Review by Rosemary Wright -- McDowell by William H. Coles

[Shas F]

McDowell is another novel from William H. Coles about ambition, ruthlessness, getting what you want no matter what and self-destruction. Hiram McDowell gets the power he wants by lying to people and gets the women he lusts for once he sets his mind to it. We look forward to how this story turns and Hiram gets the comeuppance for his narcissism, his sense of entitlement and abuse of power. Rosemary Wright hits the nail on the head when she describes McDowell as the book that "spotlights the backlash of arrogance and selfishness."

Arrogance and selfishness are character traits evident in Hiram in the first few chapters of the book. He does not think twice about leaving a companion during a climb in Nepal; he breaks his word to a colleague during a campaign to become college dean; and he callously brushes aside his wife's anger after she finds out about his affair. Hiram's story arc is a train wreck coming: the reader knows what lies ahead for Hiram but is transfixed on his rise to power even as he manipulates, uses, hurts and disposes of people around him. The reader sticks around for the eventual crash to examine the wreck and make a postmortem. But apparently, there's a second part of the book that shows Hiram as he deals with his fall.

Coles writes tautly and fixes the reader to the momentum of the story. He brings just the necessary details so readers appreciate the characters for what they are and they go from one page to the next following the story. Wrights writes: "The story has a fascinating and suspenseful plot, and well developed characters that are interestingly relatable. The plot runs smoothly and it's fast paced." This book is for readers interested in contemporary novels about ambitious people who go too far in getting what they want.

[Mayrichie]

Very interesting story. Makes me wanna read it.

[Samy Lax]

This book honestly reveals the way some philanthropic foundations are guilty of inadequate documenting of benefits scope. The editing is spotless as well.

[kemp1kor]

With a protagonist who is arrogant and self-centered, this doesn’t seem like the type of book I would enjoy. I am interested by the psychological issues mentioned and how parental negligence may have impacted them. Thanks for the review!

[Kalin Adi]

How important is a family for kids, especially when growing up. A family protects them from the negative aspects of our society. It seems to me this book delves into a sensitive and significant topic in a realistic way. Again Cole portraying relatable and realistic characters!

[holsam_87]

Thank you for your review, it's good to know that McDowell will see the error of his ways.

[Mercelle]

This book seems to have all the elements that make for a great book. It has plot twists encompassing crime and suspense, with the icing on the cake being the rise and fall of the self-important Hiram McDowell.

[sarik]

This book also gives insight to the influence of family on kids. The editing is spotless as well. I like that this book is in two parts. A family protects them from the negative aspects of our society. A suspenseful plot, well developed characters, and good writing make for a good book. Thank you for your review,

[Debjani Ghosh]

The rise and fall of an arrogant and an ambitious surgeon along with a suspenseful plot and well-developed characters are sure to interest any reader. Thanks for the review!

[ladycraic]

Thanks for the review! You captured the gist of the plot nicely. I probably would enjoy this book but I can't get past the language.

[Wa_hu]

Sounds like a book I would love to read. I wonder if Hiram feels any remorse for his actions or if given another chance he would just refine his methods to avoid any consequences.

[Dori Lee]

Thanks for a good review. I also read the free sample snd couldn't agree more with your description of Hiram in the beginning. May be checking this out .

[Surabhi Rani]

'Volunteer Review: McDowell by William H. Coles' skillfully describes the contents of the book and is an enriching one! It describes the story as well as other relevant points of the book with equal emphasis. The perfects rating given, enlists the book into the category of selected items!

[srensch1]

The section that we were given to read suggests that the writing style is lean and the plot moves fast. I don't usually like to read about dark characters, but I do like to read about people in transition, and Hiram appears to be one. I will read this book.

[Jgideon]

The rise and fall of Hiram McDowell sounds like an interesting storyline. The author seems to have done a great job in developing the book's characters. Great review.