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Out of Range
From the creator of the hit television series Without a Trace, Hank Steinberg's Out of Range is an action-packed thriller in which a husband searches for his missing wife—a hunt that leads him into a dangerous world of international espionage.
Six years ago in Uzbekistan, journalist Charlie Davis was wounded when the government fired on a group of protestors he was covering on assignment. He and his pregnant wife, Julie, barely escaped with their lives.
On a trip to Disneyland with their children, Julie vanishes. As Charlie soon discovers, this isn’t a random abduction. The further he goes to find her, the more it becomes clear that Julie isn’t quite the person she seems to be. She’s been harboring dark secrets that have come back to terrorize them all.
Out of Range is a scintillating tale, full of twists and surprises that will keep you guessing until the final page.
Six years ago in Uzbekistan, journalist Charlie Davis was wounded when the government fired on a group of protestors he was covering on assignment. He and his pregnant wife, Julie, barely escaped with their lives.
On a trip to Disneyland with their children, Julie vanishes. As Charlie soon discovers, this isn’t a random abduction. The further he goes to find her, the more it becomes clear that Julie isn’t quite the person she seems to be. She’s been harboring dark secrets that have come back to terrorize them all.
Out of Range is a scintillating tale, full of twists and surprises that will keep you guessing until the final page.
346 pages, Hardcover
First published May 21, 2013
23 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 15, 2018
eight-twenty pee em the evening of the 14th of april, saturday (in the park), finished good read four stars i really like it kindle library loaner. this one reminds me a bit of that other from that person...who was that? just started reading his stories this year...bugs me now i need to go find the name. just a sec.
Alex Berenson...one, maybe two of his stories have some of the same kind of elements...thingies.
this one had me looking at maps, geography. remember that? map of the world pinned to the bedroom paneling. sister comes in and says look at that...the u.s.s.r. big whom-ping country, as if size, geographical size equates to foot-stomping capability. uebkistan? i got that right? i think not. on the silk road. marakand? i think that's right.
here...ummm...the story is not-as-much the terror that could be unleashed as it is the dynamic between three of the leading characters. there's enough mystery at the get-to...why'd she do that? did she do that? what else could it be...to keep the reader curious and plugging along. anyway, good read. next.
Alex Berenson...one, maybe two of his stories have some of the same kind of elements...thingies.
this one had me looking at maps, geography. remember that? map of the world pinned to the bedroom paneling. sister comes in and says look at that...the u.s.s.r. big whom-ping country, as if size, geographical size equates to foot-stomping capability. uebkistan? i got that right? i think not. on the silk road. marakand? i think that's right.
here...ummm...the story is not-as-much the terror that could be unleashed as it is the dynamic between three of the leading characters. there's enough mystery at the get-to...why'd she do that? did she do that? what else could it be...to keep the reader curious and plugging along. anyway, good read. next.
September 5, 2020
Good exciting story.
June 8, 2013
Charlie and his wife, Julie used to travel to dangerous countries like Uzbekistan. That was until Charlie almost lost his life and Julie their new born child.
Now, Charlie and Julie have two children. Charlie is living more of a quieter life as a desk reporter. That all changes when Julie disappears.
I have only watched about two episodes of Without a Trace. So I could not really judge what Mr. Steinberg would bring to the table with his debut novel. Well I can tell you after reading this book what Mr. Steinberg brings to the table, the triple “E”…Excitement, Edge of your thrill ride, and Energy. I started reading this book and could not read it fast enough. It has been a while since I have read an international thriller that had me excited to read it and put a smile on my face.
Charlie is the perfect hero. He has personality and he is relatable. Readers can feel the strong love he has for his family and wife. They can understand the need and want to go to the ends of the earth to bring back their loved ones. I don’t want to say too much more as I don’t want to give anything away. You will just have to check this book out for yourself.
Now, Charlie and Julie have two children. Charlie is living more of a quieter life as a desk reporter. That all changes when Julie disappears.
I have only watched about two episodes of Without a Trace. So I could not really judge what Mr. Steinberg would bring to the table with his debut novel. Well I can tell you after reading this book what Mr. Steinberg brings to the table, the triple “E”…Excitement, Edge of your thrill ride, and Energy. I started reading this book and could not read it fast enough. It has been a while since I have read an international thriller that had me excited to read it and put a smile on my face.
Charlie is the perfect hero. He has personality and he is relatable. Readers can feel the strong love he has for his family and wife. They can understand the need and want to go to the ends of the earth to bring back their loved ones. I don’t want to say too much more as I don’t want to give anything away. You will just have to check this book out for yourself.
May 28, 2013
Right at the beginning I didn't particularly care for the main character, just something about him rubbed me the wrong way. Once I got into the story that went away and while some of the stuff he did seemed a bit much for someone who's not a super-spy or trained solider, it was within the realm of plausibility given the circumstances.
While it was interesting as I was reading, I was never in a hurry to get back to it when I had to stop, even when I paused at a chapter that was bit of a cliffhanger. That being said, the author seemed like he really knew what he was talking about, or at least presented things so that you believe he knows what he's talking about. =)
While it was interesting as I was reading, I was never in a hurry to get back to it when I had to stop, even when I paused at a chapter that was bit of a cliffhanger. That being said, the author seemed like he really knew what he was talking about, or at least presented things so that you believe he knows what he's talking about. =)
September 8, 2013
Out of Range tells the story of a man and women who when they were young get involved in a political upheaval in the country of Uzbekistan and eventually flee the country. Many years later while living a normal life in the United States we find that Julie (the wife) has gotten reinvolved in her relationship with the political opposition leader there. Before it is over the couple find them in the thick of a terrorist plot that would kill millions of people in the West. The dust jacket is correct that people who like the books of Robert Ludlum will like this one. A very neat and satisfying book by a great first time novelist.
