Kirkus Review
First-time novelist Keller weaves the tale of a lawyer working for a company that may have shady Middle Eastern contacts and a willingness to resort to murder.
Thomas Quinter, a lawyer with a small firm in 1987 Cleveland, is offered a job by David Bordman, an old friend who was his commanding officer in the Navy. Bordman, VP for arms manufacturer Nortex, enlists Quinter to scout real estate in Spain while the company moves some of its business there. But a ransacking of his office and attack on Jennifer, his secretary and former lover, is only the start of his troubles. Soon, he’s noticing people watching and following him, and Quinter suspects an Iraqi connection to Nortex. The novel begins as noir, but ultimately, it’s a story of espionage and romance that gives equal air time to exposing Nortex’s deadly secrets and Quinter and Jennifer’s romance. The protagonist is shrouded in mystery, which sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. Quinter’s time in Naval Intelligence may explain owning a gun but not why he has a silencer or an ability to pick locks. But enigma surrounding his background makes him a more curious character, particularly when he employs his skills as Jennifer and he evade scimitar-armed men. But not clarifying the “petty meanness” of Quinter’s divorce backfires when a flashback generates more sympathy for his ex-wife, who spies the lawyer getting cozy with his secretary. On occasion, descriptions of the scenery and sumptuous meals in Spain overtake progression of the plot—Quinter and Jennifer, knowing that the bad guys are in pursuit, stop at a cafe for a bite to eat. But overall, there’s a commendable fusion of a contemporary Middle Eastern conflict with old-school storytelling: Quinter twice uses the classic distraction of “Do you have a match?” and a kidnapped Jennifer seduces one of her captors. Not everything is explained, but the ending leaves just enough open to pave the way for a potential follow-up.
Readers should welcome this spy novel about a lawyer who prefers action over words, in both love and war.
--Kirkus Reviews
First-time novelist Keller weaves the tale of a lawyer working for a company that may have shady Middle Eastern contacts and a willingness to resort to murder.
Thomas Quinter, a lawyer with a small firm in 1987 Cleveland, is offered a job by David Bordman, an old friend who was his commanding officer in the Navy. Bordman, VP for arms manufacturer Nortex, enlists Quinter to scout real estate in Spain while the company moves some of its business there. But a ransacking of his office and attack on Jennifer, his secretary and former lover, is only the start of his troubles. Soon, he’s noticing people watching and following him, and Quinter suspects an Iraqi connection to Nortex. The novel begins as noir, but ultimately, it’s a story of espionage and romance that gives equal air time to exposing Nortex’s deadly secrets and Quinter and Jennifer’s romance. The protagonist is shrouded in mystery, which sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. Quinter’s time in Naval Intelligence may explain owning a gun but not why he has a silencer or an ability to pick locks. But enigma surrounding his background makes him a more curious character, particularly when he employs his skills as Jennifer and he evade scimitar-armed men. But not clarifying the “petty meanness” of Quinter’s divorce backfires when a flashback generates more sympathy for his ex-wife, who spies the lawyer getting cozy with his secretary. On occasion, descriptions of the scenery and sumptuous meals in Spain overtake progression of the plot—Quinter and Jennifer, knowing that the bad guys are in pursuit, stop at a cafe for a bite to eat. But overall, there’s a commendable fusion of a contemporary Middle Eastern conflict with old-school storytelling: Quinter twice uses the classic distraction of “Do you have a match?” and a kidnapped Jennifer seduces one of her captors. Not everything is explained, but the ending leaves just enough open to pave the way for a potential follow-up.
Readers should welcome this spy novel about a lawyer who prefers action over words, in both love and war.
--Kirkus Reviews
Quinter Reader Reviews
Ken B. reviewed Quinter 5 Stars
Interesting and well done
I took it on vacation and found that it certainly kept my attention. Very nicely done. When's the sequel coming out? Can't wait.
September 21, 2013
Jean-Jaques reviewed Quinter 5 Stars
A Thriller !!
Ren Keller's debut thriller sends protagonist Quinter and his excellent secretary/companion/lover Jennifer hurtling from a prosaic Cleveland law practice across continents and the Atlantic in a swelling crescendo of intrigue, malice, mayhem and, ultimately, success against great odds. The pace is exhilarating; the developments are dramatic and unexpected but always plausible; the characters - especially Quinter, Jennifer and the other good guys - are finely developed; the conclusion is satisfying, but with a touch of irony making it all the more realistic.
This is a book for the thoughtful action reader. We hope Keller will give us more.
Jean-Jacques
May 4, 2013
Oppidan reviewed Quinter 4 Stars
Suprises around every corner
Ren Keller's first novel is right up there with the best of international thrillers, with some unexpected twists and turns that even the closest reader won't see coming. A delight to read, with characters as well-crafted as the settings and circumstances into which Ren places them.
January 27, 2013
Walt reviewed Quinter 4 Stars
Legal thriller January 27, 2013
If you like Grisham's legal thrillers, you will enjoy Quinter. This is the first book of a new series (I hope) by C. Reynolds Keller, a lawyer in Cleveland.
November 28, 2012
Jeffery Burns rated it 5 Stars
October 29, 2012
4.0 out of 5 stars By RWG
A real thrill read
Format:Hardcover
Quinter is a page turner in the true sense of the word. The characters are believable and consistent; the good get better while the bad ones grow darker. The story line is fresh and engaging with action galore. It was a delight to read and, hopefully, will be followed by further adventures.
September 30, 2012
Lue rated it 4 Stars
I won this as a free read giveaway. It took me a little while to get into it, but once I did it was entertaining till the end. The writing style reminded me of several authors of the mystery genre. (H. Robbins, S. Sheldon and L. Saunders to name a few.) I read it in three days. Looking forward to reading Mr. Keller's next book.
September 25, 2012
Staci Hersh rated it 4 Stars
There is a reason why my grandmother use to tell me, "Anything too good to be true, usually is not any good." I found myself telling myself that as I read Quinter. I loved how I was always surprised at what happened next as the story line is anything but predictable. C. Reynolds Keller did a wonderful job with character development as well as the plot for I was very involved in this book and couldn't put it down. High 4 star rating from me!
My rating system is as follows:
5 stars - Excellent, Worth Every Penny, Made It Into My Personal Library!
4 stars - Great book, but not a classic.
3 stars - Good overall, generally well written.
2 stars - Would not recommend based on personal criteria.
1 star - Difficult to read, hard to finish, or didn't finish. Wouldn't recommend purchasing or reading.
In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book I review was provided to me by the publisher, media group or the author for free and no financial payments were received, unless specified otherwise.
September 24, 2012
Lewis Barr: 4 Stars
Quinter is a good read. It is action-filled from the initial page and follows the search for answers by its hero, a lawyer named Quinter. The book is an interesting look into the reactions of a trial lawyer who is taken out of his element and placed into a world of surprising threats and dangerous situations. He is aided in his adventure by a secretary, Jennifer, who willingly accompanies him into danger, and ultimately becomes an ally. Engaged by a former classmate in international intrigue, the plot follows Quinter and his secretary as they resist the false paths set up for them by others. Quinter and Jennifer reason their way through the perils inflicted upon them, and along the way reveal unexpected physical courage and strength as well. The plot progression is laid out well by the author, and each step logically follows as the final resolution arrives. Easy to read, Quinter is an enjoyable adventure into the world of international arms dealings.
September 15, 2012
Florence Mims rated it : 5 Stars
This is an exciting adventure and mystery. Quