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The Simeon Chamber (Hardcover)

by Steve Martini (Author) "The ancients long ago learned that the essence of a lie is to be found in its deception, not its words. ..." (more)

3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

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Product Details

Hardcover: 315 pages
Publisher: Donald I Fine (September 1988)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1556111037
ISBN-13: 978-1556111037
Product Dimensions: 50.8 x 50.8 x 50.8 cm
Shipping Weight: 4.5 Kg

Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

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Product Description

From Publishers Weekly

If one can be cheerfully jaded, Sam Bogardus, attorney-at-law, fits the bill in this intriguing first novel by Martini, a lawyer himself. Using his professional skills to authenticate the slick plot, he captures the reader's attention in a chilling prologue to this provocative murder mystery set in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bogardus is the law partner of his former lover, though the relationship is now platonic. Bored, he takes on elegant Jennifer Davies as a client. She has fallen heir to an ancient, valuable document belonging to her father, which surfaced 33 years after he mysteriously disappeared in a 1942 Navy blimp crash. When Bogardus discovers the literary legacy is probably an excerpt from lost diaries of 16th century explorer Sir Francis Drake, word of the find leaks out and the net closes on Davies and Bogardus. Willing to kidnap, maim and kill to possess the papers, his covetous adversaries unwittingly lead the counselor to San Simeon, William Randolph Hearst's castle, where he unearths a startling wartime black-market scandal. Events that stretch the imagination emerge here, but Martini's enthusiasm keeps the reader engrossed. A fast read, the novel provides a peek at the Bay environs, its interesting past and, finally, "history's cruel irony," which brings the story to a stunning finale.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ingram

As a young woman and her attorney, Sam Bogardus, attempt to search out her natural father, with only an ancient parchment for a clue, they discover a deadly web of art theft, intrigue, conspiracy, and murder. Reprint. PW. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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The ancients long ago learned that the essence of a lie is to be found in its deception, not its words.. Read the first page

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Customer Reviews

5 Reviews

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Average Customer Review

3.2 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews)

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3.0 out of 5 stars First mystery novel from now successful author, not bad !, Aug 25 2002

By	Gerald M. Bull "Jerry Bull" (Fairview, TN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Simeon Chamber (Paperback)

Unlike lawyers Grisham, Turow, and Scottoline, turned writers, Steve Martini is a journalism graduate and writer who went on to become a lawyer! (Seems there ought to be a good joke in there somehow!) He must be doing fine, as his booklist now numbers eight (five of which comprise the defense attorney Paul Madriani series), with a ninth hardback due out late this year. Let's get real here folks -- this is his first book, and we thought, not bad at all.

In a very complex plot, almost shades of Clancy, we're quickly engrossed into the hunt for possible survivors of a 1942 blimp crash; a search for 16th century documents, possibly the journal of the explorer/pirate Francis Drake; the murder of the partner (and former {?} love interest) of the leading man, lawyer Sam Bogardus; and some other crimes and problems too numerous to recount. There's really not much lawyering happening, and sure, some of this winds up a little silly and improbable, but hey, it's mystery fiction. We thought the goings-on, climaxed by a very neat wrapping up of all the puzzles and murders, plus one totally unexpected revelation in the epilogue, were indeed quite entertaining. And the huge surprise ending left us aghast -- we cannot imagine many at all will be the slightest bit prepared for this icing on the cake!

In sum, a fine plot with quite a neat ending, with good story telling hurt somewhat by a few weak characters and/or some improbable action, gives Martini's first effort a passing grade, leaving us anxious to try his second outing and first of the Madriani set. Why not!

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3.0 out of 5 stars I liked it!, July 11 2002

By	"mockingbird73" (Lee's Summit, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Simeon Chamber (Paperback)

Some of the other reviews considered this to be a pretty poorly written book, but I found it to be very entertaining and the ending was a real surprise. The Simeon Chamber is not on the level of a Grisham or Turow novel, but I'd put it right there with a writer like William Bernhardt. It's a quick read and it is a page-turner. You may also learn a little about Sir Francis Drake that you didn't learn in high school or college. Give it a try.

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3.0 out of 5 stars WW II Vets creating havoc in California, Sep 29 2001

By	Paul Skinner (Manassas, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Simeon Chamber (Paperback)

Uh - what was that? One of the weirdest stories I've ever read, that's what. If you want a farcical story stringing together Sir Francis Drake, German Nazis, Chinatown, William Randolph Hearst, and a bunch of adventurous lawyers, then this book is for you. The ending was unexpected, and caused me to exclaim, "oh come on" out loud as I discovered who killed our hero's partner. For Martini fans, this one has none of the courtroom drama, but does weave in a lot of adventure. The story was well paced, but too incredible.

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Most recent customer reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Don't Waste your time
The Simeon Chamber is the second Steve Martini book I have read (Compelling Evidence being the first) and I was thoroughly disappointed. Read more

Published on Aug 9 2001 by Robert Von Gerds

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling, edge-of-your-seat action, incredible finish
This was the first book by Steve Martini that I read and it was superb. It was recommended to me by a friend and I just couldn't put the book down. Read more

Published on July 8 1998