Клубът на биковете

Fifth Avenue #2

by Christopher Smith, Кристофър Смит

THE EAGERLY AWAITED SEQUEL TO THE INTERNATIONAL BEST-SELLER "FIFTH AVENUE."br/br/TWELVE PEOPLE TARGETED FOR DEATH...br/Five years ago, each person sold out to the SEC and took the stand against Maxmilian Wolfhagen, the infamous arbitrageur who robbed the world of billions and brought about the collapse of the stock market. Now, with Wolfhagen out of prison, one by one, each is dying a grisly death.br/br/TWO ASSASSINS WITH ONLY 48 HOURS TO CUT A SWATH OF MURDER AND REVENGE THROUGH NEW YORK...br/With the time restrains so tight, the challenges are massive--but so are their ruthless skills.br/br/MARTY SPELLMAN IS ON THE CASE...br/Hired by the writer Maggie Cain to investigate Wolfhagen for a biography she's writing about him, private investigator Marty Spellman soon learns that all isn't what it seems as the twists pile up along with sheer number of the dead. His life is put on the line. His family is threatened. No one is who they appear to be. Who can he trust as the bulls of Wall Street start to run as the two assassins fully ignite their killing spree?

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Crime, Suspense, New York, Mystery Thriller

397 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2011

About the author

Christopher Smith is the author of the #1 international bestselling The Fifth Avenue Series, The Bullied Series, You Only Die Twice, and The Cul-de-Sac. He has sold over 3.5 million books worldwide in eighteen different languages. He lives on the coast of Maine.

Reviews

[Tulay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bloody thriller.

This was the second book I read, and it will be the last book written by this author. Lost count of the murders, detailed descriptions of autopsies was gruesome. To get his revenge he hired assassin to killed the people who testified against him. Meanwhile many innocent people also died. Also left me many unanswered questions.

[Darlene Ferland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Christopher Smith but this isn't for the faint of heart. His descriptions are almost too visual. The twists and turns are unexpected and welcome as the story unfolds. I had a hard time putting it down and again I'll be buying another of his books. . .

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want to know the definition of a page-turner? Look no further than this book.

WOW! When I saw this book listed as a Goodreads giveaway, I was intrigued enough to enter, and lucky enough to win. Boy, am I glad I did.

By the time you finish reading the 7-page preface, you're completely hooked - at least I was. And, the action never let me down, right through to the last sentence. I loved the short chapters, chock full of gun fights, seedy locales, and explosives; the quirky characters, not a superfluous one in the bunch (Diva Divine, Emilio DeSoto, Helena Adams - all brilliant! And, who wouldn't want to read the juicy autobiography of Ms. Adams??); and, oh yeah - did I mention the action? Again - WOW! I was mightily impressed. It isn't often that a thriller can maintain its page-turning status throughout, but this one did.

I can't recommend this one enough. But, I'll have to stop my raving here - I need to go find another Christopher Smith novel to read.

[David Highton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A violent thriller with a twist at the end. Not many pleasant characters.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve started now I’ll finish

[D Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what I was expecting, but this book was excellent. This is definitely an edge of your seat thriller and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Martine Flambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Je commence VRAIMENT à aimer cet auteur, que d’action dans chacun de ses livres avec les protagonistes Vincent Spocatti et Carmen Gragera (tueurs à gage 😉)

[Sadie · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many typos!!! Ok towards the end but hard going to get there.

[Amy Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many Twists and Turns

Sex antics of the reach and powerful. The villains are grotesque monsters while the real characters are human. Smith’s book are quick reads.

[Carolyn Minnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Running of the bulls

Kept me interested. Overly dramatic about the explosions. Could have been just as good without that big of a climax

[Radi Radev · Rating 5 out of 5]

От години не бях чел хубав криминален роман. Имам почти всичко на Реймънд Чандлър и го считам за най-великия в този жанр. От друга страна трябва да отбележа, че "Клубът на биковете" от Кристофър Смит напомня сериозно на творбите на Джеймс Хадли Чейс и донякъде (в бруталните сцени) на произведенията на Мики Спилейн.
В този роман попаднах на изключително оригинално убийство. Жертвата умира публично, няма как да се посочи нападателят, а оръжията на престъплението са пред очите на всички.
Кристофър Смит е сериозен автор, който разкрива психологията на насилието извършвано от отрицателните герои:
"Но не това прикова Марти към прага. Той се вкамени заради надписа с кръв над леглото на Ууд и сега в почуда разсъждаваше над неразгадаемостта на човешката душа и черния мрак, който може да се стаи в нея."
В "Клубът на биковете" се разказва какво би мгъл да постигне луд и отчаян човек с много пари. Той е поставил своето отмъщение в култ и въпреки, че би могъл да наеме поне десетина убийци плаща само на двама. Които обаче са най-добрите в бранша.
И те започват черната си жътва по най-садистичния, безмилостен и същевременно делови начин:
"- Снощи единственото, което ми беше позволено да спомена за Ууд, бе, че главата и я няма на местопрестъплението и че ударът е нанесен професионално, каквото и да означава това, по дяволите. Има ли критерии за професионализъм при рязането на глави?"
От тази книга можем да научим доста за Уолстрийт. А също така, че прекаленото многото пари и власт понякога могат да премахнат абсолютно всякакви скрупули и задръжки. Изпитвам съжаление, че не съм чел "Пето авеню" от К. Смит, но се надявам скоро да поправя този пропуск.
Понеже описанията в една книга са нейните багри, моля прочетете долните редове и си помислете колко автори на криминални романи са способни да ги напишат:
"Беше като изтръгнал се от ада отломък.
Ръсещ огнени капки по стария мокет на стълбището, роялът се задържа за миг на най-горното стъпало, преди да се прекатури и да заподскача надолу. От него се разлетяха искри, а сградата се разтресе. Роялът набираше скорост. Това бе съпроводено с неописуемата какофония на хиляди едновременно изпълнявани ноти, късане на струни и разцепване на дърво. Тишината се разкъса от зловещ концерт, дирижиран от един луд."
Кристофър Смит ни превежда през кървав маратон, но в "Клубът на биковете" има поне няколко идеи, които изобщо не са свързани с насилието, а могат да се развият в самостоятелни книги. И това го прави вдъхновяващ писател.

http://radiradev.blogspot.com/2013/09...

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action, action, action, action! If you're looking for non-stop action, revenge, and even a plot twist or two, RofB is your book! Smith starts the book with action, fills it with action, and leaves you wanting more. This book is centered on the age old vice of revenge (oh, so sweet), and does not disappoint. While many of us come to this book by way of Fifth Avenue, it is not a requirement at all to enjoy this book. Smith even gives you the first nine chapters of Fifth Avenue at the end of RotB in case you wanted to get ready for Park Avenue (can't wait!).
For the grammar police, yes, there are a half dozen mistakes, but you just kind of notice them and move on. I've seen a few harping on realism, checks, etc. That's why it's called fiction, people. It's for entertainment. We all watch movies and tv shows full of actions and effects that are supposed to be 'real', but would never, ever happen in real life. This book is for enjoyment. This book if for the suspension of real life; for escape. It's the reason many of us read books - to escape into another world if just for a little while.
So I digress. The characters in this book are interesting, and I was happy to see Spocatti again. He's one of those you just want to get their come-up-ance, but not until you see what wicked plan he has up his sleep. As far as the others, I liked Roberta better than anyone else. Sorry, Chris, but we just didn't get to see into the psyches of the others enough to make me love them. I'm eager to see Leanna again in Park Avenue, though, and see what trouble her and Marty (and Spocatti) can get into. (rubbing hands together conspiratorially and laughing maniacally).
If you're looking for an entertaining book full of action and twists, look no further. Give Smith a try. You'll want more, I'm sure.

[Ивелина Киркова · Rating 5 out of 5]

Сууупер завладяваща. Последните 200 страници прочетох на един дъх и не можех да оставя книгата. Ще стане страхотен филм от нея.
Препоръчвам, ако сте фенове на криминалета

[Julie Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but can't help but compare it to Fifth Ave, which I *really* liked so I have to give it 3 stars in comparison.

Its a good thriller, though one that is more dark than Fifth Ave. I preferred the family drama of Fifth Ave & the two sisters. Emotionally, I felt more connected to that novel. The main character in this book was harder for me to pin point emotionally. I'm not sure why. I just felt less emotionally invested in what happened to him, as compared to Fifth Ave. That doesn't mean he wasn't a good character, though! And perhaps its not fair of me to compare the books so much. Anyway, read the book & judge for yourself!

My favourite characters were the two assassins, especially Carmen. She was very intriguing, unlikeable due to what she was/does and yet I connected with her, she kept having momentary doubts about her profession, and I kept worrying about her, wondering if she was going to be double crossed. (I hope there is novel about her somewhere down the road!).

Wolfhagon also was very well portrayed, a totally creepy guy!

The plot was great, very fast paced. Full of twists & turns. It made for a good summer read.

[Josee · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the action moved faster in this book, I didn't think this book was as good as its predecessor and the ending was a bit confusing again with the little twist. I still think that this series is trying to do too much (and what is with the obsession with the underground NYC sex clubs? maybe the book should just focus on that instead of implying most rich NY socialites are members). It is a page-turner in the sense that you want to know how fast they kill everyone and how. Also, I was waiting for a bigger tie-in with "Fifth Avenue" than just Vincent Spocatti. I did like the title of the book, I think I just expected more. And I didn't care about any of the characters in this book, whereas I felt for the Redman daughters in "Fifth Avenue."

[Radi Radev · Rating 3 out of 5]

Цялото ревю можете да прочетете тук:
http://radiradev.blogspot.bg/2013/09/...

От години не бях чел хубав криминален роман. Имам почти всичко на Реймънд Чандлър и го считам за най-великия в този жанр. От друга страна трябва да отбележа, че "Клубът на биковете" от Кристофър Смит напомня сериозно на творбите на Джеймс Хадли Чейс и донякъде (в бруталните сцени) на произведенията на Мики Спилейн.
В този роман попаднах на изключително оригинално убийство. Жертвата умира публично, няма как да се посочи нападателят, а оръжията на престъплението са пред очите на всички.
Кристофър Смит е сериозен автор, който разкрива психологията на насилието извършвано от отрицателните герои:

[Jean Browne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced thriller that doesn't disappoint. Assassins racing through Manhattan with one thing on their mind...murder. But who's on the list, and why? What's the connection between these Wall Street power people and the dark side of New York? And, is it going the way you think, or is there a twist?? Hmm...I was out of breath by the time I finished this one. Trying to keep one step ahead of these killers was exhausting!! Great beach read, but don't start this one unless you can read straight to the end!!

[Amjid · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

A fast paced thriller with plot twists is what you get with this book. All the characters add to the story (apart from the artist, forgot his name). This book had two assassins working together, and the dynamic between these was somewhat limited. I would have liked a bit more dialogue between the two, that was not work related. All the books I have read the assassin has been a loner, with no friends, so this was a welcome change. However just wished the author pushed it further.

I will be going back to read the first book in the series, 5th avenue.

[Janice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would actually give this 2.5 stars. I would agree with the other reviews who talk about too much underground sex clubs and unlikable characters. I really liked the first book in this series, despite the obsession with the sex clubs. The characters were better developed and the story line was better. I didn't really see how this book was the second in a series - it dealt with the assassin from the first book not the main characters.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher Smith has not disappointed. This book draws the reader in immediately and never lets go. I enjoy Mr. Smith's writing style and his vivid imagination. I think it's a great writer that can cause a reader to root for a bad guy. His characters are likable and despicable, and the twist at the end took me by surprise. I had no idea there was anything amiss during the book. Another Great Read! Looking forward to more of the series.. Now where'd I put that next book?

[Tracy Reno · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Christopher's books are, in one word AWESOME!!! I have read all of his Fifth Avenue Series Books UP to Park Avenue, and they are extremely good. Am in the process of reading Park Avenue on my new Kindle AND the first book in the Bullied Series on my other one. Christopher is being compared as the next Steven King and IMHO he may very well be! Brilliant writing on all counts!!! Can't wait to finish Park Ave and eventually get the last 2 in the series in the next few years!!!!!!!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book - weird string holding books together is the killer who keeps getting away -

Fast paced - I did not expect to like the books as much as I do - all of his writing is fast paced and about people we can relate to in some way.

[Cindy Skiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. After reading the first book in the series, I was afraid I would be disappointed. I wasn't. I will finish out the box set, which includes a novella by the same author. I'm excited to have found these books. They are fun.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed how it was a new story, yet made ties & references to the first book & drew us back to the original story by the end. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first book, but it was still enjoyable.

[Carl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I never really got wrapped up with this book, hence it didn't keep me up late at night trying to find out what was going to happen next. I felt like the book ended with a lot of issues that were wrapped up quickly but not so neatly.

[Bonnie]

full of surprises and a page turner! a mystery with a twist. a ponzi scheme sends the twisted thief to jail for three years . after he is released people who testified against him begin to die....from various circumstances. is there a connection?

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Fifth Avenue and needed to immediately go into Running of the Bulls, i was not disappointed. Fast past and interesting characters will have you wanting more...especially after reading his novella at the end, From Manhattan with Love....

[pdw · Rating 3 out of 5]

not a GREAT book, but one of the few books in french that i can get on my kindle that are great literary masterpieces. (i'm interested in becoming fluent in the more current vernacular.) good enough to keep me going (slowly!) till the end.

[chelepissbcglobal.net · Rating 5 out of 5]

POSITIVELY FABULOUS.

This was an absolutely heart stopping killer great book. Once you start reading the book you won't be able to put it down until you've finished it. This is a ten star book.

[Mary Sieczkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good storyline.