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Nameless Night
The critically acclaimed and award-winning author of the Frank Corso and Leo Waterman series returns with a spellbinding novel of vanished lives and heinous betrayals that races, twists, and turns like a roller coaster running wild.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2008
1 person is currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
G.M. Ford
34 books219 followersGerald M. Ford was the author of the widely praised Frank Corso novels, Fury, Black River, A Blind Eye, Red Tide, No Man's Land, and Blown Away; six highly acclaimed mysteries, featuring Seattle private investigator Leo Waterman; and the stand-alone thriller Nameless Night. A former creative writing teacher in western Washington, Ford lived in San Diego.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 27, 2016
A good thriller has me sitting on the edge of my seat, heart pounding, biting my lip, chewing my nails, gasping with surprise, and thumbing anxiously through the last pages for a sneak peek at whether or not a favorite character survives the action.
A good thriller does not have me rolling my eyes, sighing heavily, tapping my foot, or flicking through to the end to see how many pages I still have to get through.
It's too bad, really: I remember being rather delighted by Ford's Leo Waterman series, and that delight carried me through the inferior - and much darker - Frank Corso novels and caused me to pick this up as well. I think the Waterman Factor has officially died here, though.
Most works of fiction, for me, require some willing suspension of disbelief. I found in this case, however, that I was being asked to suspend my higher brain function. Just couldn't do it.
A good thriller does not have me rolling my eyes, sighing heavily, tapping my foot, or flicking through to the end to see how many pages I still have to get through.
It's too bad, really: I remember being rather delighted by Ford's Leo Waterman series, and that delight carried me through the inferior - and much darker - Frank Corso novels and caused me to pick this up as well. I think the Waterman Factor has officially died here, though.
Most works of fiction, for me, require some willing suspension of disbelief. I found in this case, however, that I was being asked to suspend my higher brain function. Just couldn't do it.
October 22, 2020
Written in 2008, but still entertaining!
October 9, 2012
*REVIEWED FOR PUBLISHER*
From the shocking opening scenes to the dizzying heights of the finale, Nameless Night had me hooked – I just couldn’t put it down! Watching the lead character of Paul slowly uncovering the secrets of his identity, never sure of where the next lead might take him or what the consequences might be, was breathtaking and wouldn’t have been half so engrossing if handled by a writer with a lesser skill.
The writing is taut, the action is fast-paced and the character interaction is completely believable at every step. There’s danger at every turn, not only for Paul, but for those he comes to know, trust and love. There’s a real feeling of frenetic activity that has been captured perfectly – I was actually breathless at moments and found myself turning the pages faster and faster just to find out what would happen next.
Despite the darkness of the subject, G. M. Ford manages to pull it off with a lightness of touch that is surprising and refreshing, making Nameless Night something a little out of the ordinary.
From the shocking opening scenes to the dizzying heights of the finale, Nameless Night had me hooked – I just couldn’t put it down! Watching the lead character of Paul slowly uncovering the secrets of his identity, never sure of where the next lead might take him or what the consequences might be, was breathtaking and wouldn’t have been half so engrossing if handled by a writer with a lesser skill.
The writing is taut, the action is fast-paced and the character interaction is completely believable at every step. There’s danger at every turn, not only for Paul, but for those he comes to know, trust and love. There’s a real feeling of frenetic activity that has been captured perfectly – I was actually breathless at moments and found myself turning the pages faster and faster just to find out what would happen next.
Despite the darkness of the subject, G. M. Ford manages to pull it off with a lightness of touch that is surprising and refreshing, making Nameless Night something a little out of the ordinary.
November 11, 2011
I was immediately caught up in this book and couldn't force myself to lay it down for the first 22 Chapters. The concept of the "man on the run" with amnesia, being chased by nameless terrorists, is impossible to resist. But midway into the book the plot started to go haywire. So many characters poured into the story that I couldn't begin to keep them straight, the realism totally vanished, and the ending was a vast disappointment.
I'm distressed about that. For a while there, I thought I'd found a new "favorite author."
I'm distressed about that. For a while there, I thought I'd found a new "favorite author."
August 11, 2011
For some reason, this book left me a little unsettled, a little unsatisfied by the end.
Little things - supposedly set in Seattle, but landmarks/names changed, unlike some of his other books set in Seattle. Made me a little disoriented, but I probably wouldn't have been if I didn't know the city.
Interesting enough through most of the book, unwinding story of amnesia and physical disfigurement with a massive cover up....
Little things - supposedly set in Seattle, but landmarks/names changed, unlike some of his other books set in Seattle. Made me a little disoriented, but I probably wouldn't have been if I didn't know the city.
Interesting enough through most of the book, unwinding story of amnesia and physical disfigurement with a massive cover up....
