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Pascual Rose #1
Lying Crying Dying
Lying Crying Dying was hailed by British suspense master Lionel Davidson as "the Thriller Nouveau-- of deceit, betrayal, tears...one of the very best of the late nineties."
Pascual Rose is a repentant ex-terrorist trying to make amends after defecting and selling out his former comrades in the European terrorist underground of the 1980's. He is lying low in Barcelona when the only name he never gave up, the one woman he ever loved, reappears. She wants out now too, and she is on the run with a suitcase full of hijacked cash to start a new life somewhere far away-- with Pascual. But nothing is what it seems, and when Pascual realizes that Katixa is lying to him, can the crying and the dying be far behind?
Pascual Rose is a repentant ex-terrorist trying to make amends after defecting and selling out his former comrades in the European terrorist underground of the 1980's. He is lying low in Barcelona when the only name he never gave up, the one woman he ever loved, reappears. She wants out now too, and she is on the run with a suitcase full of hijacked cash to start a new life somewhere far away-- with Pascual. But nothing is what it seems, and when Pascual realizes that Katixa is lying to him, can the crying and the dying be far behind?
- GenresSpain
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 8, 2016
This is another very thought-provoking book from Dominic Martell that grabs you by the throat and won't let go, even after you've finished reading it. Pascual Rose was once involved with a number of groups who committed terrorist acts across Europe. But then he abandoned these radical causes and ratted out all of his former associates, save one--his lover, the beautiful Katixa, to the C.I.A. in return for a new identity and a safe "retirement."
Six years later, Pascual is scratching out a meager existence in the slums of Barcelona, drinking too much, occasionally bedding an overripe widow, and trying to keep his head down so as to avoid being found by his old associates who would very much like to extract revenge for his defection. Then, from out of nowhere, Katixa bursts back into his life, on the run with five million francs that she has stolen. Katixa proposes that she and Pascual find a way to sneak out of Spain with the loot so that they can finally live happily ever after.
Pascual has never lost the passion and the love he felt for Katixa, and he is totally intoxicated by the idea of being reunited with her. His efforts to make this plan work and to realize his dream open the door to a complicated tale of intrigue and double-crosses, punctuated by a considerable amount of violence.
As is often the case in novels like this, it's ultimately hard to determine who the good guys are or if, indeed, there even are any good guys at all. But you instinctively root for Pascual. For all the terrible things he might have done in his earlier life, you want things to work out well for him in the end and once you've started the book, it's almost impossible to put it down until you know if they will or not. One thing you will know for sure though, once you've finished the book, is that Dominic Martell is an author who deserves a much wider audience.
Six years later, Pascual is scratching out a meager existence in the slums of Barcelona, drinking too much, occasionally bedding an overripe widow, and trying to keep his head down so as to avoid being found by his old associates who would very much like to extract revenge for his defection. Then, from out of nowhere, Katixa bursts back into his life, on the run with five million francs that she has stolen. Katixa proposes that she and Pascual find a way to sneak out of Spain with the loot so that they can finally live happily ever after.
Pascual has never lost the passion and the love he felt for Katixa, and he is totally intoxicated by the idea of being reunited with her. His efforts to make this plan work and to realize his dream open the door to a complicated tale of intrigue and double-crosses, punctuated by a considerable amount of violence.
As is often the case in novels like this, it's ultimately hard to determine who the good guys are or if, indeed, there even are any good guys at all. But you instinctively root for Pascual. For all the terrible things he might have done in his earlier life, you want things to work out well for him in the end and once you've started the book, it's almost impossible to put it down until you know if they will or not. One thing you will know for sure though, once you've finished the book, is that Dominic Martell is an author who deserves a much wider audience.
December 4, 2023
This story is well plotted and set, but the prose was atrocious.
In general, I liked the story, with its intricate cross, and double-cross. The setting was also well-done (although I remember Barcelona as shabbier and smellier). The Katixa character was well rendered, but Pascual lacked motivation.