July 13, 2013
A former international correspondents wife goes missing and now he has to unravel the lies to find her. I can concede that this guy has a lot of contacts that help him out but there is a point where you just have to put the belief factor aside and just ride with it. And that is easy enough to do with this novel as fast paced and electrically charged as this story is. So if you are looking for a very good story that cracks along at a great pace, go for it.
January 22, 2018
An excellent premise is somewhat tarnished by lapse in believable action in "Out of Range." The story was interesting and the pacing well-done but when a journalist can get the better of numerous trained mercenaries on multiple occasions, even someone like me who loves a good thriller and will suspend belief, stops and says huh? you know its gone a little too far. In fact the main character asks how he got so lucky! My other star dropping complaint is that most of the characters, even the protagonist aren't very likeable. A husband searches for his missing wife—a hunt that leads him into a dangerous world of international espionage. Six years ago in Uzbekistan, journalist Charlie Davis was wounded when the government fired on a group of protestors he was covering on assignment. He and his pregnant wife, Julie, barely escaped with their lives. On a trip to Disneyland with their children, Julie vanishes. As Charlie soon discovers, this isn’t a random abduction. The further he goes to find her, the more it becomes clear that Julie isn’t quite the person she seems to be. She’s been harboring dark secrets that have come back to terrorize them all. Despite the flaws, I'd still recommend it to folks who enjoy thrillers with heavy doses of gun play action.
July 12, 2017
This was a great book - it had action, murder, drama, and Disneyland! What more could a reader ask for?!? This was my first time reading this author, but I will be checking out his other books as this was an entertaining read that left the reader wondering how much of the CIA/FBI/Covert Ops is true and how much they really do experiment on their employees...If you want a good read, than look no farther than this book!
August 25, 2017
when I first started this book I was not really into it so i told myself give it about 50 more pages and see what.happens
I am glad I did. although at times it's a little hard to believe this man could do some of the stuff he was doing it didn't matter on the long run because the book remained entertaing
I am glad I did. although at times it's a little hard to believe this man could do some of the stuff he was doing it didn't matter on the long run because the book remained entertaing
January 2, 2019
2019 Pop Sugar Challenge Two books that share the same title (the other was by CJ Box) The author, Hank Steinberg, is an American television and film writer, producer and director. He wrote the TV series Without a Trace.
June 22, 2019
Ridiculous & preposterous. Listened to audio version of the book - which may have affected me even more to how much i found this story totally unbelievable. I could see this in my mind playing like an old “B” movie
August 8, 2018
Gran bel romanzo d'azione.Ben strutturato.Avvincente.
August 18, 2018
Great story from this new author.
August 30, 2020
A good thriller, so about misguided activism and what the consequences are in another country. I was expecting worse actions against the female protagonist(such as rape), but it didn't happen.
March 3, 2024
This would be a great movie for Leon Nellson to star in.
This could be his next “Taken” movie. I realy enjoy this book. I’m disappointed that he stop writing to publish a second book.
This could be his next “Taken” movie. I realy enjoy this book. I’m disappointed that he stop writing to publish a second book.
March 15, 2024
Took place in Uzbekistan. CIA, MI6, SAS involment. My kind of read. Enjoyed it.
June 9, 2013
Charlie Davis is a man who has settled. Six years ago, he was living a life of excitement and purpose. As a journalist, he was based out of Uzbekistan, chronicling the people's turmoil from government oppression. While there, he met the love of his wife, Julie. A native of London, Julie worked in Uzbekistan, helping citizens and trying, like Charlie, to raise awareness of their situation. This life of excitement peaked one day during a protest demonstration.
A very pregnant Julie attended the demonstration with Charlie and her old friend and romantic flame, Alisher Byko and his wife and son. In the heat of the demonstration, a passionate Byko stood on the statue of the Uzbekistan leader and begin to speak in resistance. In that same instant, the government's police arrived and began shooting at the protesters. Charlie climbed a tower to get a better vantage point for photographing the horrific scene. From this higher view, Charlie witnessed Byko's wife and child being murdered. He felt a shot of pain in his back and soon realized that he too had been shot.
Fortunately, those days are behind them now. Charlie accepted a position at the LA Times and Julie stays home, raising their two children. Everything seems to be normal. But as is often the case, especially if you're reading a thriller, turmoil rests just below the surface.
Julie has recently returned from a trip to New York to visit her sister. To celebrate, she decides to take the family for a day of fun at Disneyland. In a rather terse exchange, Charlie states that he has to go into work, so Julie ends up taking the kids herself. In this moment, we are first given a glimpse into a bit of tension in their marriage. At the LA Times office, Charlie is informed by his boss that he will have to start traveling for overseas reports, as a means to justify him keeping his job. Charlie is fearful of the change, especially after his experience six years ago, but agrees to discuss it with Julie.
But he never gets that chance. On their return trip from the happiest place on earth, Julie and the kids get stuck in typical LA traffic. She is on the phone with Charlie, discussing alternate routes, and agrees to call him as soon as she escapes the largest part of the traffic. But the call doesn't come. Fearful for her safety, Charlie races to the area he sent her to. There, he finds police surrounding her car. The kids are both safe, but Julie is nowhere to be found.
Distraught, Charlie quickly learns that Julie never visited her sister in New York. Instead, she flew to London. What drew her to her old home country? Even more troubling, what caused her to lie to him? The police are convinced that Julie was having an affair. They suspect that Charlie found out about the affair, and, enraged, murdered his wife. Determined to find his wife and clear his name, Charlie sets out on an international investigation that forces him to relive the darkest parts of his past to guarantee a safe future.
This is the debut novel of author Hank Steinberg, the mastermind behind the hit television series Without a Trace. Steinberg brings that television sensibility to his writing by keeping a quick pace and suspenseful plotting. His characters all seem genuine, and I immediately felt for Charlie as a kind of average guy just trying to ensure the future of his family. The opening two thirds, in particular, are a really stellar example of what a thriller should do. We are given just enough history on the characters to be interested in their actions, and the narrative moves just fast enough to keep us wanting to continue. Unfortunately, the last third of the novel takes a turn into the ridiculously unbelievable. In the moment of what could have been a shocking reveal, we are instead treated to a twist that betrays the fantastic writing that precedes it. This does not, however, stop the action and entertainment factor. Steinberg's television experience ensures a good ride throughout the entire novel. I only wish that the ride wasn't interrupted by a momentary bump of disappointment.
A very pregnant Julie attended the demonstration with Charlie and her old friend and romantic flame, Alisher Byko and his wife and son. In the heat of the demonstration, a passionate Byko stood on the statue of the Uzbekistan leader and begin to speak in resistance. In that same instant, the government's police arrived and began shooting at the protesters. Charlie climbed a tower to get a better vantage point for photographing the horrific scene. From this higher view, Charlie witnessed Byko's wife and child being murdered. He felt a shot of pain in his back and soon realized that he too had been shot.
Fortunately, those days are behind them now. Charlie accepted a position at the LA Times and Julie stays home, raising their two children. Everything seems to be normal. But as is often the case, especially if you're reading a thriller, turmoil rests just below the surface.
Julie has recently returned from a trip to New York to visit her sister. To celebrate, she decides to take the family for a day of fun at Disneyland. In a rather terse exchange, Charlie states that he has to go into work, so Julie ends up taking the kids herself. In this moment, we are first given a glimpse into a bit of tension in their marriage. At the LA Times office, Charlie is informed by his boss that he will have to start traveling for overseas reports, as a means to justify him keeping his job. Charlie is fearful of the change, especially after his experience six years ago, but agrees to discuss it with Julie.
But he never gets that chance. On their return trip from the happiest place on earth, Julie and the kids get stuck in typical LA traffic. She is on the phone with Charlie, discussing alternate routes, and agrees to call him as soon as she escapes the largest part of the traffic. But the call doesn't come. Fearful for her safety, Charlie races to the area he sent her to. There, he finds police surrounding her car. The kids are both safe, but Julie is nowhere to be found.
Distraught, Charlie quickly learns that Julie never visited her sister in New York. Instead, she flew to London. What drew her to her old home country? Even more troubling, what caused her to lie to him? The police are convinced that Julie was having an affair. They suspect that Charlie found out about the affair, and, enraged, murdered his wife. Determined to find his wife and clear his name, Charlie sets out on an international investigation that forces him to relive the darkest parts of his past to guarantee a safe future.
This is the debut novel of author Hank Steinberg, the mastermind behind the hit television series Without a Trace. Steinberg brings that television sensibility to his writing by keeping a quick pace and suspenseful plotting. His characters all seem genuine, and I immediately felt for Charlie as a kind of average guy just trying to ensure the future of his family. The opening two thirds, in particular, are a really stellar example of what a thriller should do. We are given just enough history on the characters to be interested in their actions, and the narrative moves just fast enough to keep us wanting to continue. Unfortunately, the last third of the novel takes a turn into the ridiculously unbelievable. In the moment of what could have been a shocking reveal, we are instead treated to a twist that betrays the fantastic writing that precedes it. This does not, however, stop the action and entertainment factor. Steinberg's television experience ensures a good ride throughout the entire novel. I only wish that the ride wasn't interrupted by a momentary bump of disappointment.
April 17, 2013
Is it possible to really know someone? Even if you have married them, raised a family and spent time traveling with them? It is possible that after all these years the person you married isn't the person you thought after all?
That's just some of the thoughts going through Charlie Davis' mind when he realizes his wife has been kidnapped while driving home with his two children. He begins to go back in his mind to what could have happened. While his wife just returned from a trip to New York to visit her sister, she had come home to take the kids to Disneyland as a way to spend time with them after being gone. Charlie of course, had to work covering local politics for the LA Times. His wife Julie had decided to forgo work and instead opted to stay home and raise the kids. What was supposed to be a typical day of fun, soon turned into a nightmare as Charlie was on the phone with his wife Julie.
The kids were acting up and she needed some time to pull off the freeway to calm them down before driving home. She told Charlie she call him right back, but after almost an hour she hadn't called. Even more mysterious is that all her calls are going to voicemail. Charlie tries to reason with himself all the possible scenarios that could cause the phone to go to voicemail. Maybe one of the kids got sick, the phone died and she couldn't charge it, maybe she got into an accident. Knowing a general place where she would have taken an exit from the freeway, Charlie rushes to the area and soon sees police vehicles at the end of a dead end street. The only thing left in the dark is his wife's car and his children. Julie is gone.
Now under investigation from the police who believes that Charlie has killed his wife and subsequently has attempted to cover up the crime scene, he soon learns that his wife may have lead a life his really knew nothing about and the time they they spent together in Uzbekistan six years early is about to have some chilling consequences.
In the debut novel, Out of Range by Hank Steinberg due out on June 4, 2013, takes the reader into what is possibly coming to the big screen as a Hollywood movie. This is action packed and full to the brink with adrenaline! I read it from cover to cover in a matter of hours because I couldn't put it down. Just when I think I had it figured out, the author blind sided me and I had it all wrong. Be warned, this one could keep you up at night just waiting to finish it.
I received Out of Range by Hank Steinberg compliments of William Morrow Publishers, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. To say that I couldn't put it down tells you just how good it is. I can relate this to any of Harrison Fords movies like the Fugitive because the action is truly non stop from beginning to end. I rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars strictly due to the profanity, but if that were missing then this one for me would be a 5-star book! For those of you that love a great suspense thriller taking you literally all over the globe, then this is a must read for you.
Author Hank Steinberg is the acclaimed creator of the hit TV series, Without a Trace who makes his publishing debut in this novel about a husband searching for his wife and the unspoken secrets of their marriage that will lead him straight into a deadly world of spies, lies and obsession.
That's just some of the thoughts going through Charlie Davis' mind when he realizes his wife has been kidnapped while driving home with his two children. He begins to go back in his mind to what could have happened. While his wife just returned from a trip to New York to visit her sister, she had come home to take the kids to Disneyland as a way to spend time with them after being gone. Charlie of course, had to work covering local politics for the LA Times. His wife Julie had decided to forgo work and instead opted to stay home and raise the kids. What was supposed to be a typical day of fun, soon turned into a nightmare as Charlie was on the phone with his wife Julie.
The kids were acting up and she needed some time to pull off the freeway to calm them down before driving home. She told Charlie she call him right back, but after almost an hour she hadn't called. Even more mysterious is that all her calls are going to voicemail. Charlie tries to reason with himself all the possible scenarios that could cause the phone to go to voicemail. Maybe one of the kids got sick, the phone died and she couldn't charge it, maybe she got into an accident. Knowing a general place where she would have taken an exit from the freeway, Charlie rushes to the area and soon sees police vehicles at the end of a dead end street. The only thing left in the dark is his wife's car and his children. Julie is gone.
Now under investigation from the police who believes that Charlie has killed his wife and subsequently has attempted to cover up the crime scene, he soon learns that his wife may have lead a life his really knew nothing about and the time they they spent together in Uzbekistan six years early is about to have some chilling consequences.
In the debut novel, Out of Range by Hank Steinberg due out on June 4, 2013, takes the reader into what is possibly coming to the big screen as a Hollywood movie. This is action packed and full to the brink with adrenaline! I read it from cover to cover in a matter of hours because I couldn't put it down. Just when I think I had it figured out, the author blind sided me and I had it all wrong. Be warned, this one could keep you up at night just waiting to finish it.
I received Out of Range by Hank Steinberg compliments of William Morrow Publishers, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. To say that I couldn't put it down tells you just how good it is. I can relate this to any of Harrison Fords movies like the Fugitive because the action is truly non stop from beginning to end. I rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars strictly due to the profanity, but if that were missing then this one for me would be a 5-star book! For those of you that love a great suspense thriller taking you literally all over the globe, then this is a must read for you.
Author Hank Steinberg is the acclaimed creator of the hit TV series, Without a Trace who makes his publishing debut in this novel about a husband searching for his wife and the unspoken secrets of their marriage that will lead him straight into a deadly world of spies, lies and obsession.
July 22, 2013
Author Hank Steinberg created one of my favorite TV shows of all time, the superb series "Without a Trace". His first novel, "Out of Range" is an action-packed thriller with an unusual twist--a husband must search for his missing wife, who may or may not be an international agent with a unknown agenda. American Charlie Davis was a globe-trotting journalist working a story in the Republic of Uzbekistan when he met Julie, the woman who would become his wife and the mother of his children. Julie was a child of English privilige who determined at a young age that she would make a difference in the world. Working for a global charity based in London, Julie had come to Uzebkistan four years earlier and become enmeshed in the culture and the cause. Julie and Charlie married, and when she was eight months pregnant with their first child, a rally they were attending turned deadly. While the crowd was being stirred by a motivational rant from Alisher Byko, a wealthy political upstart, Julie was remembering Byko from their former relationship. They had attended the same college, and they had been lovers. Just as the mood of the gathering intensifies, Julie goes into labor as Charlie is getting closer to the action to get better photos. A violent barrage of bullets takes the life of Byko's wife and child and leaves Charlie seriously wounded. Six years later, Charlie and Julie are settled into domestic life with their two children. Living in Santa Monica, CA, Charlie is a political reporter for the LA Times, and Julie is a stay-at-home mom. What Charlie has not realized, or has purposely ignored, is that Julie never expected them to become rooted in California suburban life. She loves her husband and children deeply, but she is still driven to fight causes for those who can't fight the good fight for themselves. After a four-day trip alone to New York to visit her sister, Julie returns home and prepares to take the children on an excursion to Disneyland. With Charlie working, Julie will have the children to herself. As the day draws to a close, Charlie has one last chat with Julie by cell phone and waits for his family to come home while he cooks their dinner. However, something goes wrong, and there are no more calls from Julie, and she and the children don't come home. A frantic Charlie begins a search which leads him to Julie's car surrounded by police. The children are terrified and unharmed, but their mother is missing. Thus begins a long nightmarish search for his wife which will push Charlie to the edge and beyond and cause him to question everything he thought he knew about his marriage and life in general. If he can survive this ordeal, and find Julie and bring her home, will she even want to come back to their life as a family? Will she still love him, and can he forgive her seeming involvement in an operation for which the end justifies any means? Hank Steinberg is a compelling storyteller who keeps the reader involved and keeps the pages turning with intriguing twists and turns.
Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
January 16, 2016
REVIEW:
Charlie Davis met his wife, Julie when he was a journalist, based around Uzbekistan. Julie was from London but was there trying to make the citizens aware of their situation. The excitement in their lives came to the top during a demonstration. Julie was pregnant and went with Charlie and an old friend and his wife. Their friend Alisher Byko climbed the statue of the Uzbekistan leader and began to speak of resistance. I know people get passionate about their causes but speak out in the right forum. Anyway, the police arrived and the protestors were being shot. Charlie wanted a better view to photograph what was going on. He climbed a tower and saw a horrible thing. Byko's wife and child were being murdered. Suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his back. He'd had been shot. Now that those days are long gone, Julie is home, mother to two children and Charlie is working at the LA Times. I feel this is too good to last long. The unrest will start soon. There appears to be a little tension in the once blissful marriage. Charlie has found out he will have to start traveling abroad to keep his job. After what had happened to him 6 years ago, Charlie is fearful but is going to talk about it with Julie. Julie had taken the kids out and were stuck in traffic. Charlie told her of a different route and for her to call when she got out of traffic. She doesn't call. He worries and goes to where he told her to go. Police surrounded the care and the children. They were alright but where was Julie? Charlie finds out that Julie went to London and never visited her sister in New York. He doesn't understand why she lied to him. The police believe that Charlie learned she was having an affair and murdered his wife. Charlie sets out to find Julie and clear his name. He has a fear that Julie is in trouble. I wonder what ever happened to Byko. He became a powerful man but what is he up to? This novel is a debut for the author. I was amazed when I discovered he is the creator of WITHOUT A TRACE. He wrote a fairly fast paced novel. The characters could be your next door neighbors. The author doesn't overwhelm you with too much background on the characters. You have to feel for Charlie. A family man trying to keep his family safe. I got a little hung up on the last part of the novel. I found it hard to believe. Too many twists and turns which wasn't at all like the first part which was definitely a thriller. The book was still a fast action, entertaining read. I would recommend this read to anyone who likes thrillers. The author doesn't disappoint. Grab a copy of the book and go on the search for Julie.
I would give this book 4 STARS.
I was given a complimentary copy of OUT OF RANGE from the author, Hank Steinberg for this unbiased review.
Charlie Davis met his wife, Julie when he was a journalist, based around Uzbekistan. Julie was from London but was there trying to make the citizens aware of their situation. The excitement in their lives came to the top during a demonstration. Julie was pregnant and went with Charlie and an old friend and his wife. Their friend Alisher Byko climbed the statue of the Uzbekistan leader and began to speak of resistance. I know people get passionate about their causes but speak out in the right forum. Anyway, the police arrived and the protestors were being shot. Charlie wanted a better view to photograph what was going on. He climbed a tower and saw a horrible thing. Byko's wife and child were being murdered. Suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his back. He'd had been shot. Now that those days are long gone, Julie is home, mother to two children and Charlie is working at the LA Times. I feel this is too good to last long. The unrest will start soon. There appears to be a little tension in the once blissful marriage. Charlie has found out he will have to start traveling abroad to keep his job. After what had happened to him 6 years ago, Charlie is fearful but is going to talk about it with Julie. Julie had taken the kids out and were stuck in traffic. Charlie told her of a different route and for her to call when she got out of traffic. She doesn't call. He worries and goes to where he told her to go. Police surrounded the care and the children. They were alright but where was Julie? Charlie finds out that Julie went to London and never visited her sister in New York. He doesn't understand why she lied to him. The police believe that Charlie learned she was having an affair and murdered his wife. Charlie sets out to find Julie and clear his name. He has a fear that Julie is in trouble. I wonder what ever happened to Byko. He became a powerful man but what is he up to? This novel is a debut for the author. I was amazed when I discovered he is the creator of WITHOUT A TRACE. He wrote a fairly fast paced novel. The characters could be your next door neighbors. The author doesn't overwhelm you with too much background on the characters. You have to feel for Charlie. A family man trying to keep his family safe. I got a little hung up on the last part of the novel. I found it hard to believe. Too many twists and turns which wasn't at all like the first part which was definitely a thriller. The book was still a fast action, entertaining read. I would recommend this read to anyone who likes thrillers. The author doesn't disappoint. Grab a copy of the book and go on the search for Julie.
I would give this book 4 STARS.
I was given a complimentary copy of OUT OF RANGE from the author, Hank Steinberg for this unbiased review.
December 7, 2013
This debut novel by Hank Steinberg is billed as an action-packed thriller, and it certainly lives up to that billing.
The tale opens with a scenario somewhat reminiscent, initially, of the tragic story of Danny Pearl, who drove with a local into forbidding territory in the middle of a war zone in search of a story that promised to await at the other end. The novel’s protagonist, 38-year-old American Charlie Davis, who’d been a foreign correspondent for ten years and in Uzbekistan for nearly two, is fluent in Russian, but also able to speak the Uzbek language. He interviews a woman whose young son, a university student, had been arrested and cruelly tortured and killed. Charlie’s resulting story and the portrait revealed of that country’s current government gains widespread notice. Not long afterwards, there is a protest in the heart of the provincial capital of Andijan, which draws over 10,000 people, but which evolves into a massacre. Charlie and his very pregnant British wife, Julie, are among the survivors, but do not escape unscathed: Charlie is shot in the back; Julie, meanwhile, goes into premature labor. They barely escape with their lives, and leave the country with their infant son very shortly afterwards.
The story picks up six years later. Charlie is now a political journalist for the LA Times, where he is being pressured by his boss to again take up foreign assignments. He and Julie now have two children, their six-year-old son and a three-year-old girl. Julie, who in the past had run several aid projects for an international charity based in London, later an emissary of an NGO called World Vision, is chafing at the life of a suburban mom in Southern California. Then, when she and the children are en route back from Disneyland, something happens that turns their lives upside down and is the beginning of a nightmare from which there is seemingly no escape. Gradually Charlie becomes aware that Julie had hidden many things from him in the last year, during which there has been much friction between him and Julie, and there have been many lies. The rest of the story, beyond the obvious one which threatens their marriage, is one of international terrorism which threatens the lives of many, and which the author creates in a suspense-filled plot which left this reader frequently breathless. Ultimately the American “alphabet” agencies and their international counterparts become involved and the parameters become much wider.
The author is perhaps best known as a television writer, having created the series “Without a Trace,” among other things. I am certain that this novel is only the portent of more wonderful fiction to come. Recommended.
June 19, 2014
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
It's been awhile since I've read a decent action adventure novel that didn't have the main male character falling in love with a ditzy, pathetic female character in an unreasonably short amount of time.
Out of Range is the story of a couple, Charlie and Julie Davis, that are involved in trying to change the world for the better, until they get caught up in a protest turned massacre in a city in Central Asia. Worrying for the outcome of their futures, they fled to a safe, suburban neighborhood in L.A. in the hopes that that will keep them out of harms way. But transitioning from an adrenaline filled, activist lifestyle to that of a soccer mom left Julie feeling unfulfilled and empty. She makes an attempt to reach out to an old activist friend, and previous lover, from the protest/massacre in the hopes of getting back into the excitement of her previous life. After the meeting goes awry, and she makes it back to her home, she gets stalked than kidnapped and launched into a nightmarish journey, all the while with her husband tracking her down with the hopes of getting her back safely.
I loved that this novel keeps you engaged from the first chapter till the last, wondering what will happen to this couple and if they will make it through everything alive. There are many instances when you are discovering everything that happened during Julie's meetup with her activist friend whether she is telling the truth, or just trying to get herself out of hot water. It's hard not to feel for the husband throughout the whole story, with all the ups and downs, the concerns of his children, the disappearance of his wife and all the accusations and skepticism that are thrown his way.
A worthwhile read for anyone looking for an action adventure novel that reads like a movie.
It's been awhile since I've read a decent action adventure novel that didn't have the main male character falling in love with a ditzy, pathetic female character in an unreasonably short amount of time.
Out of Range is the story of a couple, Charlie and Julie Davis, that are involved in trying to change the world for the better, until they get caught up in a protest turned massacre in a city in Central Asia. Worrying for the outcome of their futures, they fled to a safe, suburban neighborhood in L.A. in the hopes that that will keep them out of harms way. But transitioning from an adrenaline filled, activist lifestyle to that of a soccer mom left Julie feeling unfulfilled and empty. She makes an attempt to reach out to an old activist friend, and previous lover, from the protest/massacre in the hopes of getting back into the excitement of her previous life. After the meeting goes awry, and she makes it back to her home, she gets stalked than kidnapped and launched into a nightmarish journey, all the while with her husband tracking her down with the hopes of getting her back safely.
I loved that this novel keeps you engaged from the first chapter till the last, wondering what will happen to this couple and if they will make it through everything alive. There are many instances when you are discovering everything that happened during Julie's meetup with her activist friend whether she is telling the truth, or just trying to get herself out of hot water. It's hard not to feel for the husband throughout the whole story, with all the ups and downs, the concerns of his children, the disappearance of his wife and all the accusations and skepticism that are thrown his way.
A worthwhile read for anyone looking for an action adventure novel that reads like a movie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2013
Out of Range is Hank Steinberg's debut novel. But Steinberg was also the creator and producer of a television show I enjoyed - Without a Trace. The fictional tv show setting was the Missing Persons Unit of the FBI in New York City and their search for - you guessed it - missing persons.
Well, Steinberg has taken that successful one hour formula and parlayed it into a novel that I also really enjoyed.
Charlie Davis and his wife Julie were living and working in Eastern Uzbekistan in 2005 when the country erupted in violence. They barely made it out with their lives - and newborn son. They move back to the US to raise him in a stable and safer environment. Life is good for the Davises. Or so Charlie thought. Until the day his children are found alone in the family's vehicle on a dead end street. And Julie is missing.
Out of Range is my favourite kind of suspense novel - an everyday person forced into extraordinary circumstances. Steinberg ups the ante with an international setting and by incorporating actual events into his story.
Out of Range is a perfect summer read. Lots of action, suspense, cliff hangers, international intrigue, terrorist and more all added up to a entertaining read. Yes, some of it is a bit over the top, but again - perfect escapist reading. Fans of Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay would enjoy this new author. And this reader will be looking for his next novel.
And if sounds like a great movie plot....it is. Steinberg is working on the screenplay for Out of Range for Paramount Pictures.
Well, Steinberg has taken that successful one hour formula and parlayed it into a novel that I also really enjoyed.
Charlie Davis and his wife Julie were living and working in Eastern Uzbekistan in 2005 when the country erupted in violence. They barely made it out with their lives - and newborn son. They move back to the US to raise him in a stable and safer environment. Life is good for the Davises. Or so Charlie thought. Until the day his children are found alone in the family's vehicle on a dead end street. And Julie is missing.
Out of Range is my favourite kind of suspense novel - an everyday person forced into extraordinary circumstances. Steinberg ups the ante with an international setting and by incorporating actual events into his story.
Out of Range is a perfect summer read. Lots of action, suspense, cliff hangers, international intrigue, terrorist and more all added up to a entertaining read. Yes, some of it is a bit over the top, but again - perfect escapist reading. Fans of Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay would enjoy this new author. And this reader will be looking for his next novel.
And if sounds like a great movie plot....it is. Steinberg is working on the screenplay for Out of Range for Paramount Pictures.
December 28, 2014
He’s an American journalist looking for the break-out story that will make his career. She’s a British social activist working for an NGO and striving to ‘make a difference’ in the world. Their mutual passions bring them together in the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan. Together they play a hand in an ill-fated uprising, prompting a hasty departure from the country.
Six years later, their past comes back to haunt them. Julia vanishes mysteriously after a day trip to Disneyland. The police find the children unattended in her car and are quick to suspect husband Charlie of foul play. But others are interested in Julia’s activities and Charlie is soon heading back to Uzbekistan to find out what is going on and hopefully rescue Julia.
While ‘Out of Range’ is not likely to win any literary awards, it is a fast-paced thriller that showcases author Hank Greenberg’s skill as a TV scriptwriter. I don’t know if he is actually familiar with Uzbek life or if he just referred to CIAFactbook.gov but he did a good job of making the story sound plausible which is really all that matters.
In addition, if you are working on a 'read around the world' reading challenge, you aren't going to find too many books about Uzbekistan.
* The review book was based on an advanced reading copy obtained at no cost from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. While this does take any ‘not worth what I paid for it’ statements out of my review, it otherwise has no impact on the content of my review.
Six years later, their past comes back to haunt them. Julia vanishes mysteriously after a day trip to Disneyland. The police find the children unattended in her car and are quick to suspect husband Charlie of foul play. But others are interested in Julia’s activities and Charlie is soon heading back to Uzbekistan to find out what is going on and hopefully rescue Julia.
While ‘Out of Range’ is not likely to win any literary awards, it is a fast-paced thriller that showcases author Hank Greenberg’s skill as a TV scriptwriter. I don’t know if he is actually familiar with Uzbek life or if he just referred to CIAFactbook.gov but he did a good job of making the story sound plausible which is really all that matters.
In addition, if you are working on a 'read around the world' reading challenge, you aren't going to find too many books about Uzbekistan.
* The review book was based on an advanced reading copy obtained at no cost from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. While this does take any ‘not worth what I paid for it’ statements out of my review, it otherwise has no impact on the content of my review.
December 25, 2016
Hank Steinberg sana laflar hazırladım...
Şimdi bir insan hem Özbekistan'daki diktatörlüğün neden olduğu yıkıma dikkat çekmek, hem de bir gazetecinin kendi vatanı dahi olmayan bir ülke adına verdiği mücadeleyi konu etmek isterken nasıl bu kadar klişe bir aksiyon yazabilir? Hayır kitap güzel başlıyor, konu süper; bir gazeteci Özbekistan'da rejimin insanlar üzerindeki baskısını, şiddet yanlısı tutumunu ortaya çıkarıyor ve bir özgürlük mücadelesi başlatıyor. Gerçekte de yaşanan bu ayaklanmayla birlikte halk miting yapmak için 13 Mayıs 2005 yılında Fergana Vadisi'ndeki Andican şehrinde bir araya geliyor. Fakat ne yazık ki o gün medyanda toplanan halkın üzerine kurşunlar yağdırılıyor ve bir katliam gerçekleşiyor. Kahramanımız Charlie ve eşi Julie'nin başlattığı mücadele de burada sona eriyor.
Ta ki 6 yıl sonra Julie ansızın ortadan kaybolana kadar. Karısının nerede olduğunu bulmaya çalışan Charlie onun izini Özbekistan'a kadar sürüyor. Sonrası ise güzel olmasına karşın klişelerle dolu tipik bir Amerikan aksiyon filmi tadında.
Kesinlikle iyi kurgulanmamış ama konusu itibariyle dikkat çeken ve sayfaları ardı ardına çevirmek isteyeceğiniz bir kitap. O yüzden kitap çıktığında (gözünüz Martı Yayınları'nda olsun) bir şans verebilirsiniz bence.
Şimdi bir insan hem Özbekistan'daki diktatörlüğün neden olduğu yıkıma dikkat çekmek, hem de bir gazetecinin kendi vatanı dahi olmayan bir ülke adına verdiği mücadeleyi konu etmek isterken nasıl bu kadar klişe bir aksiyon yazabilir? Hayır kitap güzel başlıyor, konu süper; bir gazeteci Özbekistan'da rejimin insanlar üzerindeki baskısını, şiddet yanlısı tutumunu ortaya çıkarıyor ve bir özgürlük mücadelesi başlatıyor. Gerçekte de yaşanan bu ayaklanmayla birlikte halk miting yapmak için 13 Mayıs 2005 yılında Fergana Vadisi'ndeki Andican şehrinde bir araya geliyor. Fakat ne yazık ki o gün medyanda toplanan halkın üzerine kurşunlar yağdırılıyor ve bir katliam gerçekleşiyor. Kahramanımız Charlie ve eşi Julie'nin başlattığı mücadele de burada sona eriyor.
Ta ki 6 yıl sonra Julie ansızın ortadan kaybolana kadar. Karısının nerede olduğunu bulmaya çalışan Charlie onun izini Özbekistan'a kadar sürüyor. Sonrası ise güzel olmasına karşın klişelerle dolu tipik bir Amerikan aksiyon filmi tadında.
Kesinlikle iyi kurgulanmamış ama konusu itibariyle dikkat çeken ve sayfaları ardı ardına çevirmek isteyeceğiniz bir kitap. O yüzden kitap çıktığında (gözünüz Martı Yayınları'nda olsun) bir şans verebilirsiniz bence.
August 2, 2013
Huge fan (that’s me)of TV program “Without A trace” meets writer/producer, Hank Steinberg in his debut Out of Range. Impressed!
Political thrillers are not always my cup of tea. I have trouble keeping countries and terrorists straight and often the governmental issues go over my head. Not the case here. Out of Range is easy to follow and is, as promised, a fast paced thriller, with interesting characters. You root for the good guys from the get go and hope all will turn out well for them in the end.
Most of the action takes place in Uzbekistan. Journalist, Charlie Davis and his pregnant wife barely escape being killed during an upheaval of governmental forces. They come home to Los Angeles and after six years Charlie is happy with their existence. Not so his wife, Jules. She’s left unfinished business back Uzbekistan and seemingly craves action. Without informing Charlie, Jules is back in the saddle again. When she goes missing, it’s up to Charlie to figure out if Jules has left him for a long-ago lover or if something more sinister is at hand.
Great debut! Hopefully we’ll read more from Hank Steinberg.
Political thrillers are not always my cup of tea. I have trouble keeping countries and terrorists straight and often the governmental issues go over my head. Not the case here. Out of Range is easy to follow and is, as promised, a fast paced thriller, with interesting characters. You root for the good guys from the get go and hope all will turn out well for them in the end.
Most of the action takes place in Uzbekistan. Journalist, Charlie Davis and his pregnant wife barely escape being killed during an upheaval of governmental forces. They come home to Los Angeles and after six years Charlie is happy with their existence. Not so his wife, Jules. She’s left unfinished business back Uzbekistan and seemingly craves action. Without informing Charlie, Jules is back in the saddle again. When she goes missing, it’s up to Charlie to figure out if Jules has left him for a long-ago lover or if something more sinister is at hand.
Great debut! Hopefully we’ll read more from Hank Steinberg.
April 2, 2014
International thriller taking place between the United States and Uzbekistan
Charlie and Julie Davis are just your regular L.A. residents. Charlie is a journalist and Julie is a wife and mother. Of course, that doesn't take into account that six years ago they were involved in Uzbekistan politics and both almost died.
Julie has been a little bored being a housewife and wants to be out there "saving the world" again so when she is approached and asked to help, she jumps right on it, even though she can't tell Charlie and ends up way over her head in danger.
There were many parts of this story that were a tad unbelievable but it is fiction and I was willing to play along, suspending my disbelief, for the sake of the story.
There's not a huge amount of character development in the story but there is a lot of action. In some ways, "Out of Range" reminded me of that older film "True Lies." It is definitely thriller rather than comedy but it did remind me of the movie at times - in a good way.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Charlie and Julie Davis are just your regular L.A. residents. Charlie is a journalist and Julie is a wife and mother. Of course, that doesn't take into account that six years ago they were involved in Uzbekistan politics and both almost died.
Julie has been a little bored being a housewife and wants to be out there "saving the world" again so when she is approached and asked to help, she jumps right on it, even though she can't tell Charlie and ends up way over her head in danger.
There were many parts of this story that were a tad unbelievable but it is fiction and I was willing to play along, suspending my disbelief, for the sake of the story.
There's not a huge amount of character development in the story but there is a lot of action. In some ways, "Out of Range" reminded me of that older film "True Lies." It is definitely thriller rather than comedy but it did remind me of the movie at times - in a good way.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 21, 2014
I know lots of journalists. Some of them are real cowboys like Charlie Davis. Some of them are idealistic like Charlie Davis. Some of the are romantic like Charlie Davis. But none of them are hell bent to get themselves killed like Charlie Davis. So this plot that makes him a super spy able to vanquish entire squads of Russian mercenaries is ludicrous. His lying, cheating wife comes home to no consequences. His adversary seems more human than Charlie, yet we're supposed to applaud when he's killed in the penultimate scene. Steinberg was apparently the writer from the TV show Without a Trace. So I was surprised when his first novel turns out to be a geo-political thriller rather than those poignant tales he told on TV. And I'm praying that Charlie Davis doesn't become a serial character. Please, Mr. Steinberg, don't do this to yourself!. Hope he reads this because I believe I got this as a Goodreads freebie, so I'd like to read more from him, just not about Charlie Davis.
July 6, 2013
In Uzbekistan, photojournalist, Charlie Davis, goes to a small village to take photographic evidence of atrocities of the local ruler.
His pregnant wife, Julie, is also there and when a protest erupts, Charlie and Julie barely escape.
Six years go by and suddenly Jane disappears leaving Charlie with their two children.
Charlie is questioned by authorities and when he begins searching for Julie, he begins to unravel a secret and comes to feel she might be in danger.
In a complicated plot, Alisher Boyko, a university friend of Julie, is now a powerful man and planning something evil. He is holding Julie as a hostage.
Charlie must try to save his wife who he now feels might be some kind of British secret agent.
Not to reveal plot, the story is suspenseful and realistic.
The author knows how to capture and hold the reader's attention.
His pregnant wife, Julie, is also there and when a protest erupts, Charlie and Julie barely escape.
Six years go by and suddenly Jane disappears leaving Charlie with their two children.
Charlie is questioned by authorities and when he begins searching for Julie, he begins to unravel a secret and comes to feel she might be in danger.
In a complicated plot, Alisher Boyko, a university friend of Julie, is now a powerful man and planning something evil. He is holding Julie as a hostage.
Charlie must try to save his wife who he now feels might be some kind of British secret agent.
Not to reveal plot, the story is suspenseful and realistic.
The author knows how to capture and hold the reader's attention.
April 23, 2013
Charlie Davis is a journalist who wants to make a difference, but while in Uzbekistan with his pregnant wife, Julie, he is almost killed. Trading his life on assignment to working of a Los Angeles newspaper, they live the life of a happy suburban family until Julie disappears after an outing with the kids. As he tries to find his wife, he is accused by the police, tortured by unknown assailants and finds out his wife may be leading a secret life.
This fast paced thriller could certainly be a movie and sometimes it reads that way. But still this is a great summer escape and a exciting read. There weren’t any surprises and a lot seemed far-fetched, but I didn’t take away from what it was – an electrifying story of love against the odds.
This fast paced thriller could certainly be a movie and sometimes it reads that way. But still this is a great summer escape and a exciting read. There weren’t any surprises and a lot seemed far-fetched, but I didn’t take away from what it was – an electrifying story of love against the odds.
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