September 13, 2020
I bought this book some time ago, and started to read it and put it up. Time passed and I picked it up again.
This book was a fun read, but I found the plot somewhat implausible. The wrap up was a little too simple. That said, I enjoyed the book and read it quickly. This was a book that I enjoyed, but I did not it as satisfying as some of his other books. The premise is good, but the plot is a bit simple.
This book was a fun read, but I found the plot somewhat implausible. The wrap up was a little too simple. That said, I enjoyed the book and read it quickly. This was a book that I enjoyed, but I did not it as satisfying as some of his other books. The premise is good, but the plot is a bit simple.
December 19, 2016
The reading level of this book is for a tenth grader. A lot of slang words are used which slows down your reading because you are trying to understand what the character is saying. This is no Jason Bourne or John le Carre' type of novel. Reading very easy. Story line very weak. Author has no clue about people with disabilities, NASA, and FBI on how they operate. Ford's number one job is "quality." NASA's number one job is "human safety." If the author would have know this the Space Shuttle Ventura would not have gone up if an engineer knew tiles would fall off. Some of the chapters insulted my intelligence. Several chapters deals with a tree falling down during a storm on the care facility and how to get the residents out. Plot very weak.
Many errors and holes in this novel.
Save yourself a good read and read something else. The slang terminology makes this book a poor read.
I don't know how this book got published. It is poorly written. It insults your intelligence.
Many errors and holes in this novel.
Save yourself a good read and read something else. The slang terminology makes this book a poor read.
I don't know how this book got published. It is poorly written. It insults your intelligence.
June 14, 2020
An unknown ward of the state of Washington is hit by a car, has reconstructive surgery and then he remembers who he is and sets off a chain of events affecting the heads of the US Government and NASA.
July 5, 2021
I found this stand-alone book by G. M. Ford a bit disappointing. The plot was a little implausible, but it was a quick read and somewhat enjoyable. We never find out what happened to Helen’s neighbor and his presence seemed gratuitous.
June 2, 2018
Excellent page turner!!
January 25, 2019
This one fell short for me.....
February 3, 2024
I am not the girl for these kinds of books
November 24, 2024
Mr. Fords first stand alone, anything by him is a must read. I miss him.....
April 15, 2016
Three stars rounded up a bit. I am occasionally plagued by insomnia and tortured by restless leg syndrome that gets worse in direct proportion to my level of sleep deprivation. Stir in some stress and you've got a perfect storm sleeplessness. Such has been the case pretty much since day light savings time threw me for a loop. It's crazy making. Since my family does not appreciate the sounds of nocturnal housekeeping and I generally try to avoid screen time after 10pm I read. Sometimes a lot. Having recently slogged through a piece of non fiction and met my book club obligations I reached for this little piece of brain candy to pass the sleepless hours.
I found it a readable but rather mediocre thriller/suspense novel. Good enough but somewhat predictable. Like Jason Bourne our hero awakens - following an accident and some major reconstructive surgery - after 7 years living as a ward of the state in a home for disabled adults. He knows he's not Paul Hardy, he can drive and remembers he's good at math but doesn't know much else about himself. Major conspiracy ensues, hero goes on the run, pieces together some parts of his past, makes some friends and enemies along the way, eventually pulls together enough to get his pursuers off his back, gets the girl and appears to live happily ever after, the end.
Couple of things I particularly liked - the spunky, even fierce, protective Ms. Willis who runs the group home Paul has been living in. She's charged with caring for this group of troubled folk, she sees them fully as people capably dealing with their physical and mental disabilities and she will protect them even from the NSA if she must, all whilst leading them along like a kind and very competent kindergarten teacher or den mother.
I also liked Paul's comment about how his identity has been stolen in a way far more damaging than having someone mess up your bank account and credit rating. And how he comes to accept that he may never remember everything about his past and chooses to look forward and mindfully recreate himself rather than try to chase down the minutiae of that elusive former life.
As with many thrillers you will need to suspend belief in order to just enjoy the popcorn entertainment value of the plot. And though written by a northwest author and the story at least begins in Washington, possibly set in Seattle, I didn't really get a strong sense of place at all.
Good enough to pass some sleepless night if not a big breathtaking wow.
I found it a readable but rather mediocre thriller/suspense novel. Good enough but somewhat predictable. Like Jason Bourne our hero awakens - following an accident and some major reconstructive surgery - after 7 years living as a ward of the state in a home for disabled adults. He knows he's not Paul Hardy, he can drive and remembers he's good at math but doesn't know much else about himself. Major conspiracy ensues, hero goes on the run, pieces together some parts of his past, makes some friends and enemies along the way, eventually pulls together enough to get his pursuers off his back, gets the girl and appears to live happily ever after, the end.
