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Exposure
In Exposure , award-winning writer Alan Russell delivers an intricate, ambitious thriller that unfolds at break-neck speed against a glamorous and absorbing background.
England's most beloved philanthropist and her football-star lover die in a crash caused by a mystery car. A papparazzo-Graham Wells, the driver of that mystery car-would do anything to keep his terrible secret from getting out. So when a CIA operative blackmails him into engineering the scandalous downfalls of several high-profile celebrities, he has no choice. Nothing he's done is illegal-and his targets are certainly guilty of the acts he's caught on film-but he doesn't understand the purpose of his actions and the whole arrangement leaves a bad taste in his mouth.
Then Graham, desperately trapped in the hidden motives of the CIA, stops a superstar actress who thought she was alone from committing suicide. Lanie Byrne, the beloved Miss L, is perhaps Hollywood's biggest celebrity, and although Graham is feeling desperate himself, he has trouble imagining what could possibly cause this beautiful actress to want to die. This charitable act ignites a chain-reaction of political intrigue and personal danger from which there might be no escape.
England's most beloved philanthropist and her football-star lover die in a crash caused by a mystery car. A papparazzo-Graham Wells, the driver of that mystery car-would do anything to keep his terrible secret from getting out. So when a CIA operative blackmails him into engineering the scandalous downfalls of several high-profile celebrities, he has no choice. Nothing he's done is illegal-and his targets are certainly guilty of the acts he's caught on film-but he doesn't understand the purpose of his actions and the whole arrangement leaves a bad taste in his mouth.
Then Graham, desperately trapped in the hidden motives of the CIA, stops a superstar actress who thought she was alone from committing suicide. Lanie Byrne, the beloved Miss L, is perhaps Hollywood's biggest celebrity, and although Graham is feeling desperate himself, he has trouble imagining what could possibly cause this beautiful actress to want to die. This charitable act ignites a chain-reaction of political intrigue and personal danger from which there might be no escape.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2002
145 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
About the author
Alan Russell
24 books290 followersFollow Alan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alanrussellmysteryau...
Alan Russell is the author of The Last Good Dog, the sixth book in the #1 bestselling series featuring LAPD detective Michael Gideon and his K-9 partner, Sirius.
In 1990 Walker & Company published Alan's first book, No Sign of Murder, which received positive reviews, including a standalone rave from The New York Times. The work was followed up by The Forest Prime Evil and comedic mysteries The Hotel Detective and The Fat Innkeeper, which won him the Lefty Award, given to the best humorous mystery of the year, and a Critics’ Choice Award. His novel Multiple Wounds, a psychological thriller, earned him a nomination for both an Anthony Award and the Macavity Award for best novel of the year. Russell then published Shame, a novel of psychological suspense. His novels Exposure, Political Suicide, A Cold War, and The Homecoming, have been categorized as suspense novels. Alan is also the author of St. Nick, a Christmas Cop Novel, and the Gideon & Sirius novels, which include Burning Man, Guardians of the Night, Lost Dog, Gideon's Rescue, L.A. Woman, and The Last Good Dog.
Alan Russell is the author of The Last Good Dog, the sixth book in the #1 bestselling series featuring LAPD detective Michael Gideon and his K-9 partner, Sirius.
In 1990 Walker & Company published Alan's first book, No Sign of Murder, which received positive reviews, including a standalone rave from The New York Times. The work was followed up by The Forest Prime Evil and comedic mysteries The Hotel Detective and The Fat Innkeeper, which won him the Lefty Award, given to the best humorous mystery of the year, and a Critics’ Choice Award. His novel Multiple Wounds, a psychological thriller, earned him a nomination for both an Anthony Award and the Macavity Award for best novel of the year. Russell then published Shame, a novel of psychological suspense. His novels Exposure, Political Suicide, A Cold War, and The Homecoming, have been categorized as suspense novels. Alan is also the author of St. Nick, a Christmas Cop Novel, and the Gideon & Sirius novels, which include Burning Man, Guardians of the Night, Lost Dog, Gideon's Rescue, L.A. Woman, and The Last Good Dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 24, 2015
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer via Net Galley for this fast paced thriller. It was fast, it was that fast even I had to catch up!