What really hurt the novel was the cliched and overly-intellectual prose. This flaw was noticeably worse in the beginning. For example, there was the terribly over-used description of Katixa being "lithe as a jungle cat". But, my favorite passage (This had me running to the dictionary.) is listed below:
"Pascual runs Benigno to earth in a grimy `tasca' in the Carrer del la Merc'e, with a .... demimonde clientele."
Either the author needs to be slapped-up against the side of the head for writing this, or his editor needs scrounging for letting it be published in a Thriller.
There is a lot of Terrorist inspired fiction market right now. "Lying, Crying, Dying" is too flawed to compete with the best of them. I think with at least as much concentration on his prose as his storyline this author may have some future potential.
In general, I liked the story, with its intricate cross, and double-cross. The setting was also well-done (although I remember Barcelona as shabbier and smellier). The Katixa character was well rendered, but Pascual lacked motivation.
What really hurt the novel was the cliched and overly-intellectual prose. This flaw was noticeably worse in the beginning. For example, there was the terribly over-used description of Katixa being "lithe as a jungle cat". But, my favorite passage (This had me running to the dictionary.) is listed below:
"Pascual runs Benigno to earth in a grimy `tasca' in the Carrer del la Merc'e, with a .... demimonde clientele."
Either the author needs to be slapped-up against the side of the head for writing this, or his editor needs scrounging for letting it be published in a Thriller.
There is a lot of Terrorist inspired fiction market right now. "Lying, Crying, Dying" is too flawed to compete with the best of them. I think with at least as much concentration on his prose as his storyline this author may have some future potential.
August 25, 2012
Although
LYING CRYING DYING
has been in print a few years, the three-book series that it launched has just gone mod with new e-book editions. Dominic Martell deserves to be better known than he is as a spy/thriller writer, and I’m amazed that this book never made it as a movie script. Packed with action, and set in a fascinating city, it just seems to be made for the big screen. (Martel may be better known by his pen name Sam Reaves, under which he wrote a much longer series of crime stories set in Chicago.)
The hero of the Barcelona books, Pascual, has retired from his highly risky business of being a courier for the Basque separatists in Spain, and all the assorted rebel groups with whom they associate, such as the Palestinians. The mixing of the groups particularly interested me since I had just learned about the close connections among freedom fighters around the world when I read Mother Tongue . In that book, Helena Drysdale travels in the Basque country of northern Spain, Bilbao and Barcelona.
Lying, Crying, Dying is a very satisfactory action and chase novel. Pascual an engaging character you’ll want to read more about, and the city a character in the novel that you’ll want to get to know. My only complaint is that the book is stuffed with acronyms and foreign terms for the various political groups and some rather obscure references to recent Basque/Spanish conflict that might not be familiar to the everyday reader. I would have like to see the author clarify those points in some way–without, of course, slowing down the breakneck pace.
This is a portion of my review published at A Traveler's Library. You can see the entire review, with some of the author's photos of Barcelona here.
The hero of the Barcelona books, Pascual, has retired from his highly risky business of being a courier for the Basque separatists in Spain, and all the assorted rebel groups with whom they associate, such as the Palestinians. The mixing of the groups particularly interested me since I had just learned about the close connections among freedom fighters around the world when I read Mother Tongue . In that book, Helena Drysdale travels in the Basque country of northern Spain, Bilbao and Barcelona.
Lying, Crying, Dying is a very satisfactory action and chase novel. Pascual an engaging character you’ll want to read more about, and the city a character in the novel that you’ll want to get to know. My only complaint is that the book is stuffed with acronyms and foreign terms for the various political groups and some rather obscure references to recent Basque/Spanish conflict that might not be familiar to the everyday reader. I would have like to see the author clarify those points in some way–without, of course, slowing down the breakneck pace.
This is a portion of my review published at A Traveler's Library. You can see the entire review, with some of the author's photos of Barcelona here.
October 12, 2020
Dominic Martel – Lying Crying Dying – Reviewed 10/11/20 – Read 10/6-7/20
How do you know the one you love with all your heart is true? Especially if your both KILLERS!
