Review of Codename Poltergeist

[Christabel Uzoamaka]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Codename Poltergeist" by William Joel.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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CIA Agent James Halyard (aka Poltergeist) is a dangerous man known for doing his job too well. But everything changes when the CIA decides he is a risk to the country. Frank Dunn, the DDO of the CIA, engages Taneen to murder Poltergeist. The bomb planted in James’ hotel room kills his wife, Karen, instantly. Before James can join his wife, an angelic organization, Sentinel, decides to rescue him and use his services to decipher the US government’s intentions regarding their deal with Palestine. Soon, Israel’s ambassador to the US and some other Jewish women in the US meet a gruesome death. Why did the CIA order Poltergeist’s death? Can Poltergeist succeed in this new mission when it seems that all the odds are stacked against him? Do they have a serial killer on the loose, or is there a bigger plan?

Although the story started out being slow, Codename Poltergeist by William Joel turned out to be an action-packed, fast-paced crime thriller novel. From the time the bomb in James’ hotel room went off, I could tell that the author had a way of describing scenes excellently. Between the vivid murders, Mossad activities, Poltergeist’s two-timing of people he didn’t trust, terrorist meetings, and a lunatic on the loose, there was never a dull moment. This book read to me like a crime thriller film. If you liked the TV series Blindspot, you might like this book too.

However, the vivid scenes and well-written action scenes are the only positive things I have to say about the copy of Codename Poltergeist that I read. The book needs another round of professional editing. Apart from the numerous errors I found, there were bits of other stories here that were unrelated to Poltergeist’s story. The scenes involving Agent Johnson, LeClair, and José had no bearing on the primary plot, and I never saw these characters mentioned again. Although it got better eventually, at the start of the story, the dialogue seemed robotic, and the characters had no expressions.

Also, it was unexciting that almost everything was easy for James. Even though he never had the supernatural ability, James suddenly had the power to change his facial appearance when he did not want to go on a reporter's camera. Many times, a new paragraph had different characters and a different scene from the previous one, which I found inappropriate. For example, in one paragraph, Sullivan was in the office with Richards, and in the next paragraph, he was suddenly at a crime scene. Also, the author started a new chapter on the last page of the previous chapter. All of these mistakes indicate poor writing.

This book is entertaining, and it will suit mature readers who like action-packed crime novels. Despite the issues I found, I enjoyed the book. But it had little suspense and was not a well-written book, so I can only rate it 2 out of 4. The topics of terrorism and institutional corruption are sensitive ones that may make some readers uncomfortable. Also, unintentionally, the author may have painted Palestinians in an unsavory light. Considering Palestinians’ struggles in real life, I found the overall concept disheartening. Nevertheless, this is a story that needs telling.

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Codename Poltergeist
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[Amenrodion]

Great plot. Honest review. Sounds like a book to movie kind of story

[Reading_Jack]

I was already loving the book until I saw its rating and the reasons for it. I can't imagine a crime and action thriller without suspense. thanks for an honest review.

[Ntokozo Joy Ndlovu]

I think it's wonderful that the author managed to translate the images he had in his head to the paper with success. A great plot can usually reconcile other shortcomings. Thank you for the candour in our review.

[Kenzy Lilly Pulitzer]

The book sounds interesting despite its faults. lovely review, I applaud you for finishing the book.

[Blessing Odii]

This sounds like a book I would love to read. I'm certainly adding this book to my library.

[Amy Luman]

I think that this will be an excellent book for something I don’t have to really concentrate on. I would like to know how all of the murders are connected, especially the Jewish women. Thanks for the great review!

[Mbenma Esther 080]

This is a well-crafted book by the author. Thanks for the review.

[Aisha Yakub]

I think there may be some flaws to this book, but it does have a decent storyline. Thank you for the review.

[Lotus1690]

I think it's wonderful that the author managed to translate the images he had in his head to the paper with success. This sounds like a book I would love to read. I'm certainly adding this book to my library.

[NetMassimo]

This thriller seems to have good potential but is still in need of substantial editing. A professional editor might help the author to properly develop this novel and proofread it. Thank you for your honest review!