Heartstone: Amazon.ca: Phillip Margolin: Books

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"I was somewhat reminded of In Cold Blood, but in some ways, I think this is a better book...It's fascinating reading--the classic 'page-turner'--and I admit to being stunned and shocked at the unexpected ending."--Dorothy Uhnak, author of The Investigation

Book Description

From Phillip Margolin, New York Times bestselling author of Gone, But Not Forgotten, comesa shattering novel that begins with two vicious murders--and ends in a web of corruption, lies,and twisted passions. Richie Walters, all-american boy. Elaine Murray, cheerleader. They madethe perfect couple. And that evening out at Lookout Point--Richie fumbling at the buttons of herblouse, Elaine thrilled and terrified--They were about to take the final step. But the step wouldnever be taken. Richie Walters would die that night--die in a hot and savage ecstasy ofviolence. Elaine Murray too would die. But not that night. Or the next. She would live longenough to know just how lucky Richie had been...

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Customer Reviews

22 Reviews

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(2)

Average Customer Review

3.3 out of 5 stars (22 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars HEARTSTOPPING HEARTSTONE, Sep 25 2002

By

Michael Butts (Berkeley Springs, WV USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Heartstone (Mass Market Paperback)

The criminal justice system is given a once-over in this well-developed, and well-written mystery. Margolin gives us the murder of two upstanding young people on a November night in 1960. Richie Walters has just asked cheerleader Elaine Murray to go steady with him. Their love and hopes for a future together are gone before you know it.
As we examine this murder in depth, we find there are many people involved, and we find ourselves wondering, who really killed this couple? And why?
The immensity of characters doesn't overwhelm the book; you may stop and ask yourself, why are these characters introduced? But by the time the book is finished, you'll see why.
Although the lawyers and the suspected killers are certainly strong focus in the book, I found the heart of the book to be Esther Peglosi, the rather ... teenager who becomes the key witness in the prosecution's case. We first meet Esther as a rather well-developed young woman who doesn't have trouble bedding anybody, but we are also introduced to horrifying facts about her childhood and her parents. Later on, Esther is cunningly seduced by a cop obsessed with the case into being hypnotized, and here we begin to see how the power of suggestion breaks down this girl, and how her love for this cop propels her toward inevitable disaster. Esther's character is very, very well written and she holds the book together.
It's interesting, also, to see the development of young Mark Shaffer, the up and coming lawyer, who finds himself defending the accused Bobby Corbett. He starts out totally ineffectual and enamored with the defendant's live-in girlfriend, and ends up becoming savvy and accomplished. The denouement of this novel is shocking, in what happens to Bobby and Esther. Also, the deathbed confession of the titular character is a whopper.
Can't forget to mention the true villain of this book and that is officer Roy Schindler, who uses his authority to basically fix the case and use poor misguided Esther. Although Al Caproni is culpable, too, he is just another victim of the political schematics.
A STUNNING AND WELL WORTH IT BOOK.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Surprize ending., Aug 26 2002

By

Linda Hepworth "Avid Mystery Reader" (San Antonio, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heartstone (Mass Market Paperback)

I have never read any other books by Phillip Margolin but I liked this book. It takes a look at the legal system and the lost memories of people. How witnesses can be turned to "remember" events that never occured. This novel reads more like a true crime novel with all the plots, twists and turns. It sounds like Margolin got the idea from this novel from an old retired cop. Just when you think the novel is over and your sympathies are all lined up, there is a death bed confession with a surprise ending. Keeps you guessing until the very end.

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2.0 out of 5 stars Not close to Margolin's others, Jan 31 2002

By

R. Cherye "rcherye" (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Heartstone (Mass Market Paperback)

Too many characters, moves to slowly, and the little twist at the end isn't worth the time it takes to get there. But don't let that stop you from reading Margolin's other great books "Gone But Not Forgotten", "Last Innocent Man", and "Wild Justice"

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Most recent customer reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars NOT TO GOOD!!!!!
Wish there was some way to get your money back when you did not like a book. The author has already made his by that time. Read more

Published on Nov 27 2001 by Mac Blair

3.0 out of 5 stars Not his best work
I just finished Heartstone and must say I found it a little too confusing to be enjoyable. There seemed to be far too many characters, too many to be able to pin down one to be... Read more

Published on Aug 1 2001 by B. Harwood