The sign of a great book is a neglected family and house. You can know I've found a page turner when we end up having Frosted Flakes for supper. In fact when my kids were little, I limited myself to one work of fiction every couple of months just so that they would be better taken care of.
While reading "The Patmos Deception", by Davis Bunn, my house was as clean as ever. It wasn't that it was a bad book or that I felt like it dragged, it just wasn't a page turner. Not once did I think, "This book will never end." but not once did I say, "I'll wipe up that spilled milk after I'm done this book."
The author seemed to know the geography of Greece and had insights into it's history and culture. At times the geographical outlining was a bit much. I don't really need to know which city is by which on the next island over from another. I'm just as happy to read about imaginary locations. What I do need in a suspense/action fiction is suspense and action. This was my biggest dislike about the book. I kept thinking, "Surely it's going to get exciting soon." but it just...didn't. It took me a long time to finish reading "The Patmos Deception"; not because it plotted along or was written in old English but rather because it was so easy to put it down. I was never on the edge of my seat.
I can't say I'd really recommend this book. It's not all bad; it just isn't great. At least there was no smut or graphic violence or a leading lady acting like a moron. Always a bonus.
If you like Greece, the sea, and a book that has a quiet feel to it, this one's for you. Just don't be deceived into thinking it's going to be full of suspense and action.
BTW, I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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