.
Found the writing style very staccato, the phrases didn’t flow , and too many short sentences that didn’t really do it for me, sorry.
July 12, 2012
Review of Michael Balkind’s Sudden Death
By Duncan McGonall
Ried Clark is an extremely well developed character. His dynamism is not overdone, he starts out an uptight, overbearing ass and decides to change his demeanor and with some believable difficulty, he does. Clark is a man with quite a bit on his plate, a member of the PGA, gunning for the top spot and his famed “green jacket,” he and his manager fund and chair a charitable organization founded to recruit exceptional athletic talent from among the ranks of the underprivileged and develop that talent in a specially designed setting using the top names in a variety of sports. The frame includes details about this special organization that seem not to accomplish any more than illustrate how very busy a life the protagonist has.
His life only gets more stressful when some idle email threats sent to his charity’s email account take a more substantial turn, demanding to be taken seriously. An incredible, but believable team of bodyguards and investigators comes into the picture but they are stumped, every lead is a dead end and there are plenty of them because Ried has been such an ass for such a long time.
Any more commentary on the plot will spoil it. So I will shift to style. Balkind tells a story using the novel as his medium. That’s refreshing these days. There is a huge gap between writing and storytelling, and Balkind fills it expertly. This story has something for everyone. Mystery, love interest (tastefully and artfully done), action, realism and true to life drama. The pace is brisk, but none of it is presented at break-neck speed. If there are points the author himself did not enjoy writing, it does not show. And I’m not surprised; Balkind is a pro. The reader is constantly inspired to speculate “who-done-it,” but at no point is he or she lost in the action or the nuance. Every tool to legitimately suspect the perpetrator is provided but one still wonders all the way through who might be the trigger man.
Well done Michael Balkind. I finished reading Sudden Death almost a month ago and have since read several novels. I wrote this from memory alone, no notes needed. Folks, a story that stands that test unmuddled; that’s the work of a stand-up author.
By Duncan McGonall
Ried Clark is an extremely well developed character. His dynamism is not overdone, he starts out an uptight, overbearing ass and decides to change his demeanor and with some believable difficulty, he does. Clark is a man with quite a bit on his plate, a member of the PGA, gunning for the top spot and his famed “green jacket,” he and his manager fund and chair a charitable organization founded to recruit exceptional athletic talent from among the ranks of the underprivileged and develop that talent in a specially designed setting using the top names in a variety of sports. The frame includes details about this special organization that seem not to accomplish any more than illustrate how very busy a life the protagonist has.
His life only gets more stressful when some idle email threats sent to his charity’s email account take a more substantial turn, demanding to be taken seriously. An incredible, but believable team of bodyguards and investigators comes into the picture but they are stumped, every lead is a dead end and there are plenty of them because Ried has been such an ass for such a long time.
Any more commentary on the plot will spoil it. So I will shift to style. Balkind tells a story using the novel as his medium. That’s refreshing these days. There is a huge gap between writing and storytelling, and Balkind fills it expertly. This story has something for everyone. Mystery, love interest (tastefully and artfully done), action, realism and true to life drama. The pace is brisk, but none of it is presented at break-neck speed. If there are points the author himself did not enjoy writing, it does not show. And I’m not surprised; Balkind is a pro. The reader is constantly inspired to speculate “who-done-it,” but at no point is he or she lost in the action or the nuance. Every tool to legitimately suspect the perpetrator is provided but one still wonders all the way through who might be the trigger man.
Well done Michael Balkind. I finished reading Sudden Death almost a month ago and have since read several novels. I wrote this from memory alone, no notes needed. Folks, a story that stands that test unmuddled; that’s the work of a stand-up author.
March 15, 2012
As I was browsing the other day through the "free" section of the iBooks store, I stumbled upon "Sudden Death". Although to be honest, the statement "endorsed by James Patterson" did help quite a bit.
Anyway, the premise -at first- seems fairly interesting: A top golf pro, which has everything he can imagine (money, fame, women etc) and is considered to be the "bad boy" of the sport, receives an anonymous death threat on the eve of a big tournament. On one hand, we witness the may facts and details of the golfing world and the life of a professional athlete. And, on the other hand, there is a mystery to solve.
Unfortunately, although the story manages to hold up at first, after a while everything seems a bit too trivial, even rushed at times. Initially, we meet the protagonist and the main characters, we get a glimpse of the golfing life and we learn about the death threat. Who wants our hero dead - and why? And will he succeed? All the aspects of a good thriller seem to be here. From a certain point, though, we are forced to read through a huge chunk of fairly useless information. It was almost like I was reading a journal, a diary: The hero woke up, he had a massage, he went shopping with his sisters, they all had a marvelous lunch at some hip restaurant and then he rested. Repeat the next day. For a very large portion of the book, literally nothing happens to promote the story. So, was it boring? I am sad to say, "yes".
Also, the ending feels extremely rushed, and I personally thought that it broke some of the "rules" of a good mystery/thriller. Due to spoilers, I'm not going to get into more details.
On the other hand, it is refreshing to read a story that involves the professional sporting world and even if you don't have an interest in golf (or sports in general), you will appreciate many interesting tidbits and facts.
Anyway, in whole, it was a fairly "light" read, entertaining at times, boring at others, which I thought failed to capitalize on a good, original idea.
Anyway, the premise -at first- seems fairly interesting: A top golf pro, which has everything he can imagine (money, fame, women etc) and is considered to be the "bad boy" of the sport, receives an anonymous death threat on the eve of a big tournament. On one hand, we witness the may facts and details of the golfing world and the life of a professional athlete. And, on the other hand, there is a mystery to solve.
Unfortunately, although the story manages to hold up at first, after a while everything seems a bit too trivial, even rushed at times. Initially, we meet the protagonist and the main characters, we get a glimpse of the golfing life and we learn about the death threat. Who wants our hero dead - and why? And will he succeed? All the aspects of a good thriller seem to be here. From a certain point, though, we are forced to read through a huge chunk of fairly useless information. It was almost like I was reading a journal, a diary: The hero woke up, he had a massage, he went shopping with his sisters, they all had a marvelous lunch at some hip restaurant and then he rested. Repeat the next day. For a very large portion of the book, literally nothing happens to promote the story. So, was it boring? I am sad to say, "yes".
Also, the ending feels extremely rushed, and I personally thought that it broke some of the "rules" of a good mystery/thriller. Due to spoilers, I'm not going to get into more details.
On the other hand, it is refreshing to read a story that involves the professional sporting world and even if you don't have an interest in golf (or sports in general), you will appreciate many interesting tidbits and facts.
Anyway, in whole, it was a fairly "light" read, entertaining at times, boring at others, which I thought failed to capitalize on a good, original idea.
January 7, 2016
In the book, Sudden Death, the main character, Reid Clark, is one of the best golfers on the PGA Tour. He has a reputation for being the “Bad Boy of Golf” by having tantrums on the paparazzi. The he starts to get nicer because he could get kicked off from the tour for breaking the paparazzo cameras. Then he starts getting life threats and it throws him a little off his game, but still manages to play well. He wins the masters and signs a huge endorsement contract with Eagle that is worth $100 million. He goes to his mom's house and buys her a new car. He has bodyguards now because of the life threats. He decides to play in a tournament named the Classic. He is putting to win the tournament when someone shoots him from the woods. Luckily, they had put a bulletproof vest on him before the tournament so it didn't kill him but he was still unconscious. The first thing he said when he woke up was “Did I make the putt?” He did of course and win the tournament. That is what Sudden Death is about.
My opinion of this book is a good one. I thought it was a well written book that
was very detailed. It went into deep detail about what was happening and what was going on. The book had detailed events such as what the tournament was called and where it was at. My opinion of this book is a good one.
The writing of this book was was good and strong. One of the strengths of this book is that it used detail to tell you more about what was happening. A weakness was it briefly explained some things but not much. I would recommend this book to a friend who is into sports. This book is part of a series and I would keep reading the series but I would have to buy the book to read it. This was a good book and I would recommend it.
My opinion of this book is a good one. I thought it was a well written book that
was very detailed. It went into deep detail about what was happening and what was going on. The book had detailed events such as what the tournament was called and where it was at. My opinion of this book is a good one.
The writing of this book was was good and strong. One of the strengths of this book is that it used detail to tell you more about what was happening. A weakness was it briefly explained some things but not much. I would recommend this book to a friend who is into sports. This book is part of a series and I would keep reading the series but I would have to buy the book to read it. This was a good book and I would recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2009
Fast-paced golf mystery aptly named!
Sudden Death is one of those books that you pick up, and don’t want to put down. The story moves at a pace similar to what I imagine the big golf tournaments do – it speeds by, with moments where you hold your breath, riveted in the moment, eager for what will happen next.
I can sometimes guess endings to novels, but this time I was fooled - the book had a fantastic surprise ending worthy of its title. Though I don’t golf much, I did enjoy the game, (in spite of golf-ball topping being my unfortunate specialty) and I can appreciate what it must be like at the elite levels. The sections describing the game were very interesting, and very well done. Getting a sense of the ultra-competitive, and oftentimes glamorous life of a top athlete in the world of golf was tantalizing. It makes me wish I was one of them!
