Book Review: Dangerous Games by Danielle Steel

Title: Dangerous Games

Author: Danielle Steel

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Review

In Danielle Steel’s latest release, she explores the nuances, manipulations and extortion of politics.

The story begins with a sneak peek into the dangerous lives of renowned television correspondent Alix Philips and her cameraman Ben Chapman, who is an ex-Navy officer. Alix is a reporter extraordinaire who is at the frontline almost always, covering pieces ranging in variety. She is passionate about her work and gets into grave situations in search of truth and then reporting it back. The real story begins when Alix and Ben land into an assignment to investigate allegations against the Vice President of United States, Tony Clark. As she digs into the case, she uncovers a domestic political scandal of epic proportions. Working with the intelligence community, she interviews the reclusive Olympia Foster, the widow of the beloved U.S. senator who was gunned down by an unknown assailant. This investigative journalism forms the crux of the book and dominates the scene with a sub-plot about Faye, Alix’s 19-year-old daughter, who wants to pursue higher education.

Steel writes a taut, compelling thriller with believable characters, a smart heroine, and a plot that keeps readers engaged while keeping the door open for a sequel. The narrative is absorbing and free flowing with a smooth pace. However, the book doesn’t come without its drawbacks. Certain elements in the book seem sudden and hence come across as forced. Then there’s repetition of sentences throughout the narrative that could have been avoided.

As a teenager, I was a die-hard fan of the author. She wrote some of the most beautiful romances that the literary world has produced. For me, she was the queen of that genre. ‘Dangerous Games’ is a deviation from that genre and somewhere along the lines, I felt that the author’s usual flair for heart-tugging emotion is missing in this book. This is definitely not one of her best works. I was expecting her old charm but was somewhat disappointed. Perhaps it was because I kept comparing this book to all her previous fabulous works.

Overall, Steel still knows how to tell a story beautifully. Dangerous Games will win her new readers.   

Buy Link

Amazon

About the Author

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's most popular authors, with over 650 million copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include Property of a Noblewoman, Blue, Precious Gifts,Undercover, Country, Prodigal Son,Pegasus, A Perfect Life, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless;and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

I'd like to thank the author for letting me review the book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading! 

* I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in