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Roy Grace #10.5
Face Off
Edited by #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci and including stories by Michael Connelly, Lee Child, Jeffery Deaver, and more, this one-of-a-kind anthology pulls together the most beloved characters from the best and most popular thriller series today. Worlds collide!
In an unprecedented collaboration, twenty-three of the world’s bestselling and critically acclaimed thriller writers have paired their series characters—such as Harry Bosch, Jack Reacher, and Lincoln Rhyme—in an eleven-story anthology curated by the International Thriller Writers (ITW). All of the contributors to FaceOff are ITW members and the stories feature these dynamic duos:
· Harry Bosch vs. Patrick Kenzie in “Red Eye,” by Michael Connelly and Dennis Lehane
· John Rebus vs. Roy Grace in “In the Nick of Time,” by Ian Rankin and Peter James
· Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy vs. Aloysius Pendergast in “Gaslighted,” by R.L. Stine, Douglas Preston, and Lincoln Child
· Malachai Samuels vs. D.D. Warren in “The Laughing Buddha,” by M.J. Rose and Lisa Gardner
· Paul Madriani vs. Alexandra Cooper in “Surfing the Panther,” by Steve Martini and Linda Fairstein
· Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport in “Rhymes With Prey,” by Jeffery Deaver and John Sandford
· Michael Quinn vs. Repairman Jack in “Infernal Night,” by Heather Graham and F. Paul Wilson
· Sean Reilly vs. Glen Garber in “Pit Stop,” by Raymond Khoury and Linwood Barclay
· Wyatt Hunt vs. Joe Trona in “Silent Hunt,” by John Lescroart and T. Jefferson Parker
· Cotton Malone vs. Gray Pierce in “The Devil’s Bones,” by Steve Berry and James Rollins
· Jack Reacher vs. Nick Heller in “Good and Valuable Consideration,” by Lee Child and Joseph Finder
So sit back and prepare for a rollicking ride as your favorite characters go head-to-head with some worthy opponents in FaceOff—it’s a thrill-a-minute read.
In an unprecedented collaboration, twenty-three of the world’s bestselling and critically acclaimed thriller writers have paired their series characters—such as Harry Bosch, Jack Reacher, and Lincoln Rhyme—in an eleven-story anthology curated by the International Thriller Writers (ITW). All of the contributors to FaceOff are ITW members and the stories feature these dynamic duos:
· Harry Bosch vs. Patrick Kenzie in “Red Eye,” by Michael Connelly and Dennis Lehane
· John Rebus vs. Roy Grace in “In the Nick of Time,” by Ian Rankin and Peter James
· Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy vs. Aloysius Pendergast in “Gaslighted,” by R.L. Stine, Douglas Preston, and Lincoln Child
· Malachai Samuels vs. D.D. Warren in “The Laughing Buddha,” by M.J. Rose and Lisa Gardner
· Paul Madriani vs. Alexandra Cooper in “Surfing the Panther,” by Steve Martini and Linda Fairstein
· Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport in “Rhymes With Prey,” by Jeffery Deaver and John Sandford
· Michael Quinn vs. Repairman Jack in “Infernal Night,” by Heather Graham and F. Paul Wilson
· Sean Reilly vs. Glen Garber in “Pit Stop,” by Raymond Khoury and Linwood Barclay
· Wyatt Hunt vs. Joe Trona in “Silent Hunt,” by John Lescroart and T. Jefferson Parker
· Cotton Malone vs. Gray Pierce in “The Devil’s Bones,” by Steve Berry and James Rollins
· Jack Reacher vs. Nick Heller in “Good and Valuable Consideration,” by Lee Child and Joseph Finder
So sit back and prepare for a rollicking ride as your favorite characters go head-to-head with some worthy opponents in FaceOff—it’s a thrill-a-minute read.
367 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2014
2521 people are currently reading
7882 people want to read
About the author
David Baldacci
219 books123k followersDavid Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.”)
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 969 reviews
March 26, 2022
Faceoff is an awesome collection of authors who work together on short stories where their characters are paired up with each other. I really this audiobook all very thrilling stories were awesome
July 25, 2014
Posted to The Literary Lawyer.ca
A Unique and Thrilling Anthology - 3.8 Stars
When I saw an anthology that had Cotton Malone and Grayson Pierce in the same story, I had to get my hands on the book. I don't know about you, but I would love to read a cross over novel with my favorite characters. Unfortunately, the cross over novels will never occur but this is a fun substitute. I did a short review of each story and averaged the ratings out to 3.8 stars. Most of the stories were great while a couple lacked. Some of the biggest authors here gave a below average stories but there were plenty of great stories to go around. This is a fun anthology that is well worth the read.
RED EYE - 3.5 Stars
Dennis Lehane vs. Michael Connelly
Patrick Kenzie vs. Harry Bosch
The PI and the Police officer meet in this short story. Harry Bosch finds himself in Boston looking for DNA to close a decade old cold case. In the process he finds himself on Kenzie's turf while Kenzie is tracking down a missing girl. As their interests seem to be the same, they assist each other to find some evidence they hope will assist them both to close their case.
There is interesting dialogue between these two type A personalities as each tries to up the other once or twice and one finds himself as the butt end of a joke or two. The two writing styles matched well and the result was an above average short story. The authors faced an obvious issue of deciding how to get a Boston PI and LA Detective into the same story. The reasoning was a bit forced but the writing was good. I have not read anything by Lehane or Connelly so I cannot comment on how each author dealt with their character.
IN THE NICK OF TIME - 4 Stars
Ian Rankin vs. Peter James
John Rebus vs. Roy Grace
We have the meeting of the Scot and the Brit in this short story. A dying man gives a deathbed confession to John Rebus that tells of a murder he committed 50 years earlier in England. In an effort to provide closure to a cold case, Rebus is connected with Peter James in England who is provided with the details. When the case is investigated, not all is as it seems and the story ends with a surprise twist.
I have read some of the Rebus novels but have not read the Roy Grace novels. Rebus was true to character. It was interesting to see two generations of Police Officers and two styles and ideas on investigation and policing. This story has me looking to go back to the Rebus Series and to give Roy Grace a shot.
Again, the authors had to figure out how to connect two detectives from two different countries. They came up with a plausible reason although I did not understand why Rebus had to fly to England to follow up. The writing style flowed exceptionally well and it was a well crafted and complete short story.
