Осмият ден

by John Case, Крум Бъчваров (Translator )

Автор на бестселъра “Сянката на Бога”

“И в седмия ден си почина...” Битие 2:2

Клиентът
За Дани Крей, частен детектив и художник, предложението е прекалено хубаво, за да е истина. Един богат загадъчен адвокат го наема за “ограничаване на щетите”. Неговият клиент, анонимен милиардер, е обект на клеветническа кампания в италианската преса, която заплашва да съсипе репутацията му. Адвокатът иска Дани да открие кой стои зад нея - и е готов да му плати щедро.

Погребан жив
Единствената улика на Дани го отвежда в къщата на неотдавна починал професор по религиознание, който толкова се е ужасил от нещо, че се е погребал жив в мазето на уединената си къща. Адвокатът се кълне, че ако Дани се добере до документите на професора, заговорът срещу неговия клиент ще бъде разкрит. Това изглежда лесна задача, а и Дани има нужда от парите. Но колкото повече напредва разследването, толкова по-ясно става, че нищо не е такова, каквото изглежда. От него крият нещо. Нещо тъмно, бързо и зловещо, което се приближава зад гърба му.

От могъщия Вашингтон до великолепния Рим, от загадките на Истанбул до драмата в Силиконовата долина, “Осмият ден” е трилър със светкавично действие и безпощадно напрежение.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Adventure

370 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 2002

About the author

Writing as 'John Case,' Jim and Carolyn Hougan are The New York Times best-selling authors of The Genesis Code and five other thrillers.
An award-winning investigative reporter, Jim is the author of The Magdalene Cipher, a novel of conspiracy, and two non-fiction books about the CIA: Spooks and Secret Agenda.
Carolyn is the author of four novels, including The Romeo Flag.

The name John Case is actually that of Carolyn's grandfather ( John F Case), a journalist and author of Tom of Peace Valley (Boy Knight of Agriculture).

Reviews

[Mohikanos · Rating 1 out of 5]

Παιδιάστικο και βαρετό, οι πρώτες 200 σελίδες είναι για σκίσιμο, μετά που ξεκινάει το κυνηγητό κάπως τσουλάει, αλλά η βλακεία και η αμερικανιά του σπάνε νεύρα! Ο λόγος όλου του χαμού είναι για κλάματα, ο ήρωας από νερντ γίνεται Ράμπο IV, η ιστορία μπάζει από παντού και οι τεχνολογικές αναφορές μοιάζουν σαν αντιγραφή από σχολική εργασία! Αααα, να μην ξεχάσω, το γιατί γίνεται όλος ο χαμός αποφασίζει να μας το πει μετα απο καμιά 400ρια σελιδες!!! Να πω κι αλλά; Μπαααα...Στον Καιάδα (3/10)

[Edmond Gagnon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first John Case book for me. It was a good read so I can't say I was disappointed with the story, but maybe the protagonist - he's no super hero with special powers, but an almost normal person - an artist who does P.I. work on the side? He makes some pretty dumb moves as far as I'm concerned, but stumbles his way from country to country trying to take in the sites while killers are in pursuit.
The story is predictable, but fun, you almost can't wait to see what predicament he's going to fall into next. When he finally discovers the root of the plot the story gets a bit too technical for me. The reviews are all over the map on this novel, but I'd definitely give one of the author's other books a go.

[Billy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read John Case's first 3 novels before coming to this, the fourth by the husband-and-wife duo who write under this pseudonym, I was ready for another fantastic read. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed. This book was weak in character development, story line, suspense and resolution.
First, the main character, Dan Cray, was not anyone that I was profoundly concerned about; he was milquetoast at best. I suppose it is possible that this is the desire of the authors, but it was not effective because I was not concerned about the character's well-being, his past, present or future.

Second, the story lacked 'Case's' usual suspense, interesting story line, and plot twists that take the reader by surprise. Although the premise and the possible ramifications of it are as incredible as Case's previous offerings, that is where the similarities to the first three books stop. Without giving anything away (for those who do read the book) and to sum up, I was not too happy at the conclusion of the book.

I will continue to read Case's work and will hope that this was merely a low point in an otherwise higher standard of writing. I guess 3 out 4 ain't bad so I will hope for better as I continue to move through Case's library of work.

[Elian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early in the book, I wrote this note: "The WRITING! Details that appeal to how we think and notice things. And so fun for the imagination - not overwhelming, but detailed and vibrant. Able to convey how normal people speak. No major dissensions between characters. Love what he chooses to put into the book. So far, fantastic."
I did very much enjoy how he wrote this book. And it was definitely an action and suspense packed story.
I am glad I read it once, but it was sooo suspenseful, and I usually enjoy tales that are not so full of suspense, so for me it is personally a 4, but it was masterfully done.
Although it deals with international intrigue, it is easily enjoyable for people who know nothing about international intrigue. It was about a little guy on a little budget facing big things and being normal, which was great. :D

[Maurean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definately not my favorite Case novel (that distinction still lies with "The Genesis Code"), but a somewhat entertaining read, nonetheless.

In this one, we follow Danny Cray , struggling artist and part-time PI, as he becomes unwittingly caught up in a conspiracy to overthrow the religious leader of the Kurds.

The storyline, while immensely entertaining and interesting in its subject matter, didn't grab me like many of his other books, and I'm sure that is because I found the protagonist to be very niave, not very bright, and just basically annoying. (I mean, c'mon Mr. Case; he's being chased over the globe by REALLY bad guys who want to kill him, and he has time to appriciate the foods and architecture of the region??! Sorry. Not buyin' that.) Then, you (again, Mr. Case, I speak to you) have the audacity to give him a "happy ending" with the girl he's lied to, cheated on, and took for granted. Bah!! Not in *my* world!!

Aside from THAT - well, the story WAS interesting and entertaining; the action was fast-paced (if somewhat unbelievable) and I read it thru to the end, so that says something too, I suppose.

Still, if you are new to Case - DO NOT start here.
I recommend his books often, and will continue to read his work...this one just wasn't one of his best!

[Reader57 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Danny Cray is about as naieve as an individual can get. He's a sculpture doing some mild investigative work on the side for a friend's firm. he takes a job outside the firm that is supposed to be easy and pays a ridiculous fee. That should be clue #1 that the job is going to be more than it seems. He then just gets into one more piece of trouble after another. Only in fiction does he still survive and the bad guys lose in the end. You know that the bad guys will lose you just hang in there to see how.

[John M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad action-thriller but a little more than I wanted to know about nanotechnology.

[LeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book that kept me hanging on at every chapter's end. I just couldn't put it down. John Case's writing is certainly not "easy reading," as the story always involves some type of technology, biological issue, religion, etc. that he has to spend pages and pages explaining. I don't see that as a bad thing and enjoy the challenge of understanding what is going on, but I could see that others might find it laborious.

[Vic Heaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another John Case book about an ordinary man caught up in extraordinary events. Fast-paced, the usual input of information on an extraordinary technology. Danny can only hope to get out of the dangerous situation in which he is placed by becoming more and more involved. A bit like riding a fixed-gear bike, which is something I well remember from my youth - you can't stop pedalling, you have to go on, even when you are plunging into danger. And Danny has no brakes.

[Tory Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great thriller from John Case. I especially liked the main character, Danny Cray, whose internal thoughts seemed very honest with a spark of humor. The mystery surrounds several mysterious deaths and the action quickly moves to a remote region of Turkey and a tribal sect. You definately need to suspend belief, as many of Danny's escapes are obviously fantastical, but if you go with it, it's a great ride!

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book would never end.

[Bradley Valentine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Continuing the slump I’ve been in lately... haha. I picked up this book because I really liked the idea of the character being an artist. That’s about the only thing I did like, and that aspect didn’t even necessarily jive with the story. Given how ominous John Case plays the client, I don’t think it’s giving anything away by saying things down turn out well between client and Danny Cray. That’s cool, right? Because you wouldn’t have much of a story otherwise. This is a noir kind of thing after all. The problem for me is that we get HOURS of reading where we bear Danny’s impossible naivete and the bookish wrestling of conscience about the money he’s paid when things begin to look like they might not be 100% above board. That’s the worst part for me. This character is such a construct. He’s a sentinel of two writers’ idea of what a good man is like today crossed with an almost laughable idea of a 26 year old underemployed artist (that’s an area I know something about, ha). Danny Cray is supposed to be an artist, well know in that community, and artists are usually a “worldly” bunch. They don’t have all the same morality of the usual reader of books like these. Except for Danny Cray who comes off more like suburban jock. We’re meant ti believe he has something to say as an artist and all the ladies want him even though he’s, again, impossibly naive and just boring. Later on his throws his client under the bus and puts all his blind trust in a priest he has never met before for really no good reason, just like a child might do. A child from a time when priests were people who could be trusted without question.

You see what I mean?

Aside from that, it’s not a compelling mystery. I’m shocked by other reviewers calling any of this good writing. I’d like to see their idea of bad writing. To be fair, I’ll call it middling since it’s just cliche and boring and holds its own logic. Trust me, there is better stuff out there.

[Rory Mcconnachie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the most book book I’ve ever read, I enjoyed it massively don’t get me wrong it’s a fun read but boy does it go on longer then needed. It also goes into so many concepts wheather that be religious, spiritual, technological that it dosent shine enough light on any of them. Danial Cray is a complex, flawed character who is great to follow along with but he lacks a certain depth needed to truly care. What this book nails is the small moments, getting a coffee in Rome or riding the bus through Türkiye, those moment stick with you the most. One of the books main plot lines is deepfake videos and images which while it would’ve been cool and futuristic at the time, the emergence of AI means those moments are lessened massively as we the reader aren’t so much impressed by its existence or threat. All in all a fun read but a flawed book that drags in its writing and pacing despite having a lot of shining moments to keep you reading.

