Everything in Kate Raab's life seems perfect. She has an amazing family, an invigorating job straight out of college, and a boyfriend she adores. Then a phone call changes everything. Her father, a successful businessman, a man she has always trusted and admired, is in trouble with the law. He's innocent, he insists, but the only way out is this: his testimony against his accomplices and the immediate placement of the family deep inside the Witness Protection Program. ... Now, a year later, her worst fears have been realized. Kate's father suddenly disappears--into what the WITSEC agency calls "the blue zone"--and someone very important to him is found brutally murdered. ...
JoAnne P. (jpiterniak) from COHOES, NY wrote on 7/4/2007...
7 member(s) found this review helpful.
WOW!!! Absolutely dynamite! I figured this guy had to be a pretty good writer based on his collaborations with James Patterson. The Blue Zone, his first solo book, was amazing. Just be warned: start this on a Friday night, when you don't have any Saturday plans. It was that good, and will keep you reading straight through.
One of the best thrillers I've ever read, based on the idea: what would you do if you learned that your entire life was a lie, and you didn't know who you could trust? And it takes off from there. Very taut book; at over 300 pages, there's not a wasted word, and it's a rollercoaster ride.
This would make an excellent movie. The author's going to be a huge star, and I can't wait for his next book. I only hope he turns them out as fast as James Patterson!
Taryn C. (TarynC) from AIRMONT, NY wrote on 9/22/2007...
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was quick moving and kept me guessing. I recommend it!
Tonya B. (Bravescatz) from CANTON, GA wrote on 8/22/2007...
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
After you read this book you will know Andrew Gross name didn't appear next to JP just as a favor. You get right into this book, feel like you are part of it. I'll bet you find yourself gripping the book tight and clinching your teeth from drama of this book, I did. My fingers are sore from gripping the hardback so tight. Every time you think you have it figured out something else comes in to play. The book ends and you can very easily see a sequel, hope there is one too. I started this book last night at bedtime and just finished it at bedtime tonight. It's a quiet time and don't disturb me book for sure.
Diane G. (icesk8tr) from ALPHARETTA, GA wrote on 5/31/2007...
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book is awesome!! Story about a family going into the witness program and then getting lost! Many plot twists and keeps you guessing until the end. Highly recommended!!
This was a book that I could not put down once I started reading it. Total mind capture!!!
Lee S. (Patches) from EDISON, OH wrote on 4/29/2007...
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a thriller, written in the style of James Patterson. It is a real page turner. I am looking forward to this author's next book.
Allan E. from CUMMING, GA wrote on 2/27/2008...
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Started slow, but the story got much more interesting after about 100 pages. Overall, a good read, but not one of my favorites. The storyline about the witness protection program has some very good twists which make it worth reading. The writing style was only average in my opinion.
Erick W. (ErickW) from EL TORO, CA wrote on 8/25/2007...
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
An ok book, but not my favorite. Andrew Gross writes just like James Patterson. If you like Patterson books you'll like this one.
JANET R. (janabug) from HIGHLAND, NY wrote on 6/27/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
EXCELLANT BOOK
Andrew Gross without James Patterson and you would
not even know it
Fast & enjoyable
Great twists
Judy B. (jdyinva) from VIRGINIA BCH, VA wrote on 9/19/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A really "can't put it down" thriller. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, the ending. Highly recommend you give this one a try.
Patricia S. (ragdollmom) from DEATSVILLE, AL wrote on 8/4/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I was delighted to read that other reviewers had the same impression I did when reading this book--this author will be a total success on his own, as he continues to write excellent and thrilling stories. Patterson's helpful hand, taking co-writers under his wing, is a mentoring program that pays off for us readers.
From the blurb: "Everything in Kate Raab's life seems perfect. She has an amazing family, an invigorating job straight out of college, and a boyfriend she adores. Then a phone call changes everything. Her father, a successful businessman, a man she has always trusted and admired, is in trouble with the law. He's innocent, he insists, but the only way out is this: his testimony against his accomplices and the immediate placement of the family deep inside the Witness Protection Program. ... Now, a year later, her worst fears have been realized. Kate's father suddenly disappears--into what the WITSEC agency calls "the blue zone"--and someone very important to him is found brutally murdered. ..." It's just a great read!
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HEATHER P. (forosure) from HERMON, ME wrote on 9/4/2008...
I so loved this book, Andrew Gross's first book was a masterpiece at it's best! Did I say that I loved this book? Well I did! I couldn't get enough of it. The story line was phenomenal, non-stop excitement from start to finish! I love how he writes. Very very well written! I wanted to story to continue but I'm glad that the Blue Zone had good closer at the end! This is a must read for any Patterson fan or anyone for that matter. Getting to know the main character was amazing, I felt like I was Kate alot of the times. Almost like I was right there with her! Keep up the awesome work Andrew. I'm very much looking forward to reading you second book! Thanks for the great ride! Heather P.
Katie L. (cdlap) from OCEANPORT, NJ wrote on 8/17/2008...
I've never read a book by Andrew Gross before so this was the first time for me and I actually thought this is a new author. I was surprised to read he'd published a few books before.
However, I liked the plot:
The family Raab is tight and torn apart after Ben Raab, the father, admits to different accusations by the FBI. His confession and plans to testify in court against the Colombian drug cartel puts him and the family into a dangerous position and therefore into the Witness Protection Program. The family has to vanish and never come back to it's old life.
Kate, the oldest daughter though, decides to not run away from her life and boyfriend Greg. Realising later on, she's never going to see her family again she takes on her own life and marries Greg.
14 month later she receives a surprising visit by the FBI: her father has vanished and left a trail to the murder of his case agent.
Feeling the FBI hides information from her Kate begins to investigate a bit and soon discovers that the special relationship she once had with her father isn't as true as she'd always believed.
Who is the man she'd always believed to be her hero ? Why did he do what he did ?
Kate needs answers and tries to find her family which causes her mother's life. From there on Kate's life is a roller coaster of fear. Understanding what she is dealing with Kate has to realize she is stuck between her father and the cartel. Who is right and who is wrong and what did her mother plan to tell her when she got shot ?
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Although I didn't like the all too predictable ending I enjoyed reading The Blue Zone.
The main character Kate isn't very memorable from my point of view but I really liked her husband Greg as a minor role. The Blue Zone is a nice holiday-beach read: not too demanding and quite short.
Carol B. (bikerbabe) from RICHMOND, VA wrote on 2/25/2008...
Very disappointing work by an author who has collaborated with James Patterson on several books. This one was just not cohesive or even interesting oon the same level as the others.
Timothy M. from OXFORD, CT wrote on 2/21/2008...
A great read, page turner all the way through.
Diane F. (DDDiane) from GRANTS PASS, OR wrote on 8/31/2007...