Pascual was a courier for a group of radicals that was trying to spread terror in all of Europe, in the name of separatism and liberation. Then the day came when he had a better offer, so he defected to the Mossad and CIA. Of course, this means that he sold out all his former comrades, except, the one woman that he loved, the beautiful Katixa.
His new associates gave him a new identity and he was to vanish! Going home to Barcelona, his childhood home seemed like the place that he could be the happiest. Keeping an extremely low profile, existing and living hand to mouth, Pascual tried to atone for his past. This included hiding from his previous comrades but helping where he could.
Then the day arrived when he thought that he had finally put his past away, an eruption occurred, Katixa walked back into his life!!! They decide to pick up where they left off, but things do not seem right! Why? At every move, the deception was around him, everyone was lying to him, with that he knew then the crying and dying would not be far behind!!!
And the story begins…
What did I like? This book was a real test of my languages, which I loved, as I do not use some of them often enough. Now, the storyline, extremely complicated and mysterious. The main thing that I liked was the descriptions. I have never been to Europe, I felt like this book picked me up and off I went to Barcelona and many other places. I loved the foods, people, and lifestyles that were a part of the journey. I can honestly say that I was caught up in the storyline, with the pictures flying through my mind’s eye!
What will you like? When you use the word action, it seems like such a small word, but when you apply it to a book like this one, you will find this astonishing journey through hell and back! Duck, the lead is flying, the crooks are around you, with deception every step of the way, and the love is abounding. Well, at least one of them is in love! The characters are so unique and amazing. This storyline has the feel of real life, and it is obvious that the author has personal knowledge of it. You can see the research on every page. Dominic brings this book to life, and you will not be able to put it down, as the mystery, lead flying, running, and the race for survival will take over your mind! Professionally written and edited. An extremely exciting and wonderful read, it will be a great addition to your library.
• File Size: 4231 KB
• Print Length: 208 pages
• Publication Date: October 6, 2020
• Publisher: Dunn Books
• ASIN: B08JGYVF9R
• Genre: International Mystery & Crime, Women Sleuths
How do you know the one you love with all your heart is true? Especially if your both KILLERS!
Pascual was a courier for a group of radicals that was trying to spread terror in all of Europe, in the name of separatism and liberation. Then the day came when he had a better offer, so he defected to the Mossad and CIA. Of course, this means that he sold out all his former comrades, except, the one woman that he loved, the beautiful Katixa.
His new associates gave him a new identity and he was to vanish! Going home to Barcelona, his childhood home seemed like the place that he could be the happiest. Keeping an extremely low profile, existing and living hand to mouth, Pascual tried to atone for his past. This included hiding from his previous comrades but helping where he could.
Then the day arrived when he thought that he had finally put his past away, an eruption occurred, Katixa walked back into his life!!! They decide to pick up where they left off, but things do not seem right! Why? At every move, the deception was around him, everyone was lying to him, with that he knew then the crying and dying would not be far behind!!!
And the story begins…
What did I like? This book was a real test of my languages, which I loved, as I do not use some of them often enough. Now, the storyline, extremely complicated and mysterious. The main thing that I liked was the descriptions. I have never been to Europe, I felt like this book picked me up and off I went to Barcelona and many other places. I loved the foods, people, and lifestyles that were a part of the journey. I can honestly say that I was caught up in the storyline, with the pictures flying through my mind’s eye!
What will you like? When you use the word action, it seems like such a small word, but when you apply it to a book like this one, you will find this astonishing journey through hell and back! Duck, the lead is flying, the crooks are around you, with deception every step of the way, and the love is abounding. Well, at least one of them is in love! The characters are so unique and amazing. This storyline has the feel of real life, and it is obvious that the author has personal knowledge of it. You can see the research on every page. Dominic brings this book to life, and you will not be able to put it down, as the mystery, lead flying, running, and the race for survival will take over your mind! Professionally written and edited. An extremely exciting and wonderful read, it will be a great addition to your library.
• File Size: 4231 KB
• Print Length: 208 pages
• Publication Date: October 6, 2020
• Publisher: Dunn Books
• ASIN: B08JGYVF9R
• Genre: International Mystery & Crime, Women Sleuths
September 25, 2020
Lying Crying Dying by Dominic Martell is the first book in the Pascual series which was published in the 1990’s. The book will be rereleased in October, 2020. I had recently met the Pascual in a new book (also releasing soon) written 30 years after Lying, Crying Dying. I was mesmerized by this new look at an older Pascual in Kill Chain, the sequel which brings this Cold War anti-hero into the post 9/11 era. I am now sounding as complex as these amazing books but think about it. How often do you get to jump back into an exciting life and story?
This book should have been called, “Lying, Crying, Dying,THRILLING.” The book begins with Pascual lying low in Barcelona. After he defected to Mossad and the CIA, he was given a new identity. His days as a covert operations courier for radical European groups are over. In addition to all his specialized skills, he knows many languages and has lived in Eastern Europe, Damascus, Aleppo, Beirut, Morocco and even America. Now he is a ghost.
Until…he connects again with Katixa, a player from his earlier days. She has a suitcase with 5 million francs and needs to get away. Pascual gives in to his deep connection with her. From that point on, it’s a leap out of a fourth story window and the life or death chase is on. It’s one thing to avoid the law and underground agents. It’s another matter to avoid a trunk load of plastique.
But who is Pascual running from? The law, hitmen or himself? And is he running to the exotic Katixa or to the most dangerous situation he has yet to confront? Readers hang on to your getaway car- you won’t know until you screech around a curve to the last page.
I was fascinated to see that the younger Pascual in this book really wasn’t that different from the older Pascual I first met in Kill Chain. Of course, he always has his special skills. But the inner workings of Pascual have continued from the past to the present. He doesn’t always trust his inner compass, he depends on friends to help him, and he continues to search for a way to remain sane.
“Now he is launched; he is a stealth missile, off the radar screen. He is invisible and he is deadly and this time he is right.”
Lying, Crying, Dying is skillfully crafted, a dark thriller with literary tones. Plenty of characters from all walks of life are vividly presented. And Katixa is marvelous. Observations about friendship, trust, and the purpose of life from the small details of coffee in a bar to the philosophy of aiming a gun are woven into the suspense of danger and intrigue. Pascual is gritty, life is too and it’s incredible to see this dark hero from the 1990’s to 2020. You have to think while you read this book. You can read Lying first or Kill Chain but do read them!
Thanks to Meryl Moss Media and Dunn Books for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.
This book should have been called, “Lying, Crying, Dying,THRILLING.” The book begins with Pascual lying low in Barcelona. After he defected to Mossad and the CIA, he was given a new identity. His days as a covert operations courier for radical European groups are over. In addition to all his specialized skills, he knows many languages and has lived in Eastern Europe, Damascus, Aleppo, Beirut, Morocco and even America. Now he is a ghost.
Until…he connects again with Katixa, a player from his earlier days. She has a suitcase with 5 million francs and needs to get away. Pascual gives in to his deep connection with her. From that point on, it’s a leap out of a fourth story window and the life or death chase is on. It’s one thing to avoid the law and underground agents. It’s another matter to avoid a trunk load of plastique.
But who is Pascual running from? The law, hitmen or himself? And is he running to the exotic Katixa or to the most dangerous situation he has yet to confront? Readers hang on to your getaway car- you won’t know until you screech around a curve to the last page.
I was fascinated to see that the younger Pascual in this book really wasn’t that different from the older Pascual I first met in Kill Chain. Of course, he always has his special skills. But the inner workings of Pascual have continued from the past to the present. He doesn’t always trust his inner compass, he depends on friends to help him, and he continues to search for a way to remain sane.
“Now he is launched; he is a stealth missile, off the radar screen. He is invisible and he is deadly and this time he is right.”
Lying, Crying, Dying is skillfully crafted, a dark thriller with literary tones. Plenty of characters from all walks of life are vividly presented. And Katixa is marvelous. Observations about friendship, trust, and the purpose of life from the small details of coffee in a bar to the philosophy of aiming a gun are woven into the suspense of danger and intrigue. Pascual is gritty, life is too and it’s incredible to see this dark hero from the 1990’s to 2020. You have to think while you read this book. You can read Lying first or Kill Chain but do read them!
Thanks to Meryl Moss Media and Dunn Books for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.
October 12, 2020
Dominic Martel – Lying Crying Dying – Reviewed 10/11/20 – Read 10/6-7/20
How do you know the one you love with all your heart is true? Especially if your both KILLERS!
Pascual was a courier for a group of radicals that was trying to spread terror in all of Europe, in the name of separatism and liberation. Then the day came when he had a better offer, so he defected to the Mossad and CIA. Of course, this means that he sold out all his former comrades, except, the one woman that he loved, the beautiful Katixa.
His new associates gave him a new identity and he was to vanish! Going home to Barcelona, his childhood home seemed like the place that he could be the happiest. Keeping an extremely low profile, existing and living hand to mouth, Pascual tried to atone for his past. This included hiding from his previous comrades but helping where he could.
Then the day arrived when he thought that he had finally put his past away, an eruption occurred, Katixa walked back into his life!!! They decide to pick up where they left off, but things do not seem right! Why? At every move, the deception was around him, everyone was lying to him, with that he knew then the crying and dying would not be far behind!!!
And the story begins…
What did I like? This book was a real test of my languages, which I loved, as I do not use some of them often enough. Now, the storyline, extremely complicated and mysterious. The main thing that I liked was the descriptions. I have never been to Europe, I felt like this book picked me up and off I went to Barcelona and many other places. I loved the foods, people, and lifestyles that were a part of the journey. I can honestly say that I was caught up in the storyline, with the pictures flying through my mind’s eye!
What will you like? When you use the word action, it seems like such a small word, but when you apply it to a book like this one, you will find this astonishing journey through hell and back! Duck, the lead is flying, the crooks are around you, with deception every step of the way, and the love is abounding. Well, at least one of them is in love! The characters are so unique and amazing. This storyline has the feel of real life, and it is obvious that the author has personal knowledge of it. You can see the research on every page. Dominic brings this book to life, and you will not be able to put it down, as the mystery, lead flying, running, and the race for survival will take over your mind! Professionally written and edited. An extremely exciting and wonderful read, it will be a great addition to your library.
• File Size: 4231 KB
• Print Length: 208 pages
• Publication Date: October 6, 2020
• Publisher: Dunn Books
• ASIN: B08JGYVF9R
• Genre: International Mystery & Crime, Women Sleuths
How do you know the one you love with all your heart is true? Especially if your both KILLERS!
Pascual was a courier for a group of radicals that was trying to spread terror in all of Europe, in the name of separatism and liberation. Then the day came when he had a better offer, so he defected to the Mossad and CIA. Of course, this means that he sold out all his former comrades, except, the one woman that he loved, the beautiful Katixa.
His new associates gave him a new identity and he was to vanish! Going home to Barcelona, his childhood home seemed like the place that he could be the happiest. Keeping an extremely low profile, existing and living hand to mouth, Pascual tried to atone for his past. This included hiding from his previous comrades but helping where he could.
Then the day arrived when he thought that he had finally put his past away, an eruption occurred, Katixa walked back into his life!!! They decide to pick up where they left off, but things do not seem right! Why? At every move, the deception was around him, everyone was lying to him, with that he knew then the crying and dying would not be far behind!!!
And the story begins…
What did I like? This book was a real test of my languages, which I loved, as I do not use some of them often enough. Now, the storyline, extremely complicated and mysterious. The main thing that I liked was the descriptions. I have never been to Europe, I felt like this book picked me up and off I went to Barcelona and many other places. I loved the foods, people, and lifestyles that were a part of the journey. I can honestly say that I was caught up in the storyline, with the pictures flying through my mind’s eye!