GASLIGHTED - 3 Stars
R. L. Stine vs. Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy vs. Aloysius Pendergast
Odd..... R.L. Stine of Goosebumps fame teams up with the Preston/Child writing duo. FBI agent Pendergast wakes up to find himself tied to a bed a surrounded by dead people from his past. The dead persons tell him he is in fact alive and in a sanatorium. Apparently, he has "cracked" from years of traumatic experiences. The creepy surroundings are punctuated by a creepy Ventriloquist Dummy sitting on a chair in his room. Pendergast has to separate fiction from reality to determine if he is simply dreaming or part of some nefarious scheme.
I have to say the idea of putting these authors together was interesting. I have read several Preston and Child books but have no experience with R.L. Stine. That said, I could see Stine`s influence on the story. Unfortunately, the result was disjointed and confusing. I think three cooks in this kitchen was a bit much.
Apparently, Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy is one of Stine`s most famous characters but the characters involvement in the story was never really clear. It didn`t work well as a short story but I could see this as an interesting idea were it fleshed out into a full fledged novel.
THE LAUGHING BUDDHA - 4.5 Stars
M. J. Rose vs. Lisa Gardner
Malachai Samuels vs. D. D. Warren
In this short story, each of the authors most popular characters meet in Boston's Chinatown. As Detective D.D. Warren is investigating the death of a prominent antiquities dealer, Malachai Samuels becomes a person of interest and Detective Warren has a few questions to be answered. Meanwhile, Malachai Samuels is on a quest to find ancient information that will unlock a person's past life memories. The pragmatic D.D. Warren meets the mystical Malachai Samuels and motives for real crimes are revealed by unnatural means.
This story was very well written. The two characters are very different and their belief systems are polar opposites. At this point in the novel, this story is the most polished and well rounded. It likely benefits from the fact it is a bit longer but it has tight internal plot. The reason it did not get a full 5 stars is that it was really a Malachai Samuels story with D.D. Warren in a cameo appearance. Regardless, an interesting mystery with a supernatural twist.
SURFING THE PANTHER - 5 Stars
Steve Martini vs. Linda Fairstein
Paul Madriani vs. Alexandra Cooper
Defence Attorney Paul Madriani and Prosecutor Alexandra Cooper meet up a legal conference where they are both presenters. After a heated presentation, DA Alex Cooper pushed Madriani for some detail on a high profile trial he has coming up. Paul is reluctant to share information with a DA regardless of where she is from. Their discussion is interrupted by a gentleman who has evidence that Madriani's client is innocent of the crime. What follows is political intruge, international connections and just deserts.
Martini and Fairstein write a flawless short story. Their characters remain together for much of the story and the result is a thrilling and interesting tale. Since I started practicing law, I have shied away from legal thrillers. I haven't even read kept up with John Grisham. This short story may have sparked my interest once again and Linda Fairstein has made her way to my To Be Read list. An excellent story.
RHYMES WITH PREY - 2.5
Jeffery Deaver vs. John Sandford
Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport
Rhyme, Davenport and their sidekicks team up to investigate the death of some women, some police and something else... Way too much going on in this story. Instead of incorporating two people, this story deals with four. It was difficult to follow and did not flow especially well. I did not enjoy this one.
INFERNAL NIGHT - 4 Stars
Heather Graham vs. F. Paul Wilson
Michael Quinn vs. Repairman Jack
In this short story, Quinn and Jack are unknowingly hired by the same client to complete competing jobs. As they are both suspicious from the outset, they use a little ingenuity and quick thinking to turn the situation around while serving others their just deserts.
The writing styles meshed well. As both the characters were aware of the supernatural, their shared worldview made the story believable. While shorter than most of the others, it was interesting.
PIT STOP - 5 Stars
Raymond Khoury vs. Linwood Barclay
Sean Reilly vs. Glen Garber
Since Barclay does not use recurring character, he pulled a protagonist from a 2011 novels. The average guy Glen Garber is distraught when his daughter is taken hostage by an unknown assailant. Fortunately, FBI Agent Reilly is on the case. The majority of the story is chase scene with the characters in pursuit. It is by far the most exciting and thrilling story in this anthology. 5 bigs star for this interesting and exciting story.
SILENT HUNT - 4.5
John Lescroart vs. Jefferson Parker
Wyatt Hunt vs. Joe Trona
Wyatt Hunt and Joe Trona come together on a fishing trip in Mexico. While they did not know each other previously, they come to trust each other when their fishing guide and his family is threatened by some drug lords who are aware that the family had recently found gold in a mine. Using their wits and skills, these two characters devise a clever plan to both thwart the would be killers while protecting the villagers and ensuring their future is protected.
The writing styles of the authors meshed well and they wrote an interesting and coherent story. As an added bonus, the story was one of the most clever and well thought out.
THE DEVIL'S BONES - 5 STARS
James Rollins vs. Steve Berry
Grayson Pierce vs. Cotton Malone
Honestly, I read the entire anthology just for this story. I am a big fan of both characters and was excited to see them in a story together. The story did not disappoint. Both characters were unknowingly in search of a newly developed and highly dangerous plant based toxin. To ensure it does not fall into the hands of terrorist, both characters have been dispatched to retrieve it. When they discover each others goals, they decide to work together just as everything thing goes to hell around them. In regular Berry and Rollins style, guns, explosions and grave danger culminate in grand encounter and a narrow escape. These two authors worked well together. Too bad we won't see a crossover novel.
GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION - 1.5 STARS
Lee Child vs. Joseph Finder
Jack Reacher vs. Nick Heller
Considering Jack Reacher is arguably the most recognizable character in this anthology, I expected this final story to be the best of the lot. Instead, it was a stream of consciousness piece of garbage. There was a mirror and Reacher and Heller were there. I'm not sure why they were there or what else was going on. Maybe the authors told us but they did a crappy job of it. Skip the last one.
A Unique and Thrilling Anthology - 3.8 Stars
When I saw an anthology that had Cotton Malone and Grayson Pierce in the same story, I had to get my hands on the book. I don't know about you, but I would love to read a cross over novel with my favorite characters. Unfortunately, the cross over novels will never occur but this is a fun substitute. I did a short review of each story and averaged the ratings out to 3.8 stars. Most of the stories were great while a couple lacked. Some of the biggest authors here gave a below average stories but there were plenty of great stories to go around. This is a fun anthology that is well worth the read.
