3 1/2 - 4 Stars.

This book is truly a remarkable piece that takes on an entirely different dimension when read before the tragic events of 9/11.

The story unfolds with a captivating narrative that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, filled with suspense and unexpected twists.

Before 9/11, the world had a different perspective, and the elements of the thriller in this book seemed even more intense and believable.

The author's ability to create a sense of unease and danger is masterful, drawing the reader into a world where anything can happen.

It makes one wonder how much our perception of such stories has changed in the wake of that fateful day.

Overall, it is a must-read for those who enjoy a good thriller and want to experience the unique atmosphere that this book offers when read in a pre-9/11 context.

I didn't like it much.

The writing is, at times, ungrammatical. There is a weariness, an almost listless quality about the book. It's as if the writer was bored while penning it, and this is evident even during the (relatively few) action sequences.

A terrorist attack on the financial system is a rather likely scenario, yet it seems to have confined the writer to a great deal of dull finance and accounts details.

The dark sub-plot delves into the once-popular conspiracy-theorist fantasy. However, this theme has become somewhat tired due to the numerous actual revelations in real life that have made it seem ordinary.

The sexy bits were acceptable - but to me, they reinforced the 'bored writer' impression. It was as if he was telling himself: 'Oh, I'd better include some of this, or the book won't sell well enough.' These moderately steamy interludes neither advanced the plot nor enhanced the understanding of the main characters.

I took a long time to read the book as I kept setting it aside and forgetting to pick it up again.

Overall, it was a rather lackluster reading experience.

This is one of the few books by James Patterson that was not a quick read for me.

For two-thirds of the book, it moved extremely slowly. In fact, it was so slow that it took me over a year to finish it.

I am typically a huge fan of Patterson's works. However, I was not a fan of this particular book.

The last third of the book, fortunately, moved at a normal Patterson pace and was quite enjoyable.

But if you are a person who doesn't have the patience to finish a book that doesn't hook you right away, then I would not recommend this book to you.

It might be a better choice for those who are willing to endure a slow start in the hope of a more engaging conclusion.

Overall, while Patterson has many great books, this one did not meet my expectations due to its sluggish beginning.

Perhaps it was just an off-book for him, but it serves as a reminder that even the best authors can have a misstep.

Nevertheless, I will continue to be a fan of Patterson and look forward to his future works, hoping that they will recapture the magic that made me love his writing in the first place.

The story truly kept me in suspense from start to finish.

It had this captivating quality that made it impossible for me to put down.

And then, there was that surprise ending which really caught me off guard.

It was like a sudden twist that added an extra layer of excitement to the whole narrative.

However, I have to admit that some of the twists along the way were a bit too much for me.

They felt a little forced or perhaps too convoluted, making it a bit difficult for me to fully embrace them.

But overall, the element of suspense and the unexpected nature of the story made it a very enjoyable read.

It kept me in suspense. Very good.

This movie had its moments, but mostly it seems to appeal to men and children who love "action".

However, luckily it did have some human connection moments.

The plight of Vietnam vets is truly compelling. They were forced by evil politicians to fight a war where everyone is a loser. After the war, they were dumped with no marketable skills and suffering from PTSD.

I had to admire Hudson for figuring out who needed to be killed at the end. His actions were a result of his understanding of the situation and his desire to bring some form of justice.

Overall, while the movie may have its flaws, it does manage to touch on some important themes and provide some entertainment value.

Originally published in 1987 as Black Market, this book takes readers on a captivating journey back in time. The era was dominated by the Cold War, and many of today's international issues were vastly different. The story commences with a thrilling thread. Terrorists under the name Green Band vow to detonate the buildings that constitute the economic powerhouse of Wall Street at the close of a Friday afternoon. As anticipated, this creates chaos not only in the American markets but also around the globe.

The government swiftly intervenes and assembles a team. Arch Carroll, the head of the anti-terrorism division at the CIA, and Caitlin Dylan, the SEC's Director of Enforcement, join forces with other government officials. Their mission is twofold: to identify the elusive Green Band and restore stability to the markets while preventing further attacks. As they traverse the world, collaborating with agents from France, Ireland, Britain, and other locations linked to the leads they uncover, their partnership evolves into something more than just professional.

Eventually, Arch and Caitlin stumble upon a crucial lead that leads them to former-Colonel David Hudson, a disgruntled Vietnam Vet at the helm of a group similar to his own. Hudson is undeniably connected to the heart of Green Band, and apprehending him seems like the key to solving the case. However, the situation is far more complex than meets the eye. While Hudson and his team are involved, Green Band has a much deeper and more sinister secret. In fact, the true source of the plot to strike at Wall Street is a complete shock that will leave even the most astute reader dumbfounded.

Like many of Patterson's early works, this book stands out as superior to much of the mediocre fare he produces today. Granted, its age means that it may seem a bit "behind the times" when it comes to the technology and computing that lies at the core of modern stock market trading. Nevertheless, it is still brimming with action, intrigue, and conspiracy, making it a must-read for fans of Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum.

Exciting conspiracy thriller - typical Patterson stuff in many ways.

This novel is set before the unification of West Germany and the 9/11 tragedy. It delves into an assault on Wall Street that has extremely serious consequences. Just like much in this thrilling story, it's not as straightforward as it initially appears. The hero, Arch Carroll, is a passionate and enthusiastic police officer. His story and unwavering determination lie at the heart of the plot. The characters are developed to a reasonable extent, and the story progresses at a consistent pace. It is filled with numerous revelations and betrayals. The question of who can be trusted lingers throughout. Overall, it's a great and engaging yarn that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

This book is truly one of the finer literary works that I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time.

I am not what one would consider an avid reader, nor do I have an inherent love for reading. However, this particular book managed to captivate my attention from start to finish.

The life of Arch Carroll, the main character, is filled with tons of action and relatively little romance. He is one of the best detectives in New York, a loving father, a caring brother, and unfortunately, a widow.

He was married to Nora Carroll for 9 years until she tragically passed away from cancer while lying in a hospital bed. Now, he raises his 3 kids with the help of his sister, Mary, who watches the children while he is at work.

In the book, Arch takes on his most challenging case yet: the bombing of the World Trade Center. The incident happened so suddenly that it sent everyone into a state of panic, almost like a new Black Friday.

Arch Carroll, in collaboration with the D.I.A, the president, and the Secret Service, sets out to capture the culprits behind this heinous act.

Shortly before the bombing, the president was contacted by a group known as "Green Band", but they never made contact again after the bombings.

Arch and his team travel from country to country, tirelessly tracking down the members of "Green Band". With each city they visit, more people lose their lives.

At the end of the story, Arch manages to capture Colonel Hudson, a Vietnam veteran, who reveals everything. It turns out that "Green Band" was a team of disabled veterans working for a cab company called "Vets Cab Company", and they felt betrayed by the country they had fought for.

Arch eventually settles down with a co-worker and friend named Catlin Dillon, and they raise a happy family together. However, all the while, a drug lord keeps a watchful eye on him.

I truly wish the story had continued beyond this point, but unfortunately, it just ends. What a bummer! Nevertheless, I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

This is an incredible novel. It's yet another 10/10 from Patterson.

The plot is filled with twists, suspense, and thrill. I simply didn't want to put it down!

I think this is such a great story that not only keeps you on the edge of your seat but also has a surprise ending.

It delves deep into the capabilities of higher-up government officials or powerful ex-vets.

Moreover, it shows the true importance of Wall Street and what could potentially happen if the stock market crashed again.

I really enjoyed learning new things about stocks, bonds, and the government through this novel.

Arch Carroll was a truly great character, and I would absolutely love to see a sequel to this amazing story.

Overall, it's a must-read for any fan of thrilling novels.

Black Friday is an older Patterson book.

However, it is highly relevant to what is happening today.

This book likely explores themes and events that have enduring significance in our society.

Perhaps it delves into issues such as consumerism, the power of marketing, and the impact of shopping frenzies.

In today's world, where Black Friday has become a major cultural phenomenon, Patterson's book can offer valuable insights.

It may make us think about the true meaning and consequences of our shopping behaviors.

We can reflect on whether we are being influenced by the hype or if we are making conscious choices.

Moreover, the book might also touch on broader social and economic issues related to Black Friday.

By reading it, we can gain a better understanding of the complex web of factors that shape this annual event.

Overall, despite being an older work, Black Friday by Patterson remains a relevant and thought-provoking read.

Black Friday is an earlier work of James Patterson.

In this story, NYC is under the siege of a secret militia group known as Green Band. They cause chaos in the stock market by blowing up several Wall Street institutions, essentially triggering an economic world war.

The first half of the book was truly unbearable for me. My lack of interest in Wall Street and all things related to the stock market made a significant portion of the book difficult to understand and follow. Around the halfway point, when the identity of Green Band was revealed, the book finally started to gain momentum. However, the biggest confusion for me was how they managed to figure out who Green Band was. The crucial discovery that led them to the "bad guys" seemed to come out of nowhere. Throughout the first half of the book, they searched high and low for any potential leads but found nothing. Then, suddenly, without any apparent clues, they were on the right track. (I must admit that this had nothing to do with the ideas they were exploring during the first half of the book.)

Despite all that, the ending was excellent. A few well-placed twists and turns made the last half of the book well worth reading. I would rate the first half of the book 1 star and the last half 5 stars. There were simply too many stock market details for my liking and too little of a transition into how they got on the right track.

What a Ride!

This book offers a non-stop, wild ride that I simply couldn't put down. I found myself reading it in one sitting because it was so captivating.
It presents a scarily plausible look at a "what if" conspiracy that involves the highest levels of government and military, stretching back decades. The story weaves together a complex web of events and characters, exploring the best and worst examples of human nature, beliefs, and how they can control people's actions.
The "twists & turns" in the plot keep the reader on the edge of their seat, constantly guessing what will happen next. And just when you think you have it all figured out, there's another unexpected turn.
Surprisingly, the ending is extremely satisfying. It ties up all the loose ends and provides a sense of closure that leaves the reader feeling fulfilled. Overall, this is a must-read book for anyone who loves a good conspiracy thriller.