Couple of things I particularly liked - the spunky, even fierce, protective Ms. Willis who runs the group home Paul has been living in. She's charged with caring for this group of troubled folk, she sees them fully as people capably dealing with their physical and mental disabilities and she will protect them even from the NSA if she must, all whilst leading them along like a kind and very competent kindergarten teacher or den mother.
I also liked Paul's comment about how his identity has been stolen in a way far more damaging than having someone mess up your bank account and credit rating. And how he comes to accept that he may never remember everything about his past and chooses to look forward and mindfully recreate himself rather than try to chase down the minutiae of that elusive former life.
As with many thrillers you will need to suspend belief in order to just enjoy the popcorn entertainment value of the plot. And though written by a northwest author and the story at least begins in Washington, possibly set in Seattle, I didn't really get a strong sense of place at all.
Good enough to pass some sleepless night if not a big breathtaking wow.
July 27, 2009
The story starts in a group home for handicapped adults. While they are gathering on the sidewalk to load into the van, a wheelchair bound girl finds herself rolling down the sidewalk in into the street. Paul Hardy, another member of the home goes after her and manages to push her clear of an oncoming car, but has no time to get clear himself. He goes to ground but the car does heavy damage to his face that was already damaged from something that happened 7 years before when he was found lying beside the railroad tracks with his face bashed in. With no identification on him and no memory of who he is he is patched up and placed in the home. After the new accident he is again in the hospital and benefits from extensive reconstruction surgery paid for by the driver of the car. The results of the surgery is a new face and recovering memory with the release of pressure that was pressing on his brain. When an internet inquiry on a name the he remembers brings a squad of Homeland Security down on the group home, the action starts and it continues as new revelations of his past continue to surface. If you haven't read Ford, give it a try, he writes a ripping good yarn....
ISBN - 978-0-06-087442-1, Suspense, Pages - 337, Print Size - R, Rating - 4.55
ISBN - 978-0-06-087442-1, Suspense, Pages - 337, Print Size - R, Rating - 4.55
April 4, 2008
NAMELESS NIGHT (Suspense-US-Cont) – G
Ford, G.M. – Standalone
William Morrow, 2008, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9780060874421
First Sentence: Nobody saw it coming.
Paul Hardy has spent seven years living in a group home for disabled adults. He had been found near death with severe injuries and no memory of who he was or his past. Now, a freak car accident has him back in the hospital. The man who hit him has paid for complete reconstructive surgery. Paul wakes up with both a new face, an awareness of what may have been his name and flashes of memory from his past. As soon as he starts a search for his past, he finds himself being sought by the DA’s office, the NSA, a dirty cop and someone wants him dead.
Ford’s standalone is fast paced and exciting. There is a broad cast with some wonderful characters. Ford has a wonderful penchant for creating unusual characters. But I’m afraid I do get tired of over-the-top government conspiracies. The book is engrossing and a fast, suspenseful read but, for me, a disappointment from his earlier works.
Ford, G.M. – Standalone
William Morrow, 2008, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9780060874421
First Sentence: Nobody saw it coming.
Paul Hardy has spent seven years living in a group home for disabled adults. He had been found near death with severe injuries and no memory of who he was or his past. Now, a freak car accident has him back in the hospital. The man who hit him has paid for complete reconstructive surgery. Paul wakes up with both a new face, an awareness of what may have been his name and flashes of memory from his past. As soon as he starts a search for his past, he finds himself being sought by the DA’s office, the NSA, a dirty cop and someone wants him dead.
Ford’s standalone is fast paced and exciting. There is a broad cast with some wonderful characters. Ford has a wonderful penchant for creating unusual characters. But I’m afraid I do get tired of over-the-top government conspiracies. The book is engrossing and a fast, suspenseful read but, for me, a disappointment from his earlier works.
July 13, 2014
There aren't many reviews of this novel by a very well-respected and highly readable author. I couldn't purchase it in e-format, so I had a hard copy delivered at a very reasonable price (probably lower than a e-book would run).
It's a good book. Is it great...like the best of Leo Waterman or Frank Corso? Probably not...but it's not far off. The protagonist was interesting, the story flowed pretty well, there was more than adequate amounts of drama and tension (I read it straight through), and enough "up the establishment" to fit my present political mood.
So, I think it's a worthy addition to any GM Ford shelf in your library. I can't see this character (who reminded me a bit of Reacher without the skill sets) going much further and like many, I'd like to see Leo or Frank again in the near future. But, if you're a GM Ford fan, it is a definite good read.
It's a good book. Is it great...like the best of Leo Waterman or Frank Corso? Probably not...but it's not far off. The protagonist was interesting, the story flowed pretty well, there was more than adequate amounts of drama and tension (I read it straight through), and enough "up the establishment" to fit my present political mood.