Here we have British paparazzo Graham Wells hot on a scoop. He is chasing via a Paris tunnel a celebrity footballer and a woman known as Lady Godiva, as she posed nude for a photo shot at one time.
Then the car crashes.
I have to say, it brought memories back of the fatal accident of Lady Diana {princess of Wales] with her lover years ago. Very similar.
My Thoughts:
It was too much of a similar story to that fatal time we lost Princess Diana that I couldn't help comparing notes too.
YES fast paces
YES written well
No I have never read one of Alan Russells books before, doesn't mean I wouldn't try another of his, but this one really didn't do a lot for me I have to be honest.
April 27, 2015
When’s the last time you saw a paparazzo as a hero? Yeah, me neither, though I hesitate to use that word for him; let’s go with protagonist instead. This is a far-reaching—timewise, anyway—story about a photojournalist who burned out on shooting the ugly things in life—I can totally relate, the same thing happened to me—and reinvents himself as a celeb stalker. . . and don’t ask me if I can relate to that, because I can’t, not even close. A not-at-all-concealed expy of Princess Diana’s death leads to blackmail, which takes him into the orbit of a Hollywood star. . . at which point things change dramatically, leading into whole different genre, the chase/escape spy thriller.
At first you’re not even sure if he’s a paparazzo or an assassin, which I think is a statement by the author, considering how he wrote that part so ambiguously. And it wasn’t till Channing Tatum and Robin Williams’ death were mentioned that I knew it was present-day and not completely written as the past. I did like the settings, though, from Paris to Brazil to Germany but mostly Los Angeles; it always makes me smile when a place I know well is mentioned, such as Pepperdine University in Malibu.
It’s an intriguing choice to have the lead character be such an anti-hero from the very start, since it was difficult to muster any empathy for him. Thankfully his actions, even while doing the most despicable of photography jobs, do redeem him enough to sustain the rest of the book. And isn’t it the point of a story to see personal growth in the characters, especially the protagonist? Well done.
And I will always be grateful to anyone that can educate me on something I knew nothing about but immediately grabs my interest, in this case German dueling clubs.
So if you have intense distaste for photographic leeches like I do—I frequently say that comparing a paparazzo to a real photographer is like comparing a porn star to an Oscar-winning actress—I advise you to stick with it, you’ll be rewarded by the end. If you like the ‘razzis or don’t care either way, then just relax and enjoy it.
At first you’re not even sure if he’s a paparazzo or an assassin, which I think is a statement by the author, considering how he wrote that part so ambiguously. And it wasn’t till Channing Tatum and Robin Williams’ death were mentioned that I knew it was present-day and not completely written as the past. I did like the settings, though, from Paris to Brazil to Germany but mostly Los Angeles; it always makes me smile when a place I know well is mentioned, such as Pepperdine University in Malibu.
It’s an intriguing choice to have the lead character be such an anti-hero from the very start, since it was difficult to muster any empathy for him. Thankfully his actions, even while doing the most despicable of photography jobs, do redeem him enough to sustain the rest of the book. And isn’t it the point of a story to see personal growth in the characters, especially the protagonist? Well done.
And I will always be grateful to anyone that can educate me on something I knew nothing about but immediately grabs my interest, in this case German dueling clubs.
So if you have intense distaste for photographic leeches like I do—I frequently say that comparing a paparazzo to a real photographer is like comparing a porn star to an Oscar-winning actress—I advise you to stick with it, you’ll be rewarded by the end. If you like the ‘razzis or don’t care either way, then just relax and enjoy it.
November 19, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Capturing the seedy and sordid side of life isn’t anything new for photojournalist-turned-paparazzo Graham Wells. But when a shoot turns deadly—secretly causing the car crash that takes the lives of two beloved public figures—he knows the ensuing media spotlight could easily destroy him. Fortunately, no one else knows his shameful secret except for a mysterious CIA operative, and that clandestine agent swears he’ll keep quiet…for a price.
Blackmailed into documenting the orchestrated downfalls of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Graham finds his role in the operation disturbingly murky. But the picture soon begins to clear and comes into horrifying focus after he prevents the suicide of celebrated actress Lanie Byrne, revealing a sprawling web of lies that reaches from the glittering lights of Hollywood to the dark political intrigue of Europe and Washington, DC.