RED EYE - 3.5 Stars
Dennis Lehane vs. Michael Connelly
Patrick Kenzie vs. Harry Bosch
The PI and the Police officer meet in this short story. Harry Bosch finds himself in Boston looking for DNA to close a decade old cold case. In the process he finds himself on Kenzie's turf while Kenzie is tracking down a missing girl. As their interests seem to be the same, they assist each other to find some evidence they hope will assist them both to close their case.
There is interesting dialogue between these two type A personalities as each tries to up the other once or twice and one finds himself as the butt end of a joke or two. The two writing styles matched well and the result was an above average short story. The authors faced an obvious issue of deciding how to get a Boston PI and LA Detective into the same story. The reasoning was a bit forced but the writing was good. I have not read anything by Lehane or Connelly so I cannot comment on how each author dealt with their character.
IN THE NICK OF TIME - 4 Stars
Ian Rankin vs. Peter James
John Rebus vs. Roy Grace
We have the meeting of the Scot and the Brit in this short story. A dying man gives a deathbed confession to John Rebus that tells of a murder he committed 50 years earlier in England. In an effort to provide closure to a cold case, Rebus is connected with Peter James in England who is provided with the details. When the case is investigated, not all is as it seems and the story ends with a surprise twist.
I have read some of the Rebus novels but have not read the Roy Grace novels. Rebus was true to character. It was interesting to see two generations of Police Officers and two styles and ideas on investigation and policing. This story has me looking to go back to the Rebus Series and to give Roy Grace a shot.
Again, the authors had to figure out how to connect two detectives from two different countries. They came up with a plausible reason although I did not understand why Rebus had to fly to England to follow up. The writing style flowed exceptionally well and it was a well crafted and complete short story.
GASLIGHTED - 3 Stars
R. L. Stine vs. Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy vs. Aloysius Pendergast
Odd..... R.L. Stine of Goosebumps fame teams up with the Preston/Child writing duo. FBI agent Pendergast wakes up to find himself tied to a bed a surrounded by dead people from his past. The dead persons tell him he is in fact alive and in a sanatorium. Apparently, he has "cracked" from years of traumatic experiences. The creepy surroundings are punctuated by a creepy Ventriloquist Dummy sitting on a chair in his room. Pendergast has to separate fiction from reality to determine if he is simply dreaming or part of some nefarious scheme.
I have to say the idea of putting these authors together was interesting. I have read several Preston and Child books but have no experience with R.L. Stine. That said, I could see Stine`s influence on the story. Unfortunately, the result was disjointed and confusing. I think three cooks in this kitchen was a bit much.
Apparently, Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy is one of Stine`s most famous characters but the characters involvement in the story was never really clear. It didn`t work well as a short story but I could see this as an interesting idea were it fleshed out into a full fledged novel.
THE LAUGHING BUDDHA - 4.5 Stars
M. J. Rose vs. Lisa Gardner
Malachai Samuels vs. D. D. Warren
In this short story, each of the authors most popular characters meet in Boston's Chinatown. As Detective D.D. Warren is investigating the death of a prominent antiquities dealer, Malachai Samuels becomes a person of interest and Detective Warren has a few questions to be answered. Meanwhile, Malachai Samuels is on a quest to find ancient information that will unlock a person's past life memories. The pragmatic D.D. Warren meets the mystical Malachai Samuels and motives for real crimes are revealed by unnatural means.
This story was very well written. The two characters are very different and their belief systems are polar opposites. At this point in the novel, this story is the most polished and well rounded. It likely benefits from the fact it is a bit longer but it has tight internal plot. The reason it did not get a full 5 stars is that it was really a Malachai Samuels story with D.D. Warren in a cameo appearance. Regardless, an interesting mystery with a supernatural twist.
SURFING THE PANTHER - 5 Stars
Steve Martini vs. Linda Fairstein
Paul Madriani vs. Alexandra Cooper
Defence Attorney Paul Madriani and Prosecutor Alexandra Cooper meet up a legal conference where they are both presenters. After a heated presentation, DA Alex Cooper pushed Madriani for some detail on a high profile trial he has coming up. Paul is reluctant to share information with a DA regardless of where she is from. Their discussion is interrupted by a gentleman who has evidence that Madriani's client is innocent of the crime. What follows is political intruge, international connections and just deserts.
Martini and Fairstein write a flawless short story. Their characters remain together for much of the story and the result is a thrilling and interesting tale. Since I started practicing law, I have shied away from legal thrillers. I haven't even read kept up with John Grisham. This short story may have sparked my interest once again and Linda Fairstein has made her way to my To Be Read list. An excellent story.
RHYMES WITH PREY - 2.5
Jeffery Deaver vs. John Sandford
Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport
Rhyme, Davenport and their sidekicks team up to investigate the death of some women, some police and something else... Way too much going on in this story. Instead of incorporating two people, this story deals with four. It was difficult to follow and did not flow especially well. I did not enjoy this one.
INFERNAL NIGHT - 4 Stars
Heather Graham vs. F. Paul Wilson
Michael Quinn vs. Repairman Jack
In this short story, Quinn and Jack are unknowingly hired by the same client to complete competing jobs. As they are both suspicious from the outset, they use a little ingenuity and quick thinking to turn the situation around while serving others their just deserts.
The writing styles meshed well. As both the characters were aware of the supernatural, their shared worldview made the story believable. While shorter than most of the others, it was interesting.
PIT STOP - 5 Stars
Raymond Khoury vs. Linwood Barclay
Sean Reilly vs. Glen Garber
Since Barclay does not use recurring character, he pulled a protagonist from a 2011 novels. The average guy Glen Garber is distraught when his daughter is taken hostage by an unknown assailant. Fortunately, FBI Agent Reilly is on the case. The majority of the story is chase scene with the characters in pursuit. It is by far the most exciting and thrilling story in this anthology. 5 bigs star for this interesting and exciting story.
SILENT HUNT - 4.5
John Lescroart vs. Jefferson Parker
Wyatt Hunt vs. Joe Trona
Wyatt Hunt and Joe Trona come together on a fishing trip in Mexico. While they did not know each other previously, they come to trust each other when their fishing guide and his family is threatened by some drug lords who are aware that the family had recently found gold in a mine. Using their wits and skills, these two characters devise a clever plan to both thwart the would be killers while protecting the villagers and ensuring their future is protected.
The writing styles of the authors meshed well and they wrote an interesting and coherent story. As an added bonus, the story was one of the most clever and well thought out.
THE DEVIL'S BONES - 5 STARS
James Rollins vs. Steve Berry
Grayson Pierce vs. Cotton Malone
Honestly, I read the entire anthology just for this story. I am a big fan of both characters and was excited to see them in a story together. The story did not disappoint. Both characters were unknowingly in search of a newly developed and highly dangerous plant based toxin. To ensure it does not fall into the hands of terrorist, both characters have been dispatched to retrieve it. When they discover each others goals, they decide to work together just as everything thing goes to hell around them. In regular Berry and Rollins style, guns, explosions and grave danger culminate in grand encounter and a narrow escape. These two authors worked well together. Too bad we won't see a crossover novel.
GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION - 1.5 STARS
Lee Child vs. Joseph Finder
Jack Reacher vs. Nick Heller
Considering Jack Reacher is arguably the most recognizable character in this anthology, I expected this final story to be the best of the lot. Instead, it was a stream of consciousness piece of garbage. There was a mirror and Reacher and Heller were there. I'm not sure why they were there or what else was going on. Maybe the authors told us but they did a crappy job of it. Skip the last one.
June 11, 2023
The premise of the FACEOFF collection is one sure to intrigue any fiction buff; pit popular characters from best-selling series together or against one another and see what falls out. As Baldacci explains in his introduction, it is more of a headache than two authors teaming up to create a crossover, thanks to the legalities of publishing contracts. While I choose not to summarise each of the stories within this collection, I will admit that seeing the likes of Nick Heller and Jack Reacher, Patrick Kenzie and Harry Bosch, and even Sean Reilly and Glen Garber working in tandem opens the reader's mind to many interesting possibilities, all of which are realised in a number of short stories. This collection of authors have spun some wonderful tales, all filled with thrills and spills, with twists that keep the action growing from start to finish. While I am not familiar with a number of the characters, each has some interesting traits sure to intrigue readers familiar with at least a handful of them, as they live out short adventures on the page. A wonderful collection featuring many interesting characters living and working in their own respective elements.
While this collection was full of wonderful stories, each unique in its own right, there is a downside of bringing so many authors together. Learning about new characters and their individual nuances has looped me into wanting to discover more about them, as well as read about their stand-alone adventures. With a pile of books sure to drown me already, I cannot afford to add new authors to my overflowing quiver. I will keep this collection close at hand, as there were some characters who piqued my interest and left me wanting more.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, et al. for all your hard work and dedication to this project. I had a blast reading these short stories and hope a similar collection comes out again soon, perhaps from other members of the thriller guild.
While this collection was full of wonderful stories, each unique in its own right, there is a downside of bringing so many authors together. Learning about new characters and their individual nuances has looped me into wanting to discover more about them, as well as read about their stand-alone adventures. With a pile of books sure to drown me already, I cannot afford to add new authors to my overflowing quiver. I will keep this collection close at hand, as there were some characters who piqued my interest and left me wanting more.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, et al. for all your hard work and dedication to this project. I had a blast reading these short stories and hope a similar collection comes out again soon, perhaps from other members of the thriller guild.
March 30, 2016
Description: In an unprecedented collaboration, twenty-three of the world’s bestselling and critically acclaimed thriller writers have paired their series characters—such as Harry Bosch, Jack Reacher, and Lincoln Rhyme—in an eleven-story anthology curated by the International Thriller Writers (ITW). All of the contributors to FaceOff are ITW members and the stories feature these dynamic duos:
· Harry Bosch vs. Patrick Kenzie in “Red Eye,” by Michael Connelly and Dennis Lehane
· John Rebus vs. Roy Grace in “In the Nick of Time,” by Ian Rankin and Peter James
· Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy vs. Aloysius Pendergast in “Gaslighted,” by R.L. Stine, Douglas Preston, and Lincoln Child
· Malachai Samuels vs. D.D. Warren in “The Laughing Buddha,” by M.J. Rose and Lisa Gardner
· Paul Madriani vs. Alexandra Cooper in “Surfing the Panther,” by Steve Martini and Linda Fairstein
· Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport in “Rhymes With Prey,” by Jeffery Deaver and John Sandford
· Michael Quinn vs. Repairman Jack in “Infernal Night,” by Heather Graham and F. Paul Wilson
· Sean Reilly vs. Glen Garber in “Pit Stop,” by Raymond Khoury and Linwood Barclay
· Wyatt Hunt vs. Joe Trona in “Silent Hunt,” by John Lescroart and T. Jefferson Parker
· Cotton Malone vs. Gray Pierce in “The Devil’s Bones,” by Steve Berry and James Rollins
· Jack Reacher vs. Nick Heller in “Good and Valuable Consideration,” by Lee Child and Joseph Finder
So sit back and prepare for a rollicking ride as your favorite characters go head-to-head with some worthy opponents in FaceOff—it’s a thrill-a-minute read.
It will come as no surprise that I ordered this one penny wonder purely for the Grace v Rebus encounter and I did get a kick out of seeing them together on the shingled waterfront. Think twice about buying this because you will be left feeling very let down. It is a publishing ploy to empty your pockets, so borrow where necessary.
· Harry Bosch vs. Patrick Kenzie in “Red Eye,” by Michael Connelly and Dennis Lehane
· John Rebus vs. Roy Grace in “In the Nick of Time,” by Ian Rankin and Peter James
· Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy vs. Aloysius Pendergast in “Gaslighted,” by R.L. Stine, Douglas Preston, and Lincoln Child
· Malachai Samuels vs. D.D. Warren in “The Laughing Buddha,” by M.J. Rose and Lisa Gardner
· Paul Madriani vs. Alexandra Cooper in “Surfing the Panther,” by Steve Martini and Linda Fairstein
· Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport in “Rhymes With Prey,” by Jeffery Deaver and John Sandford
· Michael Quinn vs. Repairman Jack in “Infernal Night,” by Heather Graham and F. Paul Wilson
· Sean Reilly vs. Glen Garber in “Pit Stop,” by Raymond Khoury and Linwood Barclay
· Wyatt Hunt vs. Joe Trona in “Silent Hunt,” by John Lescroart and T. Jefferson Parker
· Cotton Malone vs. Gray Pierce in “The Devil’s Bones,” by Steve Berry and James Rollins
· Jack Reacher vs. Nick Heller in “Good and Valuable Consideration,” by Lee Child and Joseph Finder
So sit back and prepare for a rollicking ride as your favorite characters go head-to-head with some worthy opponents in FaceOff—it’s a thrill-a-minute read.
