The best book in a fantastic series

Psychological thrillers don't get better than this. The Deadly Sin series always cares deeply about its characters and Sanders takes considerable time making sure they appear as real, breathing human beings. But the third book in the series is a masterpiece by itself. You do not need to be a Sanders fan - or even a previous reader of this series - to enjoy it thoroughly.

Written ten years before Aileen Wuornos embarked in her deadly killing spree, Sanders predicts the first female serial killer in American history and tries to imagine what she might be like. Her descent into madness is fascinating and horrifying to watch, as is the methodical Edward X. Delaney as he chases her.

Though Wuornos was not nearly the type of killer that Sanders creates in the "Hotel Ripper", this is a wonderful, intellectual and satisfying read.

Buy it now. You'll thank me later.

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7 people found this helpful

Did Not See That Coming

My husband and I both liked this book. It is obvious it's a male author when he talks about a woman's time of the month. It's not worded the way a woman would talk about it. The story has some good characters and I didn't expect some of the twists. Worth the read or listen.

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Good cop, bad ex-cop

I enjoy the "Deadly Sin" series quit a bit. They all hold my attention from start to finish The stories are excellent. What I find hardest to deal with is how contemptible the main character is. Edward X. Delaney is no better than the killers he stalks. His unspeakable belief that the job of a police officer is to "protect the police department" instead of to protect the public results in a totally unnecessary death. I recognize the contradiction here. I love the stories and despise the main character. Perhaps that is what draws me. I still recommend the books. All of them. The McNally books are great, too. They are much lighter in tone than these. I really enjoy that main character. So give them a listen. Realize though, EXD is a foul man.

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THE HOTEL SPIDER

I have always been a Lawrence Sanders fan. True to form, he doesn't disappoint in offering this story. Try as I might, I could not help feeling sympathy for the killer. If ever there was a need for psychiatric help, this story screams for it. I love the way Sanders manages to include his teams' efforts in discovering the serial killer by hard work and dedication. Also amusing, is the time spent in enjoying the various appetites of the Captain. (Makes you want to pause and go to the refrigerator.) Still, I could have passed on what I thought to be a little, 'preachy' about the plight of women in this country. (We already knew that.) And, as much as I admire the main character, I don't always agree that everything in life is black and white and no gray areas.

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3 people found this helpful

Okay

This one was not as good as the first two, even though the same characters

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1 person found this helpful

Good Read

If you could sum up The Third Deadly Sin in three words, what would they be?

detailed historical snapshot

What did you like best about this story?

I love the narration. Marc Vietor does a great job.

What about Marc Vietor’s performance did you like?

His voice is very pleasing. He brings some depth to the characters with inflections specific to each character.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I find the enitre book interesting because it is a snapshot of the past - before everything became politically correct.

Any additional comments?

It is a lengthy listen, but I enjoyed it.

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1 person found this helpful

Out of sync. Consequences revealed before action.

What did you like best about The Third Deadly Sin? What did you like least?

Liked being reminded of New York in the 70s, and the attitudes toward feminism. I did not like the fact that episodes appeared to be out of order. This may have to do with the audio editing.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Sanders style of psychology was as usual interesting. Also enjoy his detailed moments, such as sandwich making etc. However, as I have listened to the First and Second Deadly Sins, I have begun to find Sanders plotting repetitive.

Have you listened to any of Marc Vietor’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. He is excellent as usual. I love his rich comforting voice. He is one of my favorite performers, and I would buy a book based solely on his reading.

Did The Third Deadly Sin inspire you to do anything?

Watch out for mousy thirtyish female hotel employees.

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1 person found this helpful

love his work

love his work! read them years ago and now listening to them again. the best

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Simply put great Detective series.

The books get better and better along the series and this a testament to it. I love how you never know how it is going to end. This series get you tugging at yourself and wondering whether the outcomes are going to be to your personal satisfaction due to the realism of the characters and the situations. I recommend a listen of the series starting with The First Deadly Sin!!!!!

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2 people found this helpful

Abrupt conclusion

This author spent a lot of time with descriptive narrative and a compelling story. Then, abruptly, the story ended. And just as abruptly, it lost a star in my rating. A really well written book, until the very end that is.

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