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The Serpent's Bite
-In an attempt to reconnect with his two alienated adult children, George Temple replicates the memorable horse trek through the forbidding Yellowstone wilderness they had enjoyed twenty years earlier. But his callous children, Courtney and Scott, accompany him only to persuade him to restore the financial support he has withdrawn. As they are led by a drunken guide and a venal horse wrangler over potentially lethal terrain, their bonding experience quickly disintegrates.
Nostalgia is corrupted into a nightmare of lust, betrayal, and entrapment as the children's disturbing motives are revealed and dark family secrets are exposed. Courtney's appetite for selfish and violent pursuits establishes her as one of the most evil women in fiction, alongside the likes of Lady Macbeth. Through her, Warren Adler explores how an obsession for celebrity and blind ambition can distort familial love and turn a beloved child into a grotesque monster. As he did in the iconic The War of the Roses, Adler paints a frightening picture of the American family, only more sinister.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Acclaimed author, playwright, poet, and essayist Warren Adler is best known for The War of the Roses, his masterpiece fictionalization of a macabre divorce adapted into the BAFTA- and Golden Globe–nominated hit film starring Danny DeVito, Michael Douglas, and Kathleen Turner.
Adler has also optioned and sold film rights for a number of his works, including Random Hearts (starring Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas) and The Sunset Gang (produced by Linda Lavin for PBS’s American Playhouse series starring Jerry Stiller, Uta Hagen, Harold Gould, and Doris Roberts), which garnered Doris Roberts an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries. His recent stage/film/TV developments include the Broadway adaptation of The War of the Roses, to be produced by Jay and Cindy Gutterman, The War of the Roses: The Children (Grey Eagle Films and Permut Presentations), a feature film adaptation of the sequel to Adler’s iconic divorce story, and Capitol Crimes (Grey Eagle Films and Sennet Entertainment), a television series based on his Fiona Fitzgerald mystery series. For an entire list of developments, news and updates visit www.Greyeaglefilms.com.
Adler’s works have been translated into more than 25 languages, including his staged version of The War of the Roses, which has opened to spectacular reviews worldwide. Adler has taught creative writing seminars at New York University, and has lectured on creative writing, film and television adaptation, and electronic publishing.
Nostalgia is corrupted into a nightmare of lust, betrayal, and entrapment as the children's disturbing motives are revealed and dark family secrets are exposed. Courtney's appetite for selfish and violent pursuits establishes her as one of the most evil women in fiction, alongside the likes of Lady Macbeth. Through her, Warren Adler explores how an obsession for celebrity and blind ambition can distort familial love and turn a beloved child into a grotesque monster. As he did in the iconic The War of the Roses, Adler paints a frightening picture of the American family, only more sinister.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Acclaimed author, playwright, poet, and essayist Warren Adler is best known for The War of the Roses, his masterpiece fictionalization of a macabre divorce adapted into the BAFTA- and Golden Globe–nominated hit film starring Danny DeVito, Michael Douglas, and Kathleen Turner.
Adler has also optioned and sold film rights for a number of his works, including Random Hearts (starring Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas) and The Sunset Gang (produced by Linda Lavin for PBS’s American Playhouse series starring Jerry Stiller, Uta Hagen, Harold Gould, and Doris Roberts), which garnered Doris Roberts an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries. His recent stage/film/TV developments include the Broadway adaptation of The War of the Roses, to be produced by Jay and Cindy Gutterman, The War of the Roses: The Children (Grey Eagle Films and Permut Presentations), a feature film adaptation of the sequel to Adler’s iconic divorce story, and Capitol Crimes (Grey Eagle Films and Sennet Entertainment), a television series based on his Fiona Fitzgerald mystery series. For an entire list of developments, news and updates visit www.Greyeaglefilms.com.
Adler’s works have been translated into more than 25 languages, including his staged version of The War of the Roses, which has opened to spectacular reviews worldwide. Adler has taught creative writing seminars at New York University, and has lectured on creative writing, film and television adaptation, and electronic publishing.
- GenresFiction
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2012
12 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Warren Adler
79 books112 followersWarren Adler was an American author, playwright and poet. His novel The War of the Roses was turned into a dark comedy starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito.
Adler was an essayist, short-story writer, poet and playwright, whose works have been translated into 25 languages.
Adler was an essayist, short-story writer, poet and playwright, whose works have been translated into 25 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 24, 2022
This was a compelling read, that I found I did not want to put down! Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Suspenseful and thrilling. I felt every emotion. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. Simply a GREAT read!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
June 17, 2015
I got this book for review from the GoodReads first-reads program in exchange for an honest review
This book touted both its plot and characterization as being so subtle and moving as to be comparable to a Shakespearean tragedy. It compared the main protagonist (about four people were vying to be the actual protagonist) to Lady Macbeth in her capacity for cruelty. That's all well and good on a blurb, but the actual book went so far as to mention Lady Macbeth in just about every chapter. She was a stunning Lady Macbeth! She showed such promise in that role! She truly seemed to embody that character! They just couldn't let it go, to the point that she was quoting her most famous speech at one point.
Which brings us to the problem I had with the book. Nothing in The Serpent's Bite was subtle. Every little detail had to be examined non-stop, every sentence belabored the point. No one snapped when they spoke, they would snap in an angry, irritated, and frustrated manner. It wasn't enough to hint at casual racism against a Mexican, the characters had to wonder at the slurs being used to describe Tomas and think of that as being both "mean and racial". Warren Adler talked down to his readers in just about every line that he wrote, and he wasn't terribly clever about most of the lines.
You don't dunk the ball through a hoop in his book, you "slam-dump" it. It isn't more than meets the eye, but it is "more than meets the obvious." The spelling errors were manifold, and the descriptions grating. Just about every idiom was butchered in the manner I described above. How did this happen?
The plot itself could be predicted in full within the first ten pages, but it took 300 to unfold. Every chapter was from the perspective of one of four people, but each chapter just went over the events of the previous one in excruciating detail. The plot moved at a snail's pace, nearly immobile throughout the bulk of the book. The characters had no redeeming qualities, which tends to be all right if you're reading Cormac McCarthy and the writing makes up for all sins. Warren Adler's prose was simply wooden lacking excitement, subtlety, and poetry.
This book would make a half-way decent Lifetime movie, but it made a pretty horrendous book. The plot wasn't all that bad, all things considered. The book just read like a rough draft. After four or five revisions it could have been good.
This book touted both its plot and characterization as being so subtle and moving as to be comparable to a Shakespearean tragedy. It compared the main protagonist (about four people were vying to be the actual protagonist) to Lady Macbeth in her capacity for cruelty. That's all well and good on a blurb, but the actual book went so far as to mention Lady Macbeth in just about every chapter. She was a stunning Lady Macbeth! She showed such promise in that role! She truly seemed to embody that character! They just couldn't let it go, to the point that she was quoting her most famous speech at one point.
Which brings us to the problem I had with the book. Nothing in The Serpent's Bite was subtle. Every little detail had to be examined non-stop, every sentence belabored the point. No one snapped when they spoke, they would snap in an angry, irritated, and frustrated manner. It wasn't enough to hint at casual racism against a Mexican, the characters had to wonder at the slurs being used to describe Tomas and think of that as being both "mean and racial". Warren Adler talked down to his readers in just about every line that he wrote, and he wasn't terribly clever about most of the lines.
You don't dunk the ball through a hoop in his book, you "slam-dump" it. It isn't more than meets the eye, but it is "more than meets the obvious." The spelling errors were manifold, and the descriptions grating. Just about every idiom was butchered in the manner I described above. How did this happen?
The plot itself could be predicted in full within the first ten pages, but it took 300 to unfold. Every chapter was from the perspective of one of four people, but each chapter just went over the events of the previous one in excruciating detail. The plot moved at a snail's pace, nearly immobile throughout the bulk of the book. The characters had no redeeming qualities, which tends to be all right if you're reading Cormac McCarthy and the writing makes up for all sins. Warren Adler's prose was simply wooden lacking excitement, subtlety, and poetry.
This book would make a half-way decent Lifetime movie, but it made a pretty horrendous book. The plot wasn't all that bad, all things considered. The book just read like a rough draft. After four or five revisions it could have been good.
September 10, 2012
Warren Adler's "The Serpent's Bite" gives a dim view of human nature. Much like its predecessor, "War of the Roses," the main characters are for the most part selfish, materialistic, and unable to compromise. In both cases, a central question that emerges is whether or not the leopard is able to change its spots. Once a character has embarked upon an intended course of actions, will they be able to pull themselves back from a course that will bring about disaster, or will intransigent stubbornness be fatal?
As the plot unfolds, Adler shows us the worst side of human nature, and his flawed characters reveal just enough pangs of conscience so that we have a glimmer of hope that they can redeem their own situation. We as humans do have choices, after all.
As in "War of the Roses," the basic family unit is a mother, father, and two children - one male, one female. Only this time, the most deeply flawed characters are the children. Two brats, Courtney and Scott, have been raised in the lap of luxury, and feel entitled to their father's support of their respective careers - which are less than stellar. And it as we find out, they will go to ridiculous lengths to get their hands on their father's money.
The book gets off to a slow start. By the time one has hit the 50th or even 100th page, disgust for the main characters has set in, and there is little stimulus to keep on reading. Circumstances from the childhood years of the brother and sister are mysteriously alluded to, but the reader is kept in the dark for far too long. Approximately halfway through the book, a light is shed on the past, but it evokes a revulsion similar to when one turns over a rock and sees the squirmy, slimy larvae underneath. Then confronted with a far too graphic display of gratuitous sex, the reader might have a desire to close the book and not continue. But one is waiting for the tipping point, where the evil scheme of the brother and sister has been set on its course, and there is no turning back. Once the reader has managed to continue this far, he/she is watching a train wreck and is unable to look away. We are mesmerized, and must know the outcome.
This is certainly a sad perspective on the human condition, and this reader's hope is that Adler doesn't truly believe that human nature is as unredeemable as he has portrayed in "The Serpent's Bite".
As the plot unfolds, Adler shows us the worst side of human nature, and his flawed characters reveal just enough pangs of conscience so that we have a glimmer of hope that they can redeem their own situation. We as humans do have choices, after all.
As in "War of the Roses," the basic family unit is a mother, father, and two children - one male, one female. Only this time, the most deeply flawed characters are the children. Two brats, Courtney and Scott, have been raised in the lap of luxury, and feel entitled to their father's support of their respective careers - which are less than stellar. And it as we find out, they will go to ridiculous lengths to get their hands on their father's money.
The book gets off to a slow start. By the time one has hit the 50th or even 100th page, disgust for the main characters has set in, and there is little stimulus to keep on reading. Circumstances from the childhood years of the brother and sister are mysteriously alluded to, but the reader is kept in the dark for far too long. Approximately halfway through the book, a light is shed on the past, but it evokes a revulsion similar to when one turns over a rock and sees the squirmy, slimy larvae underneath. Then confronted with a far too graphic display of gratuitous sex, the reader might have a desire to close the book and not continue. But one is waiting for the tipping point, where the evil scheme of the brother and sister has been set on its course, and there is no turning back. Once the reader has managed to continue this far, he/she is watching a train wreck and is unable to look away. We are mesmerized, and must know the outcome.
This is certainly a sad perspective on the human condition, and this reader's hope is that Adler doesn't truly believe that human nature is as unredeemable as he has portrayed in "The Serpent's Bite".
April 15, 2022
**Thank you to the publisher for sending this book to me in exchange for an honest review**
The title of this book is most fitting. Once you get into the story line you’ll understand what I mean. I admit it was a slow burn for me at first, but I’m glad I kept up with the book because once I kept reading I was immersed in the plot.
What a twisted & disgusting relationship Courtney and her brother Scott have. I was utterly shocked 😳 while reading. In a macabre way it’s one of the things that made the story interesting.
Poor Temple, all he wanted was to spend time with his two kids on a trip to Yellowstone. I felt sorry for him. I enjoyed reading Thomas’ thoughts and points of views towards the end of the story. It made me sympathetic to his decisions. It was suspenseful guessing what the outcome would be of everything and I was satisfied with the ending. I am glad I kept up with this book because it ended up being a 4 ☠️☠️☠️☠️ read for me.
The title of this book is most fitting. Once you get into the story line you’ll understand what I mean. I admit it was a slow burn for me at first, but I’m glad I kept up with the book because once I kept reading I was immersed in the plot.
What a twisted & disgusting relationship Courtney and her brother Scott have. I was utterly shocked 😳 while reading. In a macabre way it’s one of the things that made the story interesting.
Poor Temple, all he wanted was to spend time with his two kids on a trip to Yellowstone. I felt sorry for him. I enjoyed reading Thomas’ thoughts and points of views towards the end of the story. It made me sympathetic to his decisions. It was suspenseful guessing what the outcome would be of everything and I was satisfied with the ending. I am glad I kept up with this book because it ended up being a 4 ☠️☠️☠️☠️ read for me.
February 22, 2022
If you have read other stories by Warren Adler you'll find the same crude approach to human nature and in The Serpent's Bite, we contemplate how far greed will take one's life and lead it. Courtney has no morals, no love for anyone - except herself, and she is so full of greed that she will attempt at anything to reach her aim. Her father unbeknownst to him spoiled both siblings and leaving matters unspoken only led to derailed and unfulfilled lives. His willingness to reconnect with his children will lead to a trip full of difficult realization of shortcomings, regrets, deceit, lies, and fatal acts. Sad and disturbing this is a reality seem in many cultures because it's human nature, fortunately for only some individuals.
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
February 11, 2022
The scenario includes a family going on a trip in the middle of nowhere to try and bond once again. A rich father, two 30 years olds in need of money, a drunken guide, and an unkind helper. What could go wrong?
Se setting and the title scream betrayal. The children, especially the female one looks for any possible chance to fulfill her dream to be an actress. The male needs money after a series of unsuccessful businesses. The father feels guilty about letting them on their own.
The plot thickens with the relationships of the brothers, with a shady past. The forest gets the worst of all of them. Yet even if it would seem interesting, the character lack strength to fully give the book the dept that it needs. A page-turner, but not enough to fully hook me.
Se setting and the title scream betrayal. The children, especially the female one looks for any possible chance to fulfill her dream to be an actress. The male needs money after a series of unsuccessful businesses. The father feels guilty about letting them on their own.
The plot thickens with the relationships of the brothers, with a shady past. The forest gets the worst of all of them. Yet even if it would seem interesting, the character lack strength to fully give the book the dept that it needs. A page-turner, but not enough to fully hook me.
January 17, 2022
Good read though some of the book is hard to read due to subject (incest). Not many redeeming features if any in the characters, but a well written book
I received this book from the publishers via Netgalley for a review.
I received this book from the publishers via Netgalley for a review.
Read
May 5, 2020DNF. I dislike intensely every character so far in this book. Horribly contrived plot and I am moving on.
September 11, 2012
The Serpent’s Bite by Warren Adler offers raw escapism rooted in the wild environs of Yellowstone State Park. This riveting novel pits nature against the tense dynamics of a very unnatural family, drawing fascinating conflicts between right and wrong, real and counterfeit, power and subservience, abuse and rebellion.
George Temple, widowed several years earlier, deeply mourns the loss of his first wife, the mother of his two children. Over time, much to his surprise, he meets Muriel, a woman who understands and comforts him. Now he hopes to gingerly introduce the idea of his upcoming marriage to his two estranged children, Scott and Courtney, and has planned a grand trail riding adventure during which he will divulge his news.
George hopes to recapture the innocence of a time when he and his young family took a long guided trail ride through Yellowstone. He contacts his children, who have all but abandoned him, and they reluctantly agree to retake the trip of their childhood with the same guide who hosted them years ago.
Courtney and Scott are spoiled, ungrateful offspring. Scott—weak and easily pushed around by his sister—still holds some affection for his father, although he is furious that George has recently declined to finance the latest in a long string of unsuccessful ventures.
Courtney—egocentric, brutal, and completely without conscience—is focused only on her unsuccessful career as an actress and nothing will stop her maniacal grab for her father’s fortune. This woman is the ultimate sociopath housed in a goddess’s body, and her scheming ways make hardened criminals look tame.
In addition to the intricate layers of subterfuge in this miserable family, horrible, dark secrets simmer in their past. Flashbacks include insight into a relationship most shocking. I won’t reveal the participants or nature of the liaison, as it’s one of the surprise elements of the story.
One of George Temple’s greatest disappointments in this adventure has to do with the trail guide. Decades after their first trip, Harry has succumbed to alcohol and is constantly inebriated. The Mexican trail hand, Tomas, enables his boss’s habits by burying bottles of liquor ahead of time near the campsites. Although Harry has some redeeming qualities, such as his deep and respectful knowledge and love of nature, Temple finds him intolerable because of his treatment of Tomas. With prejudice and arrogance, Harry orders the trail hand around like a slave, hurling racial epithets at every opportunity and taunting the quiet man with regularity.
Mr. Adler’s understanding of abnormal relationships is insightful and brilliant. Some scenes made my skin crawl, and others saddened me deeply. I felt great empathy for George, who tries so valiantly to reunite his family. Of course, these reactions to strong characters parallel the suspense and tension embedded in the story from page one. Will George win the affection of his children again? Will the group make it out of the park safely? What about the grizzlies and mountain lions lurking in the background? Can there be a positive outcome?
This tense and often shocking journey through nature’s spectacular canyons and mountains will hold your attention and keep you reading long into the night. A new classic has been born from the prolific Mr. Adler!
Recommended for adults only by Aaron Paul Lazar, www.lazarbooks.com.
George Temple, widowed several years earlier, deeply mourns the loss of his first wife, the mother of his two children. Over time, much to his surprise, he meets Muriel, a woman who understands and comforts him. Now he hopes to gingerly introduce the idea of his upcoming marriage to his two estranged children, Scott and Courtney, and has planned a grand trail riding adventure during which he will divulge his news.
George hopes to recapture the innocence of a time when he and his young family took a long guided trail ride through Yellowstone. He contacts his children, who have all but abandoned him, and they reluctantly agree to retake the trip of their childhood with the same guide who hosted them years ago.
Courtney and Scott are spoiled, ungrateful offspring. Scott—weak and easily pushed around by his sister—still holds some affection for his father, although he is furious that George has recently declined to finance the latest in a long string of unsuccessful ventures.
Courtney—egocentric, brutal, and completely without conscience—is focused only on her unsuccessful career as an actress and nothing will stop her maniacal grab for her father’s fortune. This woman is the ultimate sociopath housed in a goddess’s body, and her scheming ways make hardened criminals look tame.
In addition to the intricate layers of subterfuge in this miserable family, horrible, dark secrets simmer in their past. Flashbacks include insight into a relationship most shocking. I won’t reveal the participants or nature of the liaison, as it’s one of the surprise elements of the story.
One of George Temple’s greatest disappointments in this adventure has to do with the trail guide. Decades after their first trip, Harry has succumbed to alcohol and is constantly inebriated. The Mexican trail hand, Tomas, enables his boss’s habits by burying bottles of liquor ahead of time near the campsites. Although Harry has some redeeming qualities, such as his deep and respectful knowledge and love of nature, Temple finds him intolerable because of his treatment of Tomas. With prejudice and arrogance, Harry orders the trail hand around like a slave, hurling racial epithets at every opportunity and taunting the quiet man with regularity.
Mr. Adler’s understanding of abnormal relationships is insightful and brilliant. Some scenes made my skin crawl, and others saddened me deeply. I felt great empathy for George, who tries so valiantly to reunite his family. Of course, these reactions to strong characters parallel the suspense and tension embedded in the story from page one. Will George win the affection of his children again? Will the group make it out of the park safely? What about the grizzlies and mountain lions lurking in the background? Can there be a positive outcome?
This tense and often shocking journey through nature’s spectacular canyons and mountains will hold your attention and keep you reading long into the night. A new classic has been born from the prolific Mr. Adler!
Recommended for adults only by Aaron Paul Lazar, www.lazarbooks.com.
August 19, 2012
The Serpent's Bite by Warren Adler
Published by Stonehouse Press
Publication Date: September 4, 2012
ISBN-10: 159006044X
ISBN-13: 978-1590060445
Pages: 320
Review Copy from: Media Connect
A Division of Finn Partners
Edition: ARC HC
My Rating: 3
Synopsis (from IndieBound):
"How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child"
-"King Lear," William Shakespeare
This famed quote by William Shakespeare finds its modern meaning in this taut, fast-paced, remarkable novel by renowned author Warren Adler. "The Serpent's Bite" will take you on a frightening horse trek through the far reaches of the Yellowstone wilderness that turns a father's quest to deal with parental guilt and reunite with his two adult children into a nightmare of lust, betrayal, entrapment, and death. Beyond the revelations of dark family secrets, readers will discover how an obsession for celebrity and blind ambition can distort familial love and turn a beloved child into a grotesque monster. Courtney Temple is sure to be judged as one of those most evil women in fiction, alongside the likes of Lady Macbeth, Medea, and the Wicked Witch of the West. Adler's latest novel takes its place next to the iconic "The War of the Roses," in which the author exposed the true nature of marital dysfunction.
My Thoughts and Opinion:
My favorite genre, for as long as I can remember, has always been suspense and mystery. But lately it has expanded and I enjoy reading a novel full of relationship dynamics. So when the call went out to read and review this book, I responded since it had all the elements.
The book is gripping with suspense that kept me turning the pages as the Temple family embark on an adventure through the trails of Yellowstone National Park, in hopes of mending a family that has been estranged for the past 4 years. Will this reenactment of the same trip 20 years prior trigger good memories and heal this broken family?
The cast members are believable and life like but definitely not likable, in my opinion. As the story progresses, the reader is introduced little by little of the personal traits of each of the 5 main characters, which included the father, son, daughter, the tour guide and his assistant. The flaws in the characters are profound and complex. And immoral.
Even though there was a topic that I personally, and again this is only my opinion, found quite distasteful and hard to read at times due to the graphic details, I still found myself wanting to read more about this group of players. The depiction of each character made it easy to visualize them. The manner in which the scenery was described made it possible to create the imagery portrayed.
I had a difficult time trying to rate this book because of my personal feelings in regard to, in what I found to be a very disturbing matter in the story line. But on the other hand, the suspense, the overall plot, the way it was written, and yes, even the make up of the protagonists, held my attention to the very last word. An ending that was quite surprising.
Published by Stonehouse Press
Publication Date: September 4, 2012
ISBN-10: 159006044X
ISBN-13: 978-1590060445
Pages: 320
Review Copy from: Media Connect
A Division of Finn Partners
Edition: ARC HC
My Rating: 3
Synopsis (from IndieBound):
"How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child"
-"King Lear," William Shakespeare
This famed quote by William Shakespeare finds its modern meaning in this taut, fast-paced, remarkable novel by renowned author Warren Adler. "The Serpent's Bite" will take you on a frightening horse trek through the far reaches of the Yellowstone wilderness that turns a father's quest to deal with parental guilt and reunite with his two adult children into a nightmare of lust, betrayal, entrapment, and death. Beyond the revelations of dark family secrets, readers will discover how an obsession for celebrity and blind ambition can distort familial love and turn a beloved child into a grotesque monster. Courtney Temple is sure to be judged as one of those most evil women in fiction, alongside the likes of Lady Macbeth, Medea, and the Wicked Witch of the West. Adler's latest novel takes its place next to the iconic "The War of the Roses," in which the author exposed the true nature of marital dysfunction.
My Thoughts and Opinion:
My favorite genre, for as long as I can remember, has always been suspense and mystery. But lately it has expanded and I enjoy reading a novel full of relationship dynamics. So when the call went out to read and review this book, I responded since it had all the elements.
The book is gripping with suspense that kept me turning the pages as the Temple family embark on an adventure through the trails of Yellowstone National Park, in hopes of mending a family that has been estranged for the past 4 years. Will this reenactment of the same trip 20 years prior trigger good memories and heal this broken family?
The cast members are believable and life like but definitely not likable, in my opinion. As the story progresses, the reader is introduced little by little of the personal traits of each of the 5 main characters, which included the father, son, daughter, the tour guide and his assistant. The flaws in the characters are profound and complex. And immoral.
Even though there was a topic that I personally, and again this is only my opinion, found quite distasteful and hard to read at times due to the graphic details, I still found myself wanting to read more about this group of players. The depiction of each character made it easy to visualize them. The manner in which the scenery was described made it possible to create the imagery portrayed.
I had a difficult time trying to rate this book because of my personal feelings in regard to, in what I found to be a very disturbing matter in the story line. But on the other hand, the suspense, the overall plot, the way it was written, and yes, even the make up of the protagonists, held my attention to the very last word. An ending that was quite surprising.
July 22, 2012
Name: The Serpent's Bite
Author: Warren Adler
ISBN: 9781590060445
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Publisher: Stonehouse Press
Publication/Expected Publication: September 4, 2012
Wow. I read this book in about 6 hours or so; it is so unlike any other book I have ever read. Although written in the third person, there are point-of-view chapters for the three main characters throughout the book. There is also one point-of-view chapter for a key player at the end of the book. This provides some great insight into the psyches of these clearly disturbed individuals.
George Temple has been estranged from his children, Courtney and Scott, since his wife's untimely death. Desperate to bridge the gap before he "shuffle[s] off this mortal coil," he reaches out to his children in the hope to recreate a memorable family camping trip through Yellowstone. Courtney and Scott - both in their late 30s - agree to the trip in the hopes of milking their father for more money to support their perpetually failing enterprises. George - referred to as "Temple" or "Dad" throughout the book - has even gone so far as to hire the guide (or outfitter) from their original trip, Harry McGrath.
Their trip begins awkwardly, not just because of the estrangement, but also because Harry has provided only one assistant - Tomas - instead of the two George had requested. As the trip progresses, dark motives as well as dark secrets are revealed. Past transgressions haunt one sibling, but not the other. As Harry becomes less and less reliable, the reader is left wondering: just how far will Temple's children go in order to secure their financial future? Who will make it out of Yellowstone alive?
**SPOILER ALERT**
[Trigger Warning for Sibling Incest]
Given the codependent - not to mention incestuous - relationship between Courtney and Scott as well as their apparent careless disregard for their father, I found it hard to be on their side. Their points of view (especially Courtney's) made it very clear their only motivation in attending this dysfunctional family reunion was to attain more money.
Even though I found their motivations distasteful, I was still fascinated by the insights the author provided. Courtney (and to a lesser degree Scott, until the end of the book) have no qualms about offing dear old daddy in the name of gaining their substantial inheritance. I have to admit I was wondering if (and how) the author would be able to wrap this story up. I was definitely not disappointed! It had all the marks of a genuine Shakespeare tragedy.
Author: Warren Adler
ISBN: 9781590060445
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Publisher: Stonehouse Press
Publication/Expected Publication: September 4, 2012
Wow. I read this book in about 6 hours or so; it is so unlike any other book I have ever read. Although written in the third person, there are point-of-view chapters for the three main characters throughout the book. There is also one point-of-view chapter for a key player at the end of the book. This provides some great insight into the psyches of these clearly disturbed individuals.
George Temple has been estranged from his children, Courtney and Scott, since his wife's untimely death. Desperate to bridge the gap before he "shuffle[s] off this mortal coil," he reaches out to his children in the hope to recreate a memorable family camping trip through Yellowstone. Courtney and Scott - both in their late 30s - agree to the trip in the hopes of milking their father for more money to support their perpetually failing enterprises. George - referred to as "Temple" or "Dad" throughout the book - has even gone so far as to hire the guide (or outfitter) from their original trip, Harry McGrath.
Their trip begins awkwardly, not just because of the estrangement, but also because Harry has provided only one assistant - Tomas - instead of the two George had requested. As the trip progresses, dark motives as well as dark secrets are revealed. Past transgressions haunt one sibling, but not the other. As Harry becomes less and less reliable, the reader is left wondering: just how far will Temple's children go in order to secure their financial future? Who will make it out of Yellowstone alive?
**SPOILER ALERT**
[Trigger Warning for Sibling Incest]
Given the codependent - not to mention incestuous - relationship between Courtney and Scott as well as their apparent careless disregard for their father, I found it hard to be on their side. Their points of view (especially Courtney's) made it very clear their only motivation in attending this dysfunctional family reunion was to attain more money.
Even though I found their motivations distasteful, I was still fascinated by the insights the author provided. Courtney (and to a lesser degree Scott, until the end of the book) have no qualms about offing dear old daddy in the name of gaining their substantial inheritance. I have to admit I was wondering if (and how) the author would be able to wrap this story up. I was definitely not disappointed! It had all the marks of a genuine Shakespeare tragedy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2012
Love and hate in the age of millionaires — Warren Adler reaches deep into the dark secrets of his protagonists. The adventure takes off right away, on horseback into the wilderness. And as we're on the way, Adler wastes no time introducing some true characters of our times; the grown up children with unsuccessful lives, eagerly awaiting a family fortune; the wealthy father eagerly anticipating renewed family bonding for reasons of his own. It's a story true to our times because it has money standing right between people. They’re stuck in the middle with it. In spite of our current economy we now live in the age of millionaires (there probably are more millionaires now than ever before) and The Serpent's Bite is rubbing it in.
Adler has a talent for stripping the decorations off people and looking into the darker deeps of family life. In spite of their bouts of sentiment and nostalgia they're all in it for personal gain; be it money or forgiveness. The daughter, Courtney, is among the coldest women I've encountered as a reader; boy does she know how to push people's buttons for her own sake. This woman is relentless. I adore Adler's way of portraying characters and Courtney Temple is among his finest.
The Serpent’s Bite also shows the author’s talent for strong dialog. The way Adler sets up a fight through miscommunication between people is beautiful; all civilised behavior on the surface disappears as soon a few harsh words are spoken. You can feel the situation going from bad to worse - which also makes you eager to read on: what terrible turn will the Temple family trip take?
Finally: rest assure that Adler cooked up some serious plot twists. I felt the classic excitement when these twists happened. And then, when you think you get the picture, comes another turn. Warren Adler certainly hasn’t softened; he’s presenting us with a tough story. I could not believe the way this one turned out in the end!
See what you think.
Adler has a talent for stripping the decorations off people and looking into the darker deeps of family life. In spite of their bouts of sentiment and nostalgia they're all in it for personal gain; be it money or forgiveness. The daughter, Courtney, is among the coldest women I've encountered as a reader; boy does she know how to push people's buttons for her own sake. This woman is relentless. I adore Adler's way of portraying characters and Courtney Temple is among his finest.
The Serpent’s Bite also shows the author’s talent for strong dialog. The way Adler sets up a fight through miscommunication between people is beautiful; all civilised behavior on the surface disappears as soon a few harsh words are spoken. You can feel the situation going from bad to worse - which also makes you eager to read on: what terrible turn will the Temple family trip take?
Finally: rest assure that Adler cooked up some serious plot twists. I felt the classic excitement when these twists happened. And then, when you think you get the picture, comes another turn. Warren Adler certainly hasn’t softened; he’s presenting us with a tough story. I could not believe the way this one turned out in the end!
See what you think.
February 20, 2013
George Temple is a widower, with money; lots and lots of money. For many years he enabled his daughter and son financially. As the years passed and their respective ventures were continually unsuccessful, he cut off the money causing a bitter rift.
Now in his seventies, with a possible future with a younger woman, he seeks to make this oh so dysfunctional family a unit again, not only amongst the three of them, but with his new lady and her two grown children. Although a very good diamond merchant, he does not see that his offspring will never make the cut.
Serpent's Bite is vividly set in the wildest areas of Yellowstone. Clouded judgment, trying to 'go home again' to an expedition with his wife and children many years ago, George hires again a trail guide who has not weathered well. Despite his vast knowledge of the environs's flora and fauna, Harry's intense addiction to Wild Turkey erupts in dangerous negligence of his role of guide and volcanic eruptions of defensive and irrational temper.
Thus, we have wilderness; dependency on a drunken guide who abuses his Mexican helper, Tomas, an illegal; an aged and ill father harboring a fantasy of family reconciliation, expansion, and bliss. Add to the campfire a psychopathic daughter with an obsession about Daddy's money and a guilt ridden brother torn with conflicting interests. If all that is not a full campfire's griddle's worth of trouble waiting to burst into flames add a deep and dark family secret, and a hungry grizzly.
Saddle up, you are in for an adventure into dysfunctional relations that will take you to high country your worst dinner party nightmares could never conjure. Great character development, and fast galloping adventure!
Now in his seventies, with a possible future with a younger woman, he seeks to make this oh so dysfunctional family a unit again, not only amongst the three of them, but with his new lady and her two grown children. Although a very good diamond merchant, he does not see that his offspring will never make the cut.
Serpent's Bite is vividly set in the wildest areas of Yellowstone. Clouded judgment, trying to 'go home again' to an expedition with his wife and children many years ago, George hires again a trail guide who has not weathered well. Despite his vast knowledge of the environs's flora and fauna, Harry's intense addiction to Wild Turkey erupts in dangerous negligence of his role of guide and volcanic eruptions of defensive and irrational temper.
Thus, we have wilderness; dependency on a drunken guide who abuses his Mexican helper, Tomas, an illegal; an aged and ill father harboring a fantasy of family reconciliation, expansion, and bliss. Add to the campfire a psychopathic daughter with an obsession about Daddy's money and a guilt ridden brother torn with conflicting interests. If all that is not a full campfire's griddle's worth of trouble waiting to burst into flames add a deep and dark family secret, and a hungry grizzly.
Saddle up, you are in for an adventure into dysfunctional relations that will take you to high country your worst dinner party nightmares could never conjure. Great character development, and fast galloping adventure!
November 25, 2012
With thirty-two previous novels and story collections, Warren Adler is a past master at chronicling the twists and turns of intimate human relationships, the fragile natures of both love and hate, and the crumbling breakdown of dysfunctional families.
His latest novel, The Serpent’s Bite, takes us out of the familiar urban landscape in to the wilds of Yellowstone National Park; where wealthy widower George Temple seeks to retrace a previous family holiday in an attempt to reconcile with his two disenfranchised children and heal lingering wounds of guilt and resentment. What subsequently unravels is a nightmare journey of greed, deceit, betrayal and illicit liaisons, as family secrets are revealed, obsessions exposed and naked ambitions laid bare.
This is a tense, atmospheric thriller which uncoils chapter by chapter and leaves us, after a literal cliff-hanger, at journey’s end breathlessly mulling over the many lingering questions on the fragile, and sometimes shocking, nature of the human condition and corrupted family values.
As with the best of the author’s work, The Serpent’s Bite is at times intentionally uncomfortable reading, with acutely drawn characters it is difficult to sympathise with, so that we turn the pages awaiting an anticipated comeuppance. It does not disappoint, and in Courtney Temple, Warren Adler has created a female character as manipulative as Becky Sharp, as vindictive as Nurse Ratchet and, ultimately, as destructively wicked as Mrs Danvers.
Kevin Cowdall
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Author of: Paper Gods and Iron Men
https://www.amazon.com/author/kevinco...
His latest novel, The Serpent’s Bite, takes us out of the familiar urban landscape in to the wilds of Yellowstone National Park; where wealthy widower George Temple seeks to retrace a previous family holiday in an attempt to reconcile with his two disenfranchised children and heal lingering wounds of guilt and resentment. What subsequently unravels is a nightmare journey of greed, deceit, betrayal and illicit liaisons, as family secrets are revealed, obsessions exposed and naked ambitions laid bare.
This is a tense, atmospheric thriller which uncoils chapter by chapter and leaves us, after a literal cliff-hanger, at journey’s end breathlessly mulling over the many lingering questions on the fragile, and sometimes shocking, nature of the human condition and corrupted family values.
As with the best of the author’s work, The Serpent’s Bite is at times intentionally uncomfortable reading, with acutely drawn characters it is difficult to sympathise with, so that we turn the pages awaiting an anticipated comeuppance. It does not disappoint, and in Courtney Temple, Warren Adler has created a female character as manipulative as Becky Sharp, as vindictive as Nurse Ratchet and, ultimately, as destructively wicked as Mrs Danvers.
Kevin Cowdall
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Author of: Paper Gods and Iron Men
https://www.amazon.com/author/kevinco...
November 9, 2012
Good foundational plotline, interesting psychoses and brother-sister aspirations and relationship. A newly-married, wealthy, aging father decides to have a family reunion mimicking an Outdoor Camping trip the family partook in many years ago, as the subject of his Will and distributions are discussed. There's a Unity of Time-Action that reads like a play. I enjoyed finding out the juicy parts of the backstory as the danger progressed. A study in paranoia and ambition, with much internal dialogue escalating action in the plot, especially in the character of the daughter. There's a pivotal Assistant-Guide character who remains mysterious until the last third of the book when a lot of information about him suddenly becomes available. Overall, I wanted the dialogue and character insights to be less directly revelatory and more subtextually discoverable by the reader. The main character of the father is enjoyable to read about throughout most of the book as we sympathize with his predicament. The daughter ostensibly is enjoyable as a study of a path to Evil, but I seemed to find out a certain amount of information about her past and her present ambition, without -- for me -- enough emotionally or physically (immediately) at stake for her -- the layers of which would have compelled my interest in her far more deeply. The brother's tortured journey at the middle/end I would have loved to have found out more about. That said, there's a goodly satisfying O'Henry-type ending, readers should definitely stick around for. Beware that Serpent's Bite.
November 7, 2012
I love dark novels, and this had the potential to be a disturbing thrill ride, but there were too many flaws. Premise: George Temple attempts to reconcile with his troubled adult children, Courtney and Scott, on a family trip in Yellowstone. But aspiring actress Courtney only has eyes for Daddy’s money and she manipulates Scott to try to get her inheritance AT ANY COST. And her relationship with her brother is GROSS! There’s the dark side I would have liked if it had been written better. Instead, it was rather redundant: a day of hiking with some life-threatening incident, then the kids discussing money with George who then laments about his dead wife, Courtney getting pissed and plotting, their guide Harry getting roaring drunk and belligerent, rinse, repeat.
I also felt the book could have used more heavy-handed editing. The dialogue contrived and the characters often spoke in clichés. I can’t emphasize how repetitive it was. Every twenty pages or so it was like déjà vu: didn’t they just say/do that? Admittedly, Courtney was one of the most detestable, conniving, villainous characters - the girl you love to hate. As she plotted and schemed, I eagerly anticipated her getting her comeuppance, but it ended somewhat abruptly. I think it could have been crafted with more suspense and diabolical-ness. Overall, the foundation of the story was strong, but the execution was sloppy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
I also felt the book could have used more heavy-handed editing. The dialogue contrived and the characters often spoke in clichés. I can’t emphasize how repetitive it was. Every twenty pages or so it was like déjà vu: didn’t they just say/do that? Admittedly, Courtney was one of the most detestable, conniving, villainous characters - the girl you love to hate. As she plotted and schemed, I eagerly anticipated her getting her comeuppance, but it ended somewhat abruptly. I think it could have been crafted with more suspense and diabolical-ness. Overall, the foundation of the story was strong, but the execution was sloppy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
June 10, 2012
I have mixed feelings about this book. Initially, I wanted to chuck it. The characters are ugly, vile, and tedious. They repeat the same stuff over and over; the narrative does too. It pounds into our head over and over that his kids just want the man's money and yada yada.. Harry hates Mexicans. I got that impression the first time he use a derogatory racial slur. I didn't feel it was necessary to have him say it over and over.
Even the nice guy, the dad, was annoying. "I didn't expect this.." OVER AND OVER. (Do you see how annoying it is to read the same thing constantly?)
There is a very dirty, scandalous relationship and though that didn't bother me so much as their stupidity.. Do you really think you won't get caught? I mean, walking a bit away from camp and fornicating for three hours.. Duh.
Despite the ugliness and stupidity of the characters, however, I was driven to read until the end. I wanted to know what happened. It kept me in suspense enough that I was entertained. There were some surprising twists.
Even the nice guy, the dad, was annoying. "I didn't expect this.." OVER AND OVER. (Do you see how annoying it is to read the same thing constantly?)
There is a very dirty, scandalous relationship and though that didn't bother me so much as their stupidity.. Do you really think you won't get caught? I mean, walking a bit away from camp and fornicating for three hours.. Duh.
Despite the ugliness and stupidity of the characters, however, I was driven to read until the end. I wanted to know what happened. It kept me in suspense enough that I was entertained. There were some surprising twists.
July 24, 2012
Had a really tough time getting through this book. Received it as a Early Reviewer, and did not like it. The story line follows a widower trying to reconnect with his two grown children by taking a horseback trip through Yellowstone. The trip is a recreation of one the family had made years earlier. The main reason for the estrangement is that the father has finally turned off the money spigot after years of supporting the two of them in their various money making ventures. The two children go on the trip because they want to fool their father into thinking they will reconcile, just so they can get the money again. The main issue I have with this is that the characters (except the father) are just absolutely terrible people. Beyond cold hearted. And they make up the bulk of the narrative. Having never read Warren Adler before I don't know if this just how he writes, but it was unrelentingly cold and angry.
August 25, 2012
The Serpents Bite – Warren Adler
This book starts slow describing how this family split because the father who is rich has finally given up giving his kids money and how the father decides to take them all on a wilderness vacation to get them back together on the advice of his new soon to be wife—and rapidly gains momentum. The father hires someone to lead them, the same person who led them years ago. Only, instead of the two helpers that were paid for-there is only one-a Mexican who everyone takes for being unintelligent—NOT so. And the guide is now a drunk.
Warren Adler is known for writing about dysfunctional families (War of the Roses which was made into a movie was one of his!) The sister in this family is one crazy lady—following her thought patterns is frightening! The father and brother-guilt ridden-the brother with good cause. I do not want to spoil this book for anyone-so you will just have to read it! And I promise you will not see the ending coming.
This book starts slow describing how this family split because the father who is rich has finally given up giving his kids money and how the father decides to take them all on a wilderness vacation to get them back together on the advice of his new soon to be wife—and rapidly gains momentum. The father hires someone to lead them, the same person who led them years ago. Only, instead of the two helpers that were paid for-there is only one-a Mexican who everyone takes for being unintelligent—NOT so. And the guide is now a drunk.
Warren Adler is known for writing about dysfunctional families (War of the Roses which was made into a movie was one of his!) The sister in this family is one crazy lady—following her thought patterns is frightening! The father and brother-guilt ridden-the brother with good cause. I do not want to spoil this book for anyone-so you will just have to read it! And I promise you will not see the ending coming.
April 6, 2022
The scenario includes a family going on a trip in the middle of nowhere to try and bond once again. A rich father, two 30 years olds in need of money, a drunken guide, and an unkind helper. What could go wrong?
Se setting and the title scream betrayal. The children, especially the female one looks for any possible chance to fulfill her dream to be an actress. The male needs money after a series of unsuccessful businesses. The father feels guilty about letting them on their own.
The plot thickens with the relationships of the brothers, with a shady past. The forest gets the worst of all of them. Yet even if it would seem interesting, the character lack strength to fully give the book the dept that it needs. A page-turner, but not enough to fully hook me.
Se setting and the title scream betrayal. The children, especially the female one looks for any possible chance to fulfill her dream to be an actress. The male needs money after a series of unsuccessful businesses. The father feels guilty about letting them on their own.
The plot thickens with the relationships of the brothers, with a shady past. The forest gets the worst of all of them. Yet even if it would seem interesting, the character lack strength to fully give the book the dept that it needs. A page-turner, but not enough to fully hook me.
September 17, 2012
I received this book as a first reads giveaway. Thank you!
I have mixed feelings for this book. I found the characters appauling and they just rubbed me the wrong way. Bascially, it's an older millionare father taking his spoiled rotten kids out on a survival trail for days to try and reconnect after a 5 year grude of them not speaking. It's all about the money. I did like the father's character and I felt bad for him that his heirs were who they turned out to be. The sex scenes, however, wrong, were pretty hot. I'll admit it. All in all, I enjoyed it, I wish I was more thrilled with the ending, but I would check out more books by this author.
I have mixed feelings for this book. I found the characters appauling and they just rubbed me the wrong way. Bascially, it's an older millionare father taking his spoiled rotten kids out on a survival trail for days to try and reconnect after a 5 year grude of them not speaking. It's all about the money. I did like the father's character and I felt bad for him that his heirs were who they turned out to be. The sex scenes, however, wrong, were pretty hot. I'll admit it. All in all, I enjoyed it, I wish I was more thrilled with the ending, but I would check out more books by this author.
August 5, 2016
A delightfully vile and over-the-top story with a satisfying end. However, pretty predictable, no real surprises here. I agree with others that the dialogue was very repetitive and the repetition, when it happened, went on for far too long (3 pages when 1 would suffice). Still, I think the finished product will do well (if edited properly) and I wouldn't be surprised if this one is made into a movie as well (provided a good screenwriter works on it). This review is based on the Advanced Reader Copy.
January 16, 2016
First I have to say I enjoyed both The War of the Roses and The Tie That Binds, but the dark nature of the latter attracted me more. This book is dark and twisted like it, but in a different way.
I loved 99% of it.
It was the very last page I hated. Yup. Total WTF!!
So I will keep in my memory the 99% and make my own last page....
Suspense seekers that like little sick and demented twists, this is for you....
4.5/5
I loved 99% of it.
It was the very last page I hated. Yup. Total WTF!!
So I will keep in my memory the 99% and make my own last page....
Suspense seekers that like little sick and demented twists, this is for you....
4.5/5
October 2, 2012
This is a book I got from Goodreads to read an review. It started off a little slow but once you get past the first few chapters it really picks up. The wierd relationship between the brother and sister draws you in and then the concern over how to get their dad's money takes the book on a new turn and end makes it hard to put down. The book is a fawst read but draws you in to want to finish it and find out what trully happens. It holds you till the end.
September 18, 2012
A good story but very repetive. The ending was unexpected.
October 17, 2012
This was an easy read. I found the relationships disturbing and the ending left me without closure. It was well written.
November 24, 2015
A great Thriller!!
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