It will come as no surprise that I ordered this one penny wonder purely for the Grace v Rebus encounter and I did get a kick out of seeing them together on the shingled waterfront. Think twice about buying this because you will be left feeling very let down. It is a publishing ploy to empty your pockets, so borrow where necessary.
June 16, 2014
While the premise is promising, the results fail to deliver. The authors are better served sticking to their own characters and stories. 2 of 10 stars
September 3, 2023
This was an incredible anthology of short stories, a project of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) who paired bestseller writers together. In this way, readers got to see favorite characters meet up with other favorite characters to solve crimes. They were placed in unlikely scenarios or settings outside their comfort zones, working with individuals you would not see in their “books.”
As an example, you had Patrick Kenzie teaming up with Harry Bosch to solve a cold (and not-so-cold) kidnapping case in Boston; Lincoln Rhyme and Lucas Davenport combine their respective specialties to solve a series of grisly New York City murders; and even John Rebus and Roy Grace wrap up a decades-old mis-recorded case in Brighton.
Some were exciting, full of high energy and complicated plot twists, that seemed to work well in a short story format. Some seemed cut short and were constrained within the limited pages. And some, at times had too many characters to follow within the short story – like, who really are the stars here?
But…
The most successful stories, were the simple ones. Where there were just two main characters at most – like Kenzie and Bosch. Or Jack Reacher and Nick Heller. Less complicated for the reader in a short story format.
Still…
This is a great in-between book to read while reading the novels. One or two stories at a time. In any order. 22 thriller writers.
And…
Best of all…
If you are unfamiliar with some of these thriller/suspense, mystery writers, this is a sampler of their styles, to some extent. Or an idea of who they are, before you decide to pick up their novels.
Want to read
March 20, 2014I won this book in a GoodReads.com First Reads Giveaway!
I can't wait for it to arrive. This book features an amazingly talented group of authors!
I can't wait for it to arrive. This book features an amazingly talented group of authors!
July 9, 2017
I only read 4-5 of these. Most were crap, occult, crap, old dull farts, crap, paranormal, crap, horror, crap, fecking lawyers crap, or wildly misogynistic (Rhymes with Prey). Ugh.
It was nice to see Patrick Kenzie again, even as Connelly was stingy with my wonderful Bosch written as pretty dull. It’s also interesting as this story occurs before the last book in the series, Moonlight Mile. Timing is just as Kenzie and Genarro’s daughter, Gabby, is due to be born within the week. I surely could use some more of Patrick and Angela!
It was nice to see Patrick Kenzie again, even as Connelly was stingy with my wonderful Bosch written as pretty dull. It’s also interesting as this story occurs before the last book in the series, Moonlight Mile. Timing is just as Kenzie and Genarro’s daughter, Gabby, is due to be born within the week. I surely could use some more of Patrick and Angela!
June 19, 2017
Actually a 3.5 for the appeal of the concept of matching protagonists from different thriller series two by two in a thriller anthology. I found familiar and unfamiliar characters, but all of the stories were interesting and easy enough to follow on audio.
My favorites included characters I already know and love like DD Warren and Jack Reacher and enjoyed meeting the ones I have not yet read about piquing my interest in reading some of the authors I have not yet gotten around to.
My favorites included characters I already know and love like DD Warren and Jack Reacher and enjoyed meeting the ones I have not yet read about piquing my interest in reading some of the authors I have not yet gotten around to.
February 2, 2021
Individual Story Ratings
A great selection of authors of popular heroes of thriller series which gives a reader a taste of the styles of each character portrayed and for those a reader may have not have read before a chance to see if they might want to read more of their adventures or to see your favorite hero paired with another.
Red Eye: Patrick Kenzie vs. Harry Bosch - 5 Stars
In the Nick of Time: John Rebus vs. Roy Grace - 3.5 Stars
Gaslighted: Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy vs. Aloysius Pendergrast - 3.5 Stars
The Laughing Buddha: Malachai Samuels vs. D.D. Warren - 3 Stars
Surfing the Panther: Paul Mandriani vs. Alexandria Cooper - 3 Stars
Rhymes with Prey: Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport - 2.5 Stars
Infernal Night: Michael Quinn vs. Repairman Jack - 3 Stars
Pit Stop: Sean Reilly vs. Glen Garber - 5 Stars
Silent Hunt: Wyatt Hunt vs. Joe Trona - 3 Stars
The Devil's Bones: Cotton Malone vs. Gray Pierce - 4 Stars
Good and Valuable Consideration: Jack Reacher vs. Nick Heller - 4 Stars
A great selection of authors of popular heroes of thriller series which gives a reader a taste of the styles of each character portrayed and for those a reader may have not have read before a chance to see if they might want to read more of their adventures or to see your favorite hero paired with another.
Red Eye: Patrick Kenzie vs. Harry Bosch - 5 Stars
In the Nick of Time: John Rebus vs. Roy Grace - 3.5 Stars
Gaslighted: Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy vs. Aloysius Pendergrast - 3.5 Stars
The Laughing Buddha: Malachai Samuels vs. D.D. Warren - 3 Stars
Surfing the Panther: Paul Mandriani vs. Alexandria Cooper - 3 Stars
Rhymes with Prey: Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport - 2.5 Stars
Infernal Night: Michael Quinn vs. Repairman Jack - 3 Stars
Pit Stop: Sean Reilly vs. Glen Garber - 5 Stars
Silent Hunt: Wyatt Hunt vs. Joe Trona - 3 Stars
The Devil's Bones: Cotton Malone vs. Gray Pierce - 4 Stars
Good and Valuable Consideration: Jack Reacher vs. Nick Heller - 4 Stars
August 2, 2014
Sometimes, the total is greater than the sum of its parts -- The Talisman by Peter Straub and Stephen King comes to mind. And sometimes...not! FaceOff is regrettably an example of the latter. Most of the collaborations here would not even be publishable if not for the "names" who did the writing. They are just a big yawn. Hey, not every novelist can write short stories.
I think a variation of the following conversation took place more often than we would like to think...
"Hey mate, we promised David we would write something for his anthology. Got any ideas?"
"Haven't thought about it. I'm near the end of a new novel and my agent and publisher are on my case constantly. Why don't you cobble something together using your character and I'll squeeze my guy in somehow."
"Well, I'm pretty busy too but I'll see if I can dig up some short reject and gussy it up a bit."
"Good boy! Hey, look, people are gonna buy the thing regardless with all us heavy hitters on the cover!"
I think a variation of the following conversation took place more often than we would like to think...
"Hey mate, we promised David we would write something for his anthology. Got any ideas?"
"Haven't thought about it. I'm near the end of a new novel and my agent and publisher are on my case constantly. Why don't you cobble something together using your character and I'll squeeze my guy in somehow."
"Well, I'm pretty busy too but I'll see if I can dig up some short reject and gussy it up a bit."
"Good boy! Hey, look, people are gonna buy the thing regardless with all us heavy hitters on the cover!"
May 6, 2014
Great concept here matching different characters together in short stories. Eleven tales with twenty-two characters. This is an offering fron the International Thriller Writers. Brief intros before each story gives us sketches of the characters and how it was decided to put them together.
A lot of them I wasn't familiar with. As much as I try, Lord knows I can't read everything. Nice introductions though and it certainly gave me some directions to head.
My favorite, and the longest, was RHYMES WITH PREY by Jeffrey Deaver and John Sandford putting Lincoln Rhyme and Lucas Davenport working a case together. Also liked GASLIGHTED by R. L. Stine, Douglas Preston, and Lincoln Child with Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy againsy Aloysius Pendergast.
But make no mistake. all absorbing storyes. No throwaways here.
Recommended.
A lot of them I wasn't familiar with. As much as I try, Lord knows I can't read everything. Nice introductions though and it certainly gave me some directions to head.
My favorite, and the longest, was RHYMES WITH PREY by Jeffrey Deaver and John Sandford putting Lincoln Rhyme and Lucas Davenport working a case together. Also liked GASLIGHTED by R. L. Stine, Douglas Preston, and Lincoln Child with Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy againsy Aloysius Pendergast.
But make no mistake. all absorbing storyes. No throwaways here.
Recommended.
November 15, 2015
Not familiar with short stories, I don't think it's my thing even I love the characters (know just a handful, not all). Still it was entertaining.
February 24, 2018
Done a review before, just an update.
Five stars.
Great collection of authors
Five stars.
Great collection of authors
August 27, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love short stories and I love mystery/thrillers. One of my favourites was Pit Stop by Linwood Barclay and Raymond Khoury. Another was Rhymes with Prey by Jeffrey Deaver and John Sandford. Some of these characters were familiar to me, but not all of them. I am definitely going to start reading some of the other author's books! Great way to find new authors.
July 27, 2021
Some stories were 5 stars as I love those authors and some were bleh. On the other hand after just finishing 900+ pages of bleh in a book these SHORT stories were so refreshing! I really loved Lucas and Lincoln :) On the downside, none of the authors that I am unfamiliar with intrigued me enough to read them.
October 20, 2020
عالی بود. خوندنش خیلی لذت داشت. فکر کنید... بیست و دو تا شخصیت تریلر معروف از رمانهای پرفروش دنیا، یک به یک کنار هم قرار بگیرند و یه ماجراجویی مشترک داشته باشند.
خود ایده به تنهایی آدم رو به هیجان میاره.
این وسط داستان لوکاس داونپورت عالی بود.... کلی کیف کردم.
خود ایده به تنهایی آدم رو به هیجان میاره.
این وسط داستان لوکاس داونپورت عالی بود.... کلی کیف کردم.
August 7, 2024
The book was written to provide funding for the International Thriller Writer’s organization, in lieu of collecting dues. So each participating writer teamed their character with a character from another writer. Unfortunately, these short stories were not very interesting for me.
February 7, 2020
Доста добра книжка с интересни истории в нея , първите разкази са мн силни , следва спад и силен финал .
June 8, 2014
This book, a compilation of short stories, gets 5 stars from me not so much because of enjoyability, but rather because it's such a unique work. Where else - except for previous versions featuring different authors - could you possibly find so many top-notch thriller writers in the same book, not to mention with characters paired up as never before and probably never again?
Edited by equally well-known author David Baldacci, sales from the book benefit the group International Thriller Writers, to which all these guys and gals belong. The anthology includes 11 stories, all co-written by two writers (in one case, three). Now that I've finished them all, I'll say up front that they're not equally good; in fact, only four of the 11 would get more than 3 stars were I to rate them individually. But as I implied at the beginning, this book is truly a Gestalt - the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
I'll also acknowledge the possibility that my subconscious was helping to sway my opinions; when I took a closer look at my four favorites, it turns out all four are by authors whose characters (and writing styles) are quite familiar to me. Hopefully that's not the case; but even if it was, a few characters in other stories intrigued me enough that I intend to look for books by that author with an eye toward reading them. And (beyond beefing up the writers' group coffers) isn't that really the name of the game?
For the record, my very favorite story, "Rhymes with Prey," pitted Jeffery Deaver with John Sandford (John Camp in real life), with Deaver's Lincoln Rhymes meeting up with Sandford's Lucas Davenport. And therein began my suspicion that familiarity breeds familiarity; just recently, I finished Sandford's new Field of Prey and Deaver's The Skin Collector - so maybe, just maybe, those were still on my mind when I made my choice.
Other noteworthy (to me) collaborations here are "The Devil's Bones" by Steve Berry and James Rollins, featuring characters Cotton Malone and Gray Pierce; "Good and Valuable Consideration" by Lee Child and Joseph Finder with characters Jack Reacher (thankfully, with Tom Cruise nowhere in sight) and Nick Heller; and "Gaslighted" by primarily children's book author R.L. Stine and the team of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child with characters Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy and Aloysius Pendergast.
