05 January 2007

Book Banter -- The Green Trap


Title: The Green Trap
Author: Ben Bova
Length: 335 pages
Genre: Thriller
Plot Basics: Paul Cochrane is determined to find who murdered his brother Michael and just what scientific discovery Michael made that cost him his life.
Banter Points: The story is set in the not-too-distant future. Gasoline prices have risen to about $7 and there's a new urgency to the energy crisis. It's a great premise that the need for a new kind of fuel could put a scientist's life in danger if a new solution had been found. Again, Bova backs up his plot with plausible science.
Bummer Points: This book is tagged a thriller. A better description would be a mildly interesting book. Word Nerd was never worried about the outcome, never really felt that the main characters were in danger. And she had the double-cross figured out from the get-go.
Word Nerd Recommendation: Skip it unless you are a die-hard Bova fan. The premise is great but the execution leaves something to be desired.

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