What will you like? When you use the word action, it seems like such a small word, but when you apply it to a book like this one, you will find this astonishing journey through hell and back! Duck, the lead is flying, the crooks are around you, with deception every step of the way, and the love is abounding. Well, at least one of them is in love! The characters are so unique and amazing. This storyline has the feel of real life, and it is obvious that the author has personal knowledge of it. You can see the research on every page. Dominic brings this book to life, and you will not be able to put it down, as the mystery, lead flying, running, and the race for survival will take over your mind! Professionally written and edited. An extremely exciting and wonderful read, it will be a great addition to your library.
• File Size: 4231 KB
• Print Length: 208 pages
• Publication Date: October 6, 2020
• Publisher: Dunn Books
• ASIN: B08JGYVF9R
• Genre: International Mystery & Crime, Women Sleuths
October 12, 2020
Dominic Martel – Lying Crying Dying – Reviewed 10/11/20 – Read 10/6-7/20
How do you know the one you love with all your heart is true? Especially if your both KILLERS!
Pascual was a courier for a group of radicals that was trying to spread terror in all of Europe, in the name of separatism and liberation. Then the day came when he had a better offer, so he defected to the Mossad and CIA. Of course, this means that he sold out all his former comrades, except, the one woman that he loved, the beautiful Katixa.
His new associates gave him a new identity and he was to vanish! Going home to Barcelona, his childhood home seemed like the place that he could be the happiest. Keeping an extremely low profile, existing and living hand to mouth, Pascual tried to atone for his past. This included hiding from his previous comrades but helping where he could.
Then the day arrived when he thought that he had finally put his past away, an eruption occurred, Katixa walked back into his life!!! They decide to pick up where they left off, but things do not seem right! Why? At every move, the deception was around him, everyone was lying to him, with that he knew then the crying and dying would not be far behind!!!
And the story begins…
What did I like? This book was a real test of my languages, which I loved, as I do not use some of them often enough. Now, the storyline, extremely complicated and mysterious. The main thing that I liked was the descriptions. I have never been to Europe, I felt like this book picked me up and off I went to Barcelona and many other places. I loved the foods, people, and lifestyles that were a part of the journey. I can honestly say that I was caught up in the storyline, with the pictures flying through my mind’s eye!
What will you like? When you use the word action, it seems like such a small word, but when you apply it to a book like this one, you will find this astonishing journey through hell and back! Duck, the lead is flying, the crooks are around you, with deception every step of the way, and the love is abounding. Well, at least one of them is in love! The characters are so unique and amazing. This storyline has the feel of real life, and it is obvious that the author has personal knowledge of it. You can see the research on every page. Dominic brings this book to life, and you will not be able to put it down, as the mystery, lead flying, running, and the race for survival will take over your mind! Professionally written and edited. An extremely exciting and wonderful read, it will be a great addition to your library.
• File Size: 4231 KB
• Print Length: 208 pages
• Publication Date: October 6, 2020
• Publisher: Dunn Books
• ASIN: B08JGYVF9R
• Genre: International Mystery & Crime, Women Sleuths
How do you know the one you love with all your heart is true? Especially if your both KILLERS!
Pascual was a courier for a group of radicals that was trying to spread terror in all of Europe, in the name of separatism and liberation. Then the day came when he had a better offer, so he defected to the Mossad and CIA. Of course, this means that he sold out all his former comrades, except, the one woman that he loved, the beautiful Katixa.
His new associates gave him a new identity and he was to vanish! Going home to Barcelona, his childhood home seemed like the place that he could be the happiest. Keeping an extremely low profile, existing and living hand to mouth, Pascual tried to atone for his past. This included hiding from his previous comrades but helping where he could.
Then the day arrived when he thought that he had finally put his past away, an eruption occurred, Katixa walked back into his life!!! They decide to pick up where they left off, but things do not seem right! Why? At every move, the deception was around him, everyone was lying to him, with that he knew then the crying and dying would not be far behind!!!
And the story begins…
What did I like? This book was a real test of my languages, which I loved, as I do not use some of them often enough. Now, the storyline, extremely complicated and mysterious. The main thing that I liked was the descriptions. I have never been to Europe, I felt like this book picked me up and off I went to Barcelona and many other places. I loved the foods, people, and lifestyles that were a part of the journey. I can honestly say that I was caught up in the storyline, with the pictures flying through my mind’s eye!
What will you like? When you use the word action, it seems like such a small word, but when you apply it to a book like this one, you will find this astonishing journey through hell and back! Duck, the lead is flying, the crooks are around you, with deception every step of the way, and the love is abounding. Well, at least one of them is in love! The characters are so unique and amazing. This storyline has the feel of real life, and it is obvious that the author has personal knowledge of it. You can see the research on every page. Dominic brings this book to life, and you will not be able to put it down, as the mystery, lead flying, running, and the race for survival will take over your mind! Professionally written and edited. An extremely exciting and wonderful read, it will be a great addition to your library.
• File Size: 4231 KB
• Print Length: 208 pages
• Publication Date: October 6, 2020
• Publisher: Dunn Books
• ASIN: B08JGYVF9R
• Genre: International Mystery & Crime, Women Sleuths
October 6, 2016
I found this to be a mixed bag for me. I thought the plot twists, crosses and double-crosses were intriguing. The pace of the story really picked up in the second half of the book and raced to an end-- keeping me interested and turning pages. However, I was unable to work up any connection to either of the main characters. The poor protagonist seemed more like a love-sick high school kid in his dealings with his shady and Machiavellian "long-lost love" than an adult who had been involved in spying, killing and other sundry activities for years. I just couldn't work up much empathy or, for that matter, interest in his fate, which held me back from giving this a fourth star. All in all, a nice diversion, but one for which I lacked passion.
November 8, 2020
Lying, Crying, Dying by Dominic Martell is a must read novel for all fans of Bourne Ultimatum. It is just as deadly and dangerous. Betrayal, secrets, and military ops going crazy. The main character, Pascual, made himself a target. Enemies are everywhere. The book is full of action-packed scenes. A dark yet engaging suspense novel. Dominic Martell raises the stakes high in this book. Pascual, no matter what situation he is in, is just as dangerous as the previous one. A cold war thriller, this is exciting. So many twists and what-ifs. This writer is being added to my watch list. I cannot wait to read the next adventure with Pascual.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
June 26, 2013
This was a generally satisfying blend of influences. I found my way to the author's website, under his given name (Dominic Martell is a pen name). One of the areas I liked was where he talked about great crime and spy writers he enjoyed. Obviously he has filtered many of these influences into his own work, but it does not come off as imitative. I liked the setting in Spain and the Catalan and Basque regional themes. At times Frederick Forsyth came to mind because the setup was quite deliberate. Yet there is also plenty of action and a liberal salting of violence. At some point I do see myself looking into the further adventures of Pascal...and seeing what else the author has done.
January 28, 2016
This isn't a book, it's a movie that Dominic Martell has written -- or wishes was made. The setting would be exotic on film. On the page, however, it seems too foreign unless one has spent time in Barcelona. And then there's the triple-double cross. Perhaps too many twists, some not holding water. Obviously, then, I was slow to warm to this book. But it is good. Dominic Martell is an excellent writer with a distinct plot. But perhaps, after all, "Lying, Crying, Dying" would make a better film than a novel. A definite cinematic style permeates this book (as it does all of the novels that the author writes under the nom-de-plume Sam Reaves).
March 29, 2009
A twisty tale featuring a former terrorist who is trying to keep his head down in Barcelona until an old comrade looks him up and asks for his help. Under the name Sam Reaves this author wrote one of my favorites last year Homicide 69 and this book shows off his great versatility.
December 15, 2020
Betrayal upon betrayal yields a fascinating adventure of terrorists. The thrills are there, but it's the characters that make this so interesting. Barcelona becomes alive as the backdrop.
July 16, 2010
terrorists are scarey!
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