And for the record, the other stories are:
"Red Eye," by Dennis Lehane and Michael Connelly (characters Patrick Kenzie and Harry Bosch
"In the Nick of Time" by Ian Rankin and Peter James (John Rebus and Roy Grace)
"The Laughing Budda" by M.J. Rose and Lisa Gardner (Malachai Samuels and D.D. Warren)
"Surfing the Panther" by Steve Martini and Linda Fairstein (Paul Madriani and Alexandra Cooper)
"Infernal Night" by Heather Graham and F. Paul Wilson (Michael Quinn and Repairman Jack)
"Pit Stop" by Raymond Khoury and Linwood Barclay (Sean Reilly and Glen Garber)
"Silent Hunt" by John Lescroart and T. Jefferson Parker (Wyatt Hunt and Joe Trona)
Author biographies are at the end, and an introduction to each story provides background as to how and why the story was developed (all very interesting, BTW). In short (pun intended), this is an excellent effort all-around and I hope the group continues to publish others now and again.
Edited by equally well-known author David Baldacci, sales from the book benefit the group International Thriller Writers, to which all these guys and gals belong. The anthology includes 11 stories, all co-written by two writers (in one case, three). Now that I've finished them all, I'll say up front that they're not equally good; in fact, only four of the 11 would get more than 3 stars were I to rate them individually. But as I implied at the beginning, this book is truly a Gestalt - the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
I'll also acknowledge the possibility that my subconscious was helping to sway my opinions; when I took a closer look at my four favorites, it turns out all four are by authors whose characters (and writing styles) are quite familiar to me. Hopefully that's not the case; but even if it was, a few characters in other stories intrigued me enough that I intend to look for books by that author with an eye toward reading them. And (beyond beefing up the writers' group coffers) isn't that really the name of the game?
For the record, my very favorite story, "Rhymes with Prey," pitted Jeffery Deaver with John Sandford (John Camp in real life), with Deaver's Lincoln Rhymes meeting up with Sandford's Lucas Davenport. And therein began my suspicion that familiarity breeds familiarity; just recently, I finished Sandford's new Field of Prey and Deaver's The Skin Collector - so maybe, just maybe, those were still on my mind when I made my choice.
Other noteworthy (to me) collaborations here are "The Devil's Bones" by Steve Berry and James Rollins, featuring characters Cotton Malone and Gray Pierce; "Good and Valuable Consideration" by Lee Child and Joseph Finder with characters Jack Reacher (thankfully, with Tom Cruise nowhere in sight) and Nick Heller; and "Gaslighted" by primarily children's book author R.L. Stine and the team of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child with characters Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy and Aloysius Pendergast.
And for the record, the other stories are:
"Red Eye," by Dennis Lehane and Michael Connelly (characters Patrick Kenzie and Harry Bosch
"In the Nick of Time" by Ian Rankin and Peter James (John Rebus and Roy Grace)
"The Laughing Budda" by M.J. Rose and Lisa Gardner (Malachai Samuels and D.D. Warren)
"Surfing the Panther" by Steve Martini and Linda Fairstein (Paul Madriani and Alexandra Cooper)
"Infernal Night" by Heather Graham and F. Paul Wilson (Michael Quinn and Repairman Jack)
"Pit Stop" by Raymond Khoury and Linwood Barclay (Sean Reilly and Glen Garber)
"Silent Hunt" by John Lescroart and T. Jefferson Parker (Wyatt Hunt and Joe Trona)
Author biographies are at the end, and an introduction to each story provides background as to how and why the story was developed (all very interesting, BTW). In short (pun intended), this is an excellent effort all-around and I hope the group continues to publish others now and again.
October 20, 2020
Back in 2013/14, the International Thriller Writers came up with a way to earn money to finance their organization and eliminate dues from members. The result is this first anthology of eleven stories, written by 23 world-class thriller writers for zero compensation. All proceeds of the sale of this book go directly to support the activities of ITW. The idea must have worked because they followed up with MatchUp in 2017.
It’s a cool idea. Each story pairs up two iconic characters from different series. Even though the title is “Faceoff”, they tend to work together during the story, almost always coming away with a healthy respect for the other. That’s good because I would hate to read a story where Repairman Jack actually works against Jack Reacher, for example.
I’ve read most of these authors and feel like I know the characters well. The few I hadn’t read…well, of course now I want to read them too. Most were pretty good tales although a couple of times the plot just to get the two characters to meet each other in the first place was a little too contrived. I listened to this one on audio while driving on a lengthy road trip this past week and the format worked well. Just one story or two at a time depending on what I was in the mood for. David Baldacci served as editor for the book and also read the introductions to each story for the audio version.
For completeness, here is a list of the stories, characters, and authors included in the book:
1) Harry Bosch vs. Patrick Kenzie in “Red Eye,” by Michael Connelly and Dennis Lehane
2) John Rebus vs. Roy Grace in “In the Nick of Time,” by Ian Rankin and Peter James
3) Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy vs. Aloysius Pendergast in “Gaslighted,” by R.L. Stine, Douglas Preston, and Lincoln Child
4) Malachai Samuels vs. D.D. Warren in “The Laughing Buddha,” by M.J. Rose and Lisa Gardner
5) Paul Madriani vs. Alexandra Cooper in “Surfing the Panther,” by Steve Martini and Linda Fairstein
6) Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport in “Rhymes With Prey,” by Jeffery Deaver and John Sandford
7) Michael Quinn vs. Repairman Jack in “Infernal Night,” by Heather Graham and F. Paul Wilson
8) Sean Reilly vs. Glen Garber in “Pit Stop,” by Raymond Khoury and Linwood Barclay
9) Wyatt Hunt vs. Joe Trona in “Silent Hunt,” by John Lescroart and T. Jefferson Parker
10) Cotton Malone vs. Gray Pierce in “The Devil’s Bones,” by Steve Berry and James Rollins
11) Jack Reacher vs. Nick Heller in “Good and Valuable Consideration,” by Lee Child and Joseph Finder
It’s a cool idea. Each story pairs up two iconic characters from different series. Even though the title is “Faceoff”, they tend to work together during the story, almost always coming away with a healthy respect for the other. That’s good because I would hate to read a story where Repairman Jack actually works against Jack Reacher, for example.
I’ve read most of these authors and feel like I know the characters well. The few I hadn’t read…well, of course now I want to read them too. Most were pretty good tales although a couple of times the plot just to get the two characters to meet each other in the first place was a little too contrived. I listened to this one on audio while driving on a lengthy road trip this past week and the format worked well. Just one story or two at a time depending on what I was in the mood for. David Baldacci served as editor for the book and also read the introductions to each story for the audio version.
For completeness, here is a list of the stories, characters, and authors included in the book:
1) Harry Bosch vs. Patrick Kenzie in “Red Eye,” by Michael Connelly and Dennis Lehane
2) John Rebus vs. Roy Grace in “In the Nick of Time,” by Ian Rankin and Peter James
3) Slappy the Ventriloquist Dummy vs. Aloysius Pendergast in “Gaslighted,” by R.L. Stine, Douglas Preston, and Lincoln Child
4) Malachai Samuels vs. D.D. Warren in “The Laughing Buddha,” by M.J. Rose and Lisa Gardner
5) Paul Madriani vs. Alexandra Cooper in “Surfing the Panther,” by Steve Martini and Linda Fairstein
6) Lincoln Rhyme vs. Lucas Davenport in “Rhymes With Prey,” by Jeffery Deaver and John Sandford
7) Michael Quinn vs. Repairman Jack in “Infernal Night,” by Heather Graham and F. Paul Wilson
8) Sean Reilly vs. Glen Garber in “Pit Stop,” by Raymond Khoury and Linwood Barclay
9) Wyatt Hunt vs. Joe Trona in “Silent Hunt,” by John Lescroart and T. Jefferson Parker
10) Cotton Malone vs. Gray Pierce in “The Devil’s Bones,” by Steve Berry and James Rollins
11) Jack Reacher vs. Nick Heller in “Good and Valuable Consideration,” by Lee Child and Joseph Finder
March 25, 2017
I enjoyed seeing a few of my favorite suspense/detective type characters either square off or join in an adventure. In my opinion, the best featured Lee Child's Jack Reacher, and the weirdest was Pendergast vs. the dummy - but I'm still thinking about that bizarre thing a couple of days later!
December 19, 2018
So I only picked this book up for two certain authors (RL Stine and Lisa Gardner) but I was going to go ahead and read the entire book. I got through the first story and didn't really enjoy it but I went on. Halfway through the second story, I just skipped to the third. I couldn't get in to the short stories. Even the two I wanted to read weren't as good as I was hoping for.
May 11, 2022
Entertaining reading
Face Off is a series of jointly will written novellas by mystery writers using their main characters. The stories are interesting as the characters help someone. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for some quick reads. Enjoy reading 2018
Face Off is a series of jointly will written novellas by mystery writers using their main characters. The stories are interesting as the characters help someone. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for some quick reads. Enjoy reading 2018
January 13, 2015
Perhaps I'm not a short story kind of person. I listened to 5 of the 10 discs and just didn't enjoy any of the stories. They just weren't long enough for me to get involved with the characters.
March 1, 2018
Good, not all the stories. Some were great, some not so great. At least I’ll have a few authors to read that I haven’t and some I’ll avoid.
July 5, 2019
It was an interesting premise: ask 22 mostly famous authors, belonging to the International Thriller Writers association, to co-author in pairs 11 short stories, pitting each of their leading characters together in one short story to create this fund-raising anthology for the association. The problem with it is that there’s no time at all in a 25-page or so short tale to give little if any back story to the “stars”, although David Baldacci does his best with brief introductions to each of the yarns. We quickly found for the authors and their characters that we knew – like Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch or Jeffery Deaver’s Lincoln Rhyme – that we found those stories mostly enjoyable (albeit hardly spectacular); but for those new to us, it was pretty slim picking.
Sounds like your best bet if you’re so inclined is to check this out at your local library – the book is just by no means intriguing enough for our own crowded bookshelf. {Three stars is probably a tad liberal...}
Sounds like your best bet if you’re so inclined is to check this out at your local library – the book is just by no means intriguing enough for our own crowded bookshelf. {Three stars is probably a tad liberal...}
June 13, 2023
Jugalbandi is the word that came to my mind when I read this collection of short stories.
Jugalbandi is a performance in Indian classical music, that features a duet of two solo musicians ( vocal or instrumental, playing different instruments). Both musicians act as lead players, and a playful competition exists between the two performers. Such concerts are usually a hit, as we get to see 2 popular performers known for different styles on the same platform and it is double the fun.
Faceoff is a jugalbandi with 2 authors working in tandem on a single story And the result is just as delightful as a classical jugalbandhi.
Getting together 2 acclaimed authors to write a single story featuring their main protagonists would have been quite a task. But, none of the stories felt disconnected, and I enjoyed the easy flow. I haven't read all these authors featured in this book. This has made me add some new authors to my TBR.
Jugalbandi is a performance in Indian classical music, that features a duet of two solo musicians ( vocal or instrumental, playing different instruments). Both musicians act as lead players, and a playful competition exists between the two performers. Such concerts are usually a hit, as we get to see 2 popular performers known for different styles on the same platform and it is double the fun.
Faceoff is a jugalbandi with 2 authors working in tandem on a single story And the result is just as delightful as a classical jugalbandhi.
Getting together 2 acclaimed authors to write a single story featuring their main protagonists would have been quite a task. But, none of the stories felt disconnected, and I enjoyed the easy flow. I haven't read all these authors featured in this book. This has made me add some new authors to my TBR.
September 25, 2022
An interesting concept to this short story anthology: Pair up some of the most prominent contemporary writers in the noir genre and have each of one of their favorite protagonists work together.
March 23, 2025
Fun for the most part.
Bosch's story was good.
Pendergast's story was unique.
Martini & Fairstein wrote a very entertaining story, good lawyer drama.
Repairman Jack and "Infernal Night" was one of the best tales.
Khoury & Barclay wrote a high stakes thriller that was enjoyable.
The last 2 tales were also among the best, Berry & Rollins and Child & Finder giving us the real goods in back-to-back action team-ups.
Ends far stronger than it begins and there's a few little lackluster ones in the first half. Fun idea though, and I liked the opening introductions to each story. The only thing missing is telling us how the authors actually got assigned into their pairs.
Bosch's story was good.
Pendergast's story was unique.
Martini & Fairstein wrote a very entertaining story, good lawyer drama.
Repairman Jack and "Infernal Night" was one of the best tales.
Khoury & Barclay wrote a high stakes thriller that was enjoyable.
The last 2 tales were also among the best, Berry & Rollins and Child & Finder giving us the real goods in back-to-back action team-ups.
Ends far stronger than it begins and there's a few little lackluster ones in the first half. Fun idea though, and I liked the opening introductions to each story. The only thing missing is telling us how the authors actually got assigned into their pairs.
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