[Amy Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intricately plotted thriller with a high-stakes plot and a hero who isn't the alpha male that often dominates the thriller genre. Danny Cray is an aspiring artist who does occasional investigative work on the side. A meeting with a mysterious businessman named Belzer leads to an offer he can't refuse. What starts as a simple job plunges Danny into a world of wealth, conspiracies, and international intrigue.

Despite his many mistakes, Danny manages to escape one perilous situation after the other as he uncovers the truth about the man who hired him. He must also prepare for an important showing of his art and save his relationship with his girlfriend Caleigh.

The book is action-packed, but the ending did feel slightly less dramatic and satisfying than the rest of the book. Still, the plot kept my interest throughout.

[Matthew Gildea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made the mistake of looking at some reviews ahead of reading the book, and sometimes it can tarnish your expectations as you go into it looking for flaws or issues highlighted.

I enjoyed the book, the mystery of the plot, and the technical details were interesting and reminiscent of a lite Michael Crichton type. The story flowed well, and whilst there were some… leaps in the capability of the ordinary protagonist, it felt within the realms of possibilities.

One thing I didn’t like was the protagonist. Mainly his ethical self, but that isn’t a problem of story telling. If anything it’s good storytelling that I cared enough about him whilst disagreeing with his morale choices.

I will certainly look to read more from the author!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danny Cay, an artist and part time private investigator, is hired by a very wealthy man, to find out who started a smear campaign against him. During the course of the investigation Danny finds out that the man that hired him isn't the man Danny thought he was. Actually the guy, Zebek, is a ruthless killer that used Danny to track down men that were trying to stop him from stealing money from an ancient religious order Now he's after Danny and Danny has to figure out a way to stop Zebec or be murdered.

[Doreen Hawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Eighth Day by John Case

If you like Dan Brown you will enjoy this, John Case wrote thriller books around religious themes before Dan Brown.
Danny is hired to find someone who is defaming a Turkish millionaire, however the people he finds all die in horrible ways. Soon he finds that he has become the target of the business man and somehow he must survive. The answers lie in science particularly nanotechnology. It’s a thrilling ride and a really good story.

[Rogue Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Years ago I was fascinated by John Case's few works, always some religious angle to tantalize and scrutinize. Pacing and tension are certainly here but the plot is ridiculous. The amateur investigator, an artist by choice and disposition, gets greedy, finds himself in France, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Language, outsider status and lack of resources are not barriers and don't hinder a swift disposition. Huh?

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was ok. There were some fast paced sections and other were it seems to drag out a bit. I was a bit concerned that the book would become quite religious (almost like the Davinci Code) but it didn't. Although there is a religion in the background that is important for the story, it was not the main component of the book. It is more about powerful people wanting more power and willing to hurt others to get it.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book in the same vein as a Dan Brown Langdon novel.

A 'hero' with no real skills getting caught up in a conspiracy that could have huge ramifications on the planet.

Has the book foreseen the dangers of AI and nanotechnology I suppose we will have to wait and see.

Ending is okay but nothing special and the epilogue where he basically tricks his ex to get back with him didn't sit right with me.

[Graham Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a captivating read.
It is a very improbable plot and the outworkings of the drama are also most improbable, but it is nevertheless interesting reading and holds your suspense and interest right up to the conclusion close to the end of the 500 pages.
Quality of writing is good.

[Lynda Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Protagonist Danny Cray is a really weak character. There is some suspense, but all in all, the connection between the religious beliefs of the Kurds and the villain is questionable.

The eighth day refers to a teaching in some Kurdish sects that on the eighth day of creation, God became bored with what he had created and gave his creation to Satan/Lucifer, who is then worshipped by his followers.

Danny becomes involved when the enigmatic owner of a nanotechnology company hires him to do some PI work. Danny is in no way qualified for the job. Period.

This book is not nearly as good as Case’s first novel The Genesis Code.

[JOHN BARLOW · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enthralling novel. Scientific information intertwined with moments of violence and horror.

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ending was awful. 3 stars up to the end.

[LeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting! Trips to Rome, DC.,California and Turkey through the eyes of a struggling artist/private investigator.

[Steve Pillinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great! Well up to Case standard.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, started good, to the end seemed too long.

[Kimberly Teierle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't waste your time

Not a good flow story is not believable at all with a lot of nonsense written to fill gaps where story Kim o s all over the place.

[Heather Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. This is a subject John Case does very well, religious intrigue

[Stasys Rakštys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio