Better Than This

by Stuart Harrison

Thrilling contemporary novel from the author of THE SNOW FALCON and STILL WATER. What could be better than this!

Genres: Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

I was born in 1958 in Northamptonshire, England. Left school at 16 with no particular distinction and moved to New Zealand in 1980 where I subsequently worked in a variety of occupations until I began writing novels at the age of thirty seven. Three were universally rejected until The Snow Falcon was bought by publishers in sixteen countries in 1999 and went on to become a bestseller. At the time I was living in England again and during the next few years lived in Ireland and Australia before returning to New Zealand where I now live with my family in the Bay Of Islands.

Reviews

[Barbara Elsborg · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of those books that drives you mad all the way through because the main character is such a twit but compulsive reading none the less. Nick has everything but when he comes close to losing it all, he's tempted down a path that gets darker and darker. I did enjoy it but I didn't like the ending.

[Anand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, keeps you reading to find out what's coming next. If u enjoy suspense, give this one a try, loved the ending. Has good twists ans turns, story moves fast, hated when it ended.

[Zelfy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly, I think I will find this story to be a memorable one. From the first page it was easy to follow and relate to the common worries, relationships and questions people of this modern age come to ask themselves. It gave me a rather uneasy and stressful feeling throughout reminding me of similar aspects of my own life rather than it being an escape. It’s a real page turner with some parts predicable but most parts very suspenseful. Some of the plot and characters aren’t quite believable, but all in all this book gives rise to asking the same questions to ourselves; reflecting on how we live our lives and how far we would let go of our personal values and morals for the vague terms of ‘dream life’ and ‘success’ which all differ depending on what you live for.

[Anthony · Rating 1 out of 5]

Like another reviewer I make it a rule to finish every book I start but I must say I found this one a struggle. It's 345 pages long when 170 would have sufficed. The initial office set-up goes on far too long and made me wish that the author would cut to the chase. Then there's a ridiculous twist to the plot which makes the story hard to take seriously from then on. The protagonist is a dolt when it comes to relationships and I was way ahead of him. The ending is not for the squeamish. Very poor.

[Sophie Houston · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are indeed thousands of books better than this.

[Laura E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most spell binding mystery, crime novels that I’ve read in a long time. Cudos to Stuart Harrison.

[Shruthi D'Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

One wrong step and you've lost the way! Tragedy strikes, but some just invite woe upon themselves. I guess situation is the real tester of a man's character. It is what you choose that determines what you deserve, whether you suffer or go scot-free. That's what this book is about. With twists and turns till the end, it sure was an interesting read.

[Raymond · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading an author from each letter of the alphabet (A to Z) H was next and Harrison was on the shelf. Suffice to say I won’t be seeking any other books from this author. If I did not make a point of trying to finish all books I started I would not have found that the last 110 pages were reasonably good and upped my rating from a one to a two star.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story, but obviously an early effort by this author. Part III seemed to be finished later in time, as the writing is greatly improved over the rest of the book. I loved the book because of the great story line.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this were a film it would be a B-Movie melodrama. You want the hero to come good but he never quite does and you realise he deserves all he gets in the end. A great page turner though

[Deb Yarrall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't think it well-written and the ending is terrible.

[Sayani Iqbal]

Finished reading yesterday. I enjoyed reading it. It was my first book from this author. The best thing about this novel is it has very few characters , so it was very easy to remember & you get easy grip on the plot . Would definitely recommend others.