So, I think it's a worthy addition to any GM Ford shelf in your library. I can't see this character (who reminded me a bit of Reacher without the skill sets) going much further and like many, I'd like to see Leo or Frank again in the near future. But, if you're a GM Ford fan, it is a definite good read.
January 23, 2017
This book seems to be written by a person with an eidetic memory, recording every small detail the characters encounter with excruciating and vivid description. Sometimes, it is hard to keep up with both description and plot, but on the whole, it was okay. This style of writing made the action scenes play in slow motion while reading, which is kinda exciting for me. The reader is bound to feel the frustration of the protagonist regarding his identity. After some time, the plot spirals out of his hands and is bigger than one can imagine.
If you are in no hurry to voraciously devour through an action packed book but are looking for slowly munching on a fine book with crunchy bits here and there, then this is the right choice for you.
If you are in no hurry to voraciously devour through an action packed book but are looking for slowly munching on a fine book with crunchy bits here and there, then this is the right choice for you.
February 15, 2015
An adventurous little romp--no surprises here in this mystery/quick-read novel. Of course that might be because I had a sneaking suspicion that I read this book before (in the days before Goodreads was around to keep track of what I've read). It was a fun enough read, making you wonder the who, what, and why of events. There were a couple characters who were introduced who seemed to be up to something however they just ceased to be mentioned by the time things were wrapping up. The protagonist gets the girl and presumably a happy life. The End.
March 25, 2013
An enjoyable reed that kept me interested, even though they were no large set pieces that seem typical in books of this type.
The flawed hero concept was done very well leading the reader to route for the main character on his quest for discovery, justice and revenge.
Finally the language and writing style of the book ensued that the story flowed well and at a pace that kept me turning the pages.
A thumbs up fro m me.
The flawed hero concept was done very well leading the reader to route for the main character on his quest for discovery, justice and revenge.
Finally the language and writing style of the book ensued that the story flowed well and at a pace that kept me turning the pages.
A thumbs up fro m me.
July 8, 2014
G.M. Ford has a knack for leading you along a thread of story, then leaving it for some time, then hitting you across the face with it when you least expect it. This story moves along quickly and easily, bringing in new faces, and then dispatching them in a variety of ways, some positive, some positively gross. I enjoyed this tale of amnesia revisited, although the ending ends up being a bit sappy and happy, almost like it was going to be a movie.
March 22, 2015
A stand-alone thriller from G.M. Ford, the author of the Leo Waterman and Frank Corso series.
Thriller - Paul Hardy has been in a home for disabled adults for 7 years since being discovered as a non-verbal, slow-witted amnesiac accident victim. After being hit by a car and subsequent surgery, he recovers his speech and remembers flashes of a former life. However, his first injury wasn't an accident and his search for the past also resurrects the former threat to his life.
Thriller - Paul Hardy has been in a home for disabled adults for 7 years since being discovered as a non-verbal, slow-witted amnesiac accident victim. After being hit by a car and subsequent surgery, he recovers his speech and remembers flashes of a former life. However, his first injury wasn't an accident and his search for the past also resurrects the former threat to his life.
March 22, 2010
Really enjoyed this book. Some of this is really convoluted, especially the last quarter of the book, but up until that point, it's a 5-star effort. The protagonist is terrific. He's engaging, sweet, optimistic - a real hero - and you enjoy rooting for him. I'll definitely look for more books by this author.
January 29, 2013
EXCELLENT! Loved the book. I have enjoyed the stories and characters in the two other series, but this one is so refreshing and the main character is one you really want to succeed. Great scenario, plot, and the characters are charming, entertaining or devious by turn but always believable. You'll not be able to put it down! Thanks Mr. Ford!
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April 13, 2008Satisfying enough amnesia mystery, though overly confusing in the first few chapters. Partly set in my neighborhood. His Frank Corso detective series is better. Ford, John Dunning, and Laurie King are pretty much the only contemporary mystery authors I read regularly.
July 3, 2010
An amnesiac who begins to recover his memory and searches for his lost identity only to find himself embroiled in a government conspiracy. A taut thriller with G. M. Ford's humor thrown in as a bonus.
September 2, 2010
I thought it was interesting to read about a man without a past. This taught me important concepts about past consequences. It is an unusual setting and got me hooked in the beginning but it wasn't as exciting throughout because the pace was slow.
August 23, 2011
Enjoyed this mystery: a mute from a mental institution gradually discovers his identity as conspirators endeavour to catch him. Had pace, a bit of grit, was fairly clean (a couple of mildly described scenes). I will try more books by Ford.
March 7, 2008
Absolutely loved it! Great thriller with a twist of Jason Bourne and some unique characters. Completely unrealistic, but thoroughly enjoyable.
March 12, 2008
Another excellent book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews