The Viper: A Dave Gurney Novel

I have all John Verdon’s books. Good read. Haven’t finished The Viper yet but so far so good.

Excellent Mystery Novel. Many twists and turns.John Verdon produced another thrilling story. Couldn’t put the book down!

THE VIPER is a real disappointment compared to author John Verdon's earlier Dave Gurney novels. Retired detective Gurney is again compelled to match wits with a cunning killer, to the despair of his wife Madeline who wants a companionable partner for her farm fantasy of raising chickens and alpacas. Although this conflict has been going on for several novels, Gurney does not seem to care enough about his marriage to find a solution.In VIPER, he's challenged to discover if tennis superstar Ziko Slade was framed for murder. Pursuing the quest leads him to risk his own life (of course), not to mention his liberty when he's suspected of murder himself. I followed the investigation with interest, but was blindsided by an implausible climax followed by an incomplete resolution. IMO, the author has become bored with his characters and their rural New York setting. Is it time to start a new series, Mr. V?

His great descriptions are a lot of fun. Good story but was TOO many characters. It seems to be written in reverse. end first then wrote book. A real let down. His last several books were not very enjoyable.