The Nearest Exit by Olen Steinhauer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading the first powerhouse novel, ‘The Tourist’, I was glad I had the second handy. Now wish I had the third as assessable. ‘The Nearest Exit’ is very, very good. It is important to note that this second novel really does need to be read in tandem with the first. The first is so involved that, despite too subtle a recap, I can’t see how the second can be read without getting lost. Written as someone who did not read the second novel by itself.

The above is one reason why this book is not as good as the first. The effort to recap the first novel is obvious and slows the story considerably. I’m trying to be objective of this book being read without knowledge of the first. With that thought, I can understand how a new reader would feel as if the fist half of the book seems off balance and overwrought with the past of the main character.

Taking into account both books being read in succession, this book is a terrific continuation of the story.

I really like the Erika Schwartz character and wish the writer might consider a stand alone book or two about her.

The writing is strained in reflection and then excels beyond that. The characters are not as well presented as in the first. Especially considering all of the looking back over the shoulder that occurs. Schwartz being a definite exception.The settings are also less focused than the first novel and other typical novels.

Bottom line: I recommend the book…after reading the first. 7 out of 10 points.

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