Desperate Measures by David Morrell

Once you get past the first 35 pages, its quite a ride!

Originally published in 1994.

Desperate Measures begins with newspaper reporter Matt Pittman, the protagonist, who is literally preparing to kill himself with his pistol out of grief for his son that has died from cancer when the phone rings.

Pittman decides to answer it because he wants to make sure that he exits this life without owing anything to anyone. It is his best friend and his boss who covered for him innumerable times when his son was sick. He asks for one more favor and Pittman reluctantly goes back on the job for one more story.

It was at this point in the book that I was about ready to close it up and start another book because the whole "I'm going to kill myself" angle was getting very, very old. I realize that Morrell was writing out of the pain of losing his own son to cancer, but the book was rapidly losing interest for me.

David Morrell

Suddenly, the pace of the book changed and Pittman's research into a well-connected diplomat leads to murder, mayhem and a multi-state manhunt for Pittman. From about page 35 on the book is a roller-coaster of a ride, very reminiscent of The Fugitive. It is well worth the read - despite the fact that you have to slog through the first 35 pages.

I rate this book 5 stars out of 5.

This book can be found on Amazon.com here: Desperate Measures by David Morrell.

Reviewed on October 20, 2004.