Sudden Death is a fast, sharp murder-mystery that does indeed live up to its name. It has highly entertaining lead characters that are so fully fleshed out, you can very well imagine them walking into the room. I felt rewarded by the book, first because it’s a good read, and second because I feel that I now know more about the world of pro golf – this book is an exhilarating peek into something the average person will never experience.
If you are in the mood for a quick, fun, interesting, fast-paced murder mystery, then Sudden Death is your book!
Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands
Sudden Death is one of those books that you pick up, and don’t want to put down. The story moves at a pace similar to what I imagine the big golf tournaments do – it speeds by, with moments where you hold your breath, riveted in the moment, eager for what will happen next.
I can sometimes guess endings to novels, but this time I was fooled - the book had a fantastic surprise ending worthy of its title. Though I don’t golf much, I did enjoy the game, (in spite of golf-ball topping being my unfortunate specialty) and I can appreciate what it must be like at the elite levels. The sections describing the game were very interesting, and very well done. Getting a sense of the ultra-competitive, and oftentimes glamorous life of a top athlete in the world of golf was tantalizing. It makes me wish I was one of them!
Sudden Death is a fast, sharp murder-mystery that does indeed live up to its name. It has highly entertaining lead characters that are so fully fleshed out, you can very well imagine them walking into the room. I felt rewarded by the book, first because it’s a good read, and second because I feel that I now know more about the world of pro golf – this book is an exhilarating peek into something the average person will never experience.
If you are in the mood for a quick, fun, interesting, fast-paced murder mystery, then Sudden Death is your book!
Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands
April 9, 2013
When I started "Sudden Death" by Michael Balkind I expected a straight forward murder mystery set in golf circles. I was pleasantly surprised to find quite a bit more to the book.
First of all I have to say that I loved the setting, since I have many golf playing friends and neighbours who follow the sport closely and so I have become familiar with the tournaments and the expressions. All that is peculiar and odd about golf players is brilliantly depicted in the portrayal of the main character and drawn into the sports world most tension and suspense seemed to be coming from the games, the teams and the rivalry instead of murder.
The title character is hunted by the press and has a hate for all things paparazzi and is widely hated for his temper. He receives a death thread and so we wait for the execution of this death foretold.
When I found on my kindle that after twenty percent there was still no sign of this murder I was starting to get restless, expecting a murder at any given moment and at every corner and became to appreciate the suspense of a death foretold. I naturally cannot tell you when the murder happens, how and what happens after, that would be spoiling the fun, but rest assured that this book will keep you on the edge of your seat in any case.
Besides the tension that permeates the book there is also some surprising depth to the way some characters develop throughout the book and the main characters are backed up by an excellent supporting cast.
I am very glad I picked this book.
First of all I have to say that I loved the setting, since I have many golf playing friends and neighbours who follow the sport closely and so I have become familiar with the tournaments and the expressions. All that is peculiar and odd about golf players is brilliantly depicted in the portrayal of the main character and drawn into the sports world most tension and suspense seemed to be coming from the games, the teams and the rivalry instead of murder.
The title character is hunted by the press and has a hate for all things paparazzi and is widely hated for his temper. He receives a death thread and so we wait for the execution of this death foretold.
When I found on my kindle that after twenty percent there was still no sign of this murder I was starting to get restless, expecting a murder at any given moment and at every corner and became to appreciate the suspense of a death foretold. I naturally cannot tell you when the murder happens, how and what happens after, that would be spoiling the fun, but rest assured that this book will keep you on the edge of your seat in any case.
Besides the tension that permeates the book there is also some surprising depth to the way some characters develop throughout the book and the main characters are backed up by an excellent supporting cast.
I am very glad I picked this book.
June 27, 2011
I hate golf. It's stupid. I can't imagine anything worse than playing except watching people play golf on TV. Wait, reading about people playing golf may be worse. Nevertheless, I thorougly enjoyed this book.
Our hero, Reid Clark, is the best golfer on the PGA circuit. This "Bad Boy of Golf" plays a mean game - on the green and off. Many of his fellow golfers hate him and reporters have a thorough dislike of him.
A very lucrative endorsement deal and winning the Masters convince him he needs to change. But he's under a lot of pressure. You see, he's been getting death threats. Hard to hold on to your temper when you're under so much stress.
As he showers his beloved mother and sisters with gifts, meets a new woman who may turn out to be the love of his life, and prepares for another tournament, the golf shoe may be about to drop.
You don't have to like golf (or understand it) to enjoy this book. Yes, there is quite of bit of golf but the good story makes it a worthwhile read for anyone.
Our hero, Reid Clark, is the best golfer on the PGA circuit. This "Bad Boy of Golf" plays a mean game - on the green and off. Many of his fellow golfers hate him and reporters have a thorough dislike of him.
A very lucrative endorsement deal and winning the Masters convince him he needs to change. But he's under a lot of pressure. You see, he's been getting death threats. Hard to hold on to your temper when you're under so much stress.
As he showers his beloved mother and sisters with gifts, meets a new woman who may turn out to be the love of his life, and prepares for another tournament, the golf shoe may be about to drop.
You don't have to like golf (or understand it) to enjoy this book. Yes, there is quite of bit of golf but the good story makes it a worthwhile read for anyone.
March 7, 2014
I don't remember a book with such a wide disparity in reviews in quite awhile. I am amazed that readers find fault with a fictional character to the point they allow it to ruin the book for them. It is true that Reid Clark is not someone that most people would care about, the truth is that the story is dependent on him for its' success.
I agree that Reid is a convoluted character. He goes from the big Bad Boy of Golf to a great guy that the entire touring members of the PGA seem to all of a sudden become his biggest fans. I never really felt that the twists and turns in the story were believable. The more I think about the story, the less I like it. While reading the story, I thought it was generally entertaining - now not so much. The author was able to take a rather weak storyline and fool me into enjoying it while reading. Shame on me for not realizing that until writing this review.
I agree that Reid is a convoluted character. He goes from the big Bad Boy of Golf to a great guy that the entire touring members of the PGA seem to all of a sudden become his biggest fans. I never really felt that the twists and turns in the story were believable. The more I think about the story, the less I like it. While reading the story, I thought it was generally entertaining - now not so much. The author was able to take a rather weak storyline and fool me into enjoying it while reading. Shame on me for not realizing that until writing this review.
April 26, 2011
Sudden Death is a book about a pro golfer named Reid Clark who is know as "the bad boy of golf," and his bad temper. Reid and his agent Buck started a charity to help under privileged kids. A couple of months before Master starts Reid recieves an unknown email that is a death threat sent to him. On the last day of Masters he receives another death threat. When he was suppose to be golfing with the President, he spent that time in a max. protected room at the white house. He ended up winning the Master but the not he found on his clubs at the last day said that if he wins another golf tournament he will be 6 feet under ground.
I like the way Michael holds up the suspension and all the action, one paragraph he's relaxing and the next paragraph he's being prtected by America's best.
I like the way Michael holds up the suspension and all the action, one paragraph he's relaxing and the next paragraph he's being prtected by America's best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2012
By the four star rating, one can see that I enjoyed the book. Kudos to Mr. Balkind.
There were good and bad reviews given about this book. Now I will give you a weird review. Golf-pro Reid Clark 's life was threatened if he won one more tournament. Bodyguards were hired, and Reid kept playing golf. (I did enjoy the games.) Reid and his entourage ate, practiced, played, slept and that was it. There was no plot development, no motives for murder examined, no suspicious characters introduced. I could have read the book from the back to the front just as easily as reading it the traditional way. So what made this book such a good read? As I read, I made up motives, I developed several plots, and I found all the characters to be suspicious. I did the author's work for him. That was quite brilliant of you, Mr. Balkind! Good Read!
There were good and bad reviews given about this book. Now I will give you a weird review. Golf-pro Reid Clark 's life was threatened if he won one more tournament. Bodyguards were hired, and Reid kept playing golf. (I did enjoy the games.) Reid and his entourage ate, practiced, played, slept and that was it. There was no plot development, no motives for murder examined, no suspicious characters introduced. I could have read the book from the back to the front just as easily as reading it the traditional way. So what made this book such a good read? As I read, I made up motives, I developed several plots, and I found all the characters to be suspicious. I did the author's work for him. That was quite brilliant of you, Mr. Balkind! Good Read!
August 4, 2016
A very mediocre book for such a big name association. Perhaps one would get into it more if a serious golfer, but even so I think the lack of drama and tension and the predicable characterisation and story line would tell. There were a few parts where I was drawn in to become genuinely interested but much of the time I struggled to keep interest. Clearly this is not James Paterson's best joint project and it is disappointing when big names are associated with such mediocrity.
I am a self published author who finds the editing, cover design and other things hard work and I struggle to achieve equivalent quality to the big publishing houses. Still I mostly find more interest and originality in the writings of others like me than in something of this mass produced genre.
Graham Wilson
Author of Old Balmain House Series
I am a self published author who finds the editing, cover design and other things hard work and I struggle to achieve equivalent quality to the big publishing houses. Still I mostly find more interest and originality in the writings of others like me than in something of this mass produced genre.
Graham Wilson
Author of Old Balmain House Series
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