I have now read a few books by Alan Russell and I seem to be enjoying them more and more as I get used to his style (and, I think, as he gets better as a writer) and I am now looking forward to new books by him.
In this story, shadowy politics and Hollywood clash in a very fast-paced thriller that has resemblances (initially) to the death of Diana and then moves off at blistering pace to be one of the finest thrillers I have read for a little while.
This didn't get the beloved 5 stars for two reasons: firstly, I don't give out 5 stars very often and, second, I think it was just a tad over-long. There were some patches where the plot sort of stopped and we were kinda floundering for a couple of pages and then the pace would pick up again. I understand the need for ebb and flow...but these felt a bit forced.
Overall, a great book and, like I said, I look forward to the next one.
Paul
ARH
Capturing the seedy and sordid side of life isn’t anything new for photojournalist-turned-paparazzo Graham Wells. But when a shoot turns deadly—secretly causing the car crash that takes the lives of two beloved public figures—he knows the ensuing media spotlight could easily destroy him. Fortunately, no one else knows his shameful secret except for a mysterious CIA operative, and that clandestine agent swears he’ll keep quiet…for a price.
Blackmailed into documenting the orchestrated downfalls of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Graham finds his role in the operation disturbingly murky. But the picture soon begins to clear and comes into horrifying focus after he prevents the suicide of celebrated actress Lanie Byrne, revealing a sprawling web of lies that reaches from the glittering lights of Hollywood to the dark political intrigue of Europe and Washington, DC.
I have now read a few books by Alan Russell and I seem to be enjoying them more and more as I get used to his style (and, I think, as he gets better as a writer) and I am now looking forward to new books by him.
In this story, shadowy politics and Hollywood clash in a very fast-paced thriller that has resemblances (initially) to the death of Diana and then moves off at blistering pace to be one of the finest thrillers I have read for a little while.
This didn't get the beloved 5 stars for two reasons: firstly, I don't give out 5 stars very often and, second, I think it was just a tad over-long. There were some patches where the plot sort of stopped and we were kinda floundering for a couple of pages and then the pace would pick up again. I understand the need for ebb and flow...but these felt a bit forced.
Overall, a great book and, like I said, I look forward to the next one.
Paul
ARH
June 27, 2015
This book dragged on and on.
Other books from Alan Russell was all very good, but not this book. Start was interesting, but had very hard time to finish.
Other books from Alan Russell was all very good, but not this book. Start was interesting, but had very hard time to finish.
August 5, 2017
Exposure was a very good and informative read!
From the very beginning, this story takes its reader on a serious journey through the intricacies of photography, intrigue, murder and weave a romance that's virtually unthinkable. The use of 'old movie line's by past stars are done exceptionally well! I really enjoyed this story because the writer gives so much information on places and activities. It's a very well written book. It actually took me places because of the writers vast knowledge of his subject! I just have to give him kudos! I think it's an excellent story! Keep writing!
Calvin Ray
calray215@gmail.com
From the very beginning, this story takes its reader on a serious journey through the intricacies of photography, intrigue, murder and weave a romance that's virtually unthinkable. The use of 'old movie line's by past stars are done exceptionally well! I really enjoyed this story because the writer gives so much information on places and activities. It's a very well written book. It actually took me places because of the writers vast knowledge of his subject! I just have to give him kudos! I think it's an excellent story! Keep writing!
Calvin Ray
calray215@gmail.com
January 10, 2019
This author's work is a cut above the usual on Kindle Unlimited. My enjoyment varies, and it seems stronger editing is needed. It might prevent plots twists from left field ( A Cold War) , or in this case, excessive detail. The uber extensive description of Jaegers approach to Lanie's sanctuary, including multiple bike rides and outfit changes, just seemed to drag on and on. The plot seemed a bit vague, but you can always bet on evil within the CIA. I will read more of the author's works, but like a box of chocolates....
July 19, 2018
"A Great Story To Totally Entertain You"
Here, photojournalist Graham Wells is now capturing on camera the seedy side of life. He does a shoot which turns deadly as a car crashes taking the lives of two loved public figures. No one knows his secret except for a believed CIA operative ... who says he'll keep quiet ...for a price. This is a fast page-turning thriller and very riveting. Great story.
Here, photojournalist Graham Wells is now capturing on camera the seedy side of life. He does a shoot which turns deadly as a car crashes taking the lives of two loved public figures. No one knows his secret except for a believed CIA operative ... who says he'll keep quiet ...for a price. This is a fast page-turning thriller and very riveting. Great story.
September 22, 2017
Captivating
I have all of Allan Russell's books. Except for the series of three books, each one is different and difficult to put down. I have also widened my vocabulary through his writings.
I have all of Allan Russell's books. Except for the series of three books, each one is different and difficult to put down. I have also widened my vocabulary through his writings.
March 4, 2018
Unique story
Well written and thought out. Wells is the consummate dupe in a scheme that is all too plausible in todays world,and yet manages to prevail through quick wit and luck. A thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.
Well written and thought out. Wells is the consummate dupe in a scheme that is all too plausible in todays world,and yet manages to prevail through quick wit and luck. A thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.
May 15, 2018
A very entertaining story and excellent prose. However, I thought the author tended to go on tangents, especially in the beginning, where it has lengthy introductions to characters or simply too much descriptions of the setting leading to the actions. Hence, 3 stars.
February 19, 2020
Can't get enough!!
I love Mr. Russell's writing, any and all of his writing!! Exposure is an apt title for this book leaning towards all kinds of interpretations. I loved this book as I have all of Alan Russell's books!!
I love Mr. Russell's writing, any and all of his writing!! Exposure is an apt title for this book leaning towards all kinds of interpretations. I loved this book as I have all of Alan Russell's books!!
May 20, 2023
Graham Wells is a sketchy paparazzi who causes the death of a couple popular celebrities in a car accident exactly like the one that killed Princess Di. He thinks no one knows, until he starts being blackmailed into doing bad things by a mysterious CIA agent. It was an entertaining read.
February 28, 2024
lots of action and intrigue!
Fast paced plot, excellent characters and lots of twists! A really exciting book! I highly recommend it if you like trying to figure out the plot turns - good luck with that!
Fast paced plot, excellent characters and lots of twists! A really exciting book! I highly recommend it if you like trying to figure out the plot turns - good luck with that!
July 18, 2017
Uninspiring
Not the most exciting read I've ever come across. A few action packed pages. A few unexpected twists but not exactly gripping.
Not the most exciting read I've ever come across. A few action packed pages. A few unexpected twists but not exactly gripping.
January 2, 2018
Suspense
Long and descriptive to understand the scenes visually. Story was told from actors view point. Very interesting and enjoyable, young adulthood
Long and descriptive to understand the scenes visually. Story was told from actors view point. Very interesting and enjoyable, young adulthood
November 28, 2018
Very good. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
June 6, 2019
Another great book from Alan Russell
This is not the type of book I usually read, but this one kept me guessing as it wove it's web of intrigue. Very well written.
This is not the type of book I usually read, but this one kept me guessing as it wove it's web of intrigue. Very well written.
September 7, 2019
Alan Russell is a writer beyond compare!!!
March 14, 2017
A sad, joyful, soulful wrenching book. Because while reading it I was living both their lives and I shed several buckets of tears.
I chose because he was so in love with her and vise versa. Appalled at some of their games /shocked might Be a better word. But they both enjoyed them so I guess all was well. But I really get into books so I Sept for them,felt their pain and sorrow. Hated the people who'd harmed 50. Almost beyond repair. I did not read the first book. Had no interest in it because of all the gossip about its content. No desire to read any thing like that. And I have to admit I skipped sentences here and there because I just don't care to read it or view it on a screen or talk about it. Needless to say not participate in such. I guess I have to blame that on the Sisters of St. Mary and the Church and my parents. At age 77 I still measureevery thing I do by.what my parents would think about it.
But all in all I enjoyed it. Really hated it when it ended. But I know I'd never have read it had it not been free on my beloved Kindle.
I chose because he was so in love with her and vise versa. Appalled at some of their games /shocked might Be a better word. But they both enjoyed them so I guess all was well. But I really get into books so I Sept for them,felt their pain and sorrow. Hated the people who'd harmed 50. Almost beyond repair. I did not read the first book. Had no interest in it because of all the gossip about its content. No desire to read any thing like that. And I have to admit I skipped sentences here and there because I just don't care to read it or view it on a screen or talk about it. Needless to say not participate in such. I guess I have to blame that on the Sisters of St. Mary and the Church and my parents. At age 77 I still measureevery thing I do by.what my parents would think about it.
But all in all I enjoyed it. Really hated it when it ended. But I know I'd never have read it had it not been free on my beloved Kindle.
March 11, 2017
I love Alan Russell's books!
There is no choppy writing here. Smooth transition from chapter to chapter, never slowing down on the mystery. A real page turner. Interesting plots, lots of twists and turns with interesting individuals, each gets to explain who and what they are. Highly recommend it to everyone who appreciates a good read.
There is no choppy writing here. Smooth transition from chapter to chapter, never slowing down on the mystery. A real page turner. Interesting plots, lots of twists and turns with interesting individuals, each gets to explain who and what they are. Highly recommend it to everyone who appreciates a good read.
August 16, 2015
I enjoy for the most part writing by Alan Russell. I've read several of his books now, and he always has great plots in his mysteries. This was another good mystery, but was a very convoluted plot. It isn't always very clear what was happening, because the chapters would jump around quite a bit, using several third person voices. I don't mind this type of writing when you have a few people's voices...but when it goes to more than three voices, it tends to get a bit confusing at times, especially if you cannot see the tie-in between all these people. To tell you the truth, I got a little lost in this book a couple of times.
The protagonist is a member of the paparazzo, a successful one, who unfortunately caused an accident that killed two very important celebrities. This accident weighs on Wells, the paparazzo, and leads him to rethink his career for a couple of years. Just when he gets back to taking photographs of celebrities again, two things occur that seem unrelated at first. He is approached by the CIA who uses knowledge of his accident to make him do jobs for them. Then on one of said 'jobs' he see a major actress attempt suicide, and he gets involved, and saves her life. Then everything starts unraveling with relentless force, and other people around both him and the actress are murdered. Wells needs to find out who is actually behind these deaths, and prevent his own death and the death of the actress with whom he has developed a relationship.
One of the other problems I had with this book is a personal preference of mine. This book had a lot of salty language, more than any of Russell's books that I have read up til now. Lots of 'F' bombs. A couple I don't bother with. If the book has such language every few words, I don't finish the book. This wasn't like that, but it was more than I usually read. I know. Very prim of me. But I learned a long time ago that I don't really want that type of stuff crowding my mind, and those who speak like that have limited intelligence and language abilities. Because of my view on this, I will be a little loathe to get one of Russell's books again. I will try another one of his mysteries but if the language is like this, I probably won't read any more of his books. Which is too bad because he really is a good plotter.
The protagonist is a member of the paparazzo, a successful one, who unfortunately caused an accident that killed two very important celebrities. This accident weighs on Wells, the paparazzo, and leads him to rethink his career for a couple of years. Just when he gets back to taking photographs of celebrities again, two things occur that seem unrelated at first. He is approached by the CIA who uses knowledge of his accident to make him do jobs for them. Then on one of said 'jobs' he see a major actress attempt suicide, and he gets involved, and saves her life. Then everything starts unraveling with relentless force, and other people around both him and the actress are murdered. Wells needs to find out who is actually behind these deaths, and prevent his own death and the death of the actress with whom he has developed a relationship.
One of the other problems I had with this book is a personal preference of mine. This book had a lot of salty language, more than any of Russell's books that I have read up til now. Lots of 'F' bombs. A couple I don't bother with. If the book has such language every few words, I don't finish the book. This wasn't like that, but it was more than I usually read. I know. Very prim of me. But I learned a long time ago that I don't really want that type of stuff crowding my mind, and those who speak like that have limited intelligence and language abilities. Because of my view on this, I will be a little loathe to get one of Russell's books again. I will try another one of his mysteries but if the language is like this, I probably won't read any more of his books. Which is too bad because he really is a good plotter.
May 4, 2015
Exposure Alan Russell 4 stars
Smoke and mirrors!
This fast paced thriller introduces two hit men; men who are willing to do anything to please their clients. Their methods couldn’t be more different.
Graham Wells is a paparazzo photographer always looking to expose those who live in the spotlight, to the wider public, a leech whose victims are the rich and famous.
Hans Jaeger is very different, a cold, calculated and amoral murderer, up for hire to the highest bidder. A man hiding behind a mask of charisma, which gives him the almost perfect cover.
In this story the two are drawn together, and ultimately find they are hunting each other.
In Paris, one dark night, Graham stops at nothing to get the photos he wants, and in the process causes a tragic and fatal accident. His guilt is consuming him, but is also a hook by which he is drawn into working for the elusive Mr Smith. On Smith’s instructions Graham targets specific individuals and he is plunged into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. In the process he falls in love with a Hollywood actress, Lanie, America’s sweetheart who also has much to hide.
This book has everything, espionage, the Russian mob, guns, swords and very ingenious ways of killing!
What it doesn’t have are likeable characters. The closest it gets is the character of Lanie, who does try to make the world a better place, but Graham, although the central character, is tainted by the sordidness of his chosen career. Although the reader may hope for him to survive unscathed, you feel he doesn’t deserve to.
I enjoyed this book in spite of finding it a bit confusing at times, but that was due to Russell’s creative plot and his art of misdirection.
Alan Russell fans will not be disappointed by this latest novel, following on from his previous success.
Pashtpaws
Best Selling Crime Thrillers were given the book to review.
Smoke and mirrors!
This fast paced thriller introduces two hit men; men who are willing to do anything to please their clients. Their methods couldn’t be more different.
Graham Wells is a paparazzo photographer always looking to expose those who live in the spotlight, to the wider public, a leech whose victims are the rich and famous.
Hans Jaeger is very different, a cold, calculated and amoral murderer, up for hire to the highest bidder. A man hiding behind a mask of charisma, which gives him the almost perfect cover.
In this story the two are drawn together, and ultimately find they are hunting each other.
In Paris, one dark night, Graham stops at nothing to get the photos he wants, and in the process causes a tragic and fatal accident. His guilt is consuming him, but is also a hook by which he is drawn into working for the elusive Mr Smith. On Smith’s instructions Graham targets specific individuals and he is plunged into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. In the process he falls in love with a Hollywood actress, Lanie, America’s sweetheart who also has much to hide.
This book has everything, espionage, the Russian mob, guns, swords and very ingenious ways of killing!
What it doesn’t have are likeable characters. The closest it gets is the character of Lanie, who does try to make the world a better place, but Graham, although the central character, is tainted by the sordidness of his chosen career. Although the reader may hope for him to survive unscathed, you feel he doesn’t deserve to.
I enjoyed this book in spite of finding it a bit confusing at times, but that was due to Russell’s creative plot and his art of misdirection.
Alan Russell fans will not be disappointed by this latest novel, following on from his previous success.
Pashtpaws
Best Selling Crime Thrillers were given the book to review.
September 2, 2015
2 Stars
Paparazzo Graham Wells has a secret. His actions helped cause the accident that killed two beloved public figures. He thought he buried the evidence. Someone found out. Now he is being blackmailed by a man claiming to be with the CIA. He is blackmailed into using his paparazzi experience to bring down Hollywood icons. That’s how he finds Hollywood golden girl, Lanie Byrne. While doing his job for the blackmailers, he interrupts her suicide attempt and in doing so, he begins to get a better picture of the machinations going on behind the scenes and learns why he’s being blackmailed and by whom.
The novel takes you around the world from Paris, Spain, Germany and the US just to name a few. The references used are all very current and you can tell that the author really did his research. But there was almost too much information crammed into this book. There was quite a bit of jumping around to the point where I had to go back and re-read several pages just to figure out exactly where I was in the story.
The protagonist was not one I could identify with very easily. He seemed to have a conscience, but then it would disappear. He was more interested in saving his own hide much of the time to really give me the impression that he actually gave a damn about anyone or anything else. He also tied the ends together way too easily for my liking. I was still trying to guess at several things when he’s already explaining how it was done with absolutely no way he could have figured out several pieces because the threads leading to them were so thin, they were non-existent.
For me, I wish more time was spent with Graham and Lanie and less time spent with some of the antagonists. This is of course, only my opinion. Others may find the time spent with the antagonists fine, but for me, it really took away from the story. The flow was interrupted and it made some of the connections harder to come by instead of easier.
The plot was great and it was very well researched and written. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Paparazzo Graham Wells has a secret. His actions helped cause the accident that killed two beloved public figures. He thought he buried the evidence. Someone found out. Now he is being blackmailed by a man claiming to be with the CIA. He is blackmailed into using his paparazzi experience to bring down Hollywood icons. That’s how he finds Hollywood golden girl, Lanie Byrne. While doing his job for the blackmailers, he interrupts her suicide attempt and in doing so, he begins to get a better picture of the machinations going on behind the scenes and learns why he’s being blackmailed and by whom.
The novel takes you around the world from Paris, Spain, Germany and the US just to name a few. The references used are all very current and you can tell that the author really did his research. But there was almost too much information crammed into this book. There was quite a bit of jumping around to the point where I had to go back and re-read several pages just to figure out exactly where I was in the story.
The protagonist was not one I could identify with very easily. He seemed to have a conscience, but then it would disappear. He was more interested in saving his own hide much of the time to really give me the impression that he actually gave a damn about anyone or anything else. He also tied the ends together way too easily for my liking. I was still trying to guess at several things when he’s already explaining how it was done with absolutely no way he could have figured out several pieces because the threads leading to them were so thin, they were non-existent.
For me, I wish more time was spent with Graham and Lanie and less time spent with some of the antagonists. This is of course, only my opinion. Others may find the time spent with the antagonists fine, but for me, it really took away from the story. The flow was interrupted and it made some of the connections harder to come by instead of easier.
The plot was great and it was very well researched and written. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
April 30, 2015
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it is a bit of a Roller-coaster Action Packed ride! It is also, imo a bit of both a kind of love story and an awakening. We see a person start off the book as pretty much the lowest form of life and watch as, admittedly via a series of pretty big mistakes, he morphs into almost a human being!
It is hard to believe that Graham is just a paparazzo. He certainly has the skills, resources and contacts to either be an agent or a gun-for-hire himself. But it is through an "accident at work" he is catapulted into a world of high octane thrills-a-minute seat-of-your-pants, life-or-death nightmare that doesn't let up for the rest of the book.
It's a great book. It twists and turns, conspires and theorises itself all the way through. Action packed from start to finish with an explosive (almost) end to the book. The actual end is quite fitting too by the way! The characters are all very real. To me the sign of a good book is when I emote about the characters. Well this book certainly had its share of nasty ones, nice ones, misunderstood ones and yo-yo-changeable ones. Did I like Graham? I am not sure, I certainly disliked his job, but as to how much a part of him that is, who can say, I think overall he is a good person who does bad things rather than an out-and-out baddie!
As already mentioned, the pacing of the book was great. There was also no unnecessary padding. All description added to the story rather than being distracting, something I believe is key to this genre. Short, punchy chapters with the odd longer one made for a very easy, at times unputdownable, read
All in all, a cracking read. I notice that the author has a fair few other books available and I will certainly be having a closer look at some of them.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
It is hard to believe that Graham is just a paparazzo. He certainly has the skills, resources and contacts to either be an agent or a gun-for-hire himself. But it is through an "accident at work" he is catapulted into a world of high octane thrills-a-minute seat-of-your-pants, life-or-death nightmare that doesn't let up for the rest of the book.
It's a great book. It twists and turns, conspires and theorises itself all the way through. Action packed from start to finish with an explosive (almost) end to the book. The actual end is quite fitting too by the way! The characters are all very real. To me the sign of a good book is when I emote about the characters. Well this book certainly had its share of nasty ones, nice ones, misunderstood ones and yo-yo-changeable ones. Did I like Graham? I am not sure, I certainly disliked his job, but as to how much a part of him that is, who can say, I think overall he is a good person who does bad things rather than an out-and-out baddie!
As already mentioned, the pacing of the book was great. There was also no unnecessary padding. All description added to the story rather than being distracting, something I believe is key to this genre. Short, punchy chapters with the odd longer one made for a very easy, at times unputdownable, read
All in all, a cracking read. I notice that the author has a fair few other books available and I will certainly be having a closer look at some of them.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
May 12, 2015
This is not the first Alan Russell novel I have read and it defiantly won't be the last. This was a roller coaster ride from start to finish. There were definitely twists and turns in the plot. How easily one event can change our lives. How we try to deal with that event and try to forget it only to find out someone else knows our secret. Someone else will use that secret against us. That puts you in the middle of a mystery. In this book there were also twists and turns in how you feel about the characters.. For instance, Wells is a paparazzo and how easy they are to dislike, right? But then we see he is just a guy doing what he is good at. He's not so bad after all. He gets caught up in a situation he would never imagine. All the characters are well written.
I would highly recommend this book to others. Original, great twists and turns and wonderful characters.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publishers for review purchases. This did not effect my review one way or the other. I have been a fan of Mr. Russell since I read Shame.
I would highly recommend this book to others. Original, great twists and turns and wonderful characters.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publishers for review purchases. This did not effect my review one way or the other. I have been a fan of Mr. Russell since I read Shame.
September 19, 2007
Exposure - G+
Alan Russell
Looking to land a major scoop, British paparazzo Graham Wells is chasing two of Europe's biggest celebrities, philanthropist Lady Anne Godwin (aka "Lady Godiva" after she posed nude for Playboy and donated the proceeds to a soup kitchen) and her French football-star boyfriend, Georges "Le Croc" LeMoine, when their car crashes in a Paris tunnel with fatal results. Our antihero flees the scene of the accident. Unlike the case of Di and Dodi, there actually are sinister forces at work here. Soon a CIA agent named "Mr. Smith" is blackmailing Wells into bringing about the downfalls of other celebrities. When Wells deviates from the script by stopping a leading actress's suicide, he really finds himself in trouble. Needless to say, no one is who he says he is, and everyone's motives are suspect.
Russell, Alan-EXPOSURE-G+-Papparazzi gets caught in political intrigue, Diana-type death
Alan Russell
Looking to land a major scoop, British paparazzo Graham Wells is chasing two of Europe's biggest celebrities, philanthropist Lady Anne Godwin (aka "Lady Godiva" after she posed nude for Playboy and donated the proceeds to a soup kitchen) and her French football-star boyfriend, Georges "Le Croc" LeMoine, when their car crashes in a Paris tunnel with fatal results. Our antihero flees the scene of the accident. Unlike the case of Di and Dodi, there actually are sinister forces at work here. Soon a CIA agent named "Mr. Smith" is blackmailing Wells into bringing about the downfalls of other celebrities. When Wells deviates from the script by stopping a leading actress's suicide, he really finds himself in trouble. Needless to say, no one is who he says he is, and everyone's motives are suspect.
Russell, Alan-EXPOSURE-G+-Papparazzi gets caught in political intrigue, Diana-type death
August 19, 2015
A true rollercoaster for the reader
This is my first Alan Russell novel, so I can't speak to it in relation to how he writes or other works. That being said, I really thought this book was unexpected, even when you think you know the story is dramatically shifting, it goes someplace you weren't expecting. The middle was a little slow, but you see the puzzle pieces not only falling in place but fitting together. I'm a little disappointed in the ending as far as one particular relationship, but definitely a good read and a fast paced ending
This is my first Alan Russell novel, so I can't speak to it in relation to how he writes or other works. That being said, I really thought this book was unexpected, even when you think you know the story is dramatically shifting, it goes someplace you weren't expecting. The middle was a little slow, but you see the puzzle pieces not only falling in place but fitting together. I'm a little disappointed in the ending as far as one particular relationship, but definitely a good read and a fast paced ending
December 9, 2015
Interesting look at being a papparazzi mixed with spies and murder. The story kept my interest, though at times it felt disjointed. At one point, it jumped years ahead without a real indication that that much time had passed. The morgue explosion just sort of happened, and then was forgotten for many, many chapters before the reason for it was revealed. Russell does a good job of exploring complex human emotions, and that's the part I liked best. I can't say I'm thrilled with the ending, but it makes sense with reality.
May 13, 2015
I received this book through a goodreads giveaway. This book follows photographer turned paparazzo Graham Wells. After taking pictures that result in a deadly accident he is blackmailed into working for a mysterious figure. This novel is a fast-pacing thrill ride that keeps you turning the pages. You wouldn't think you could ever root for a paparazzo, but you will be for Graham. Filled with intelligent characters, and exotic locations you will be sucked in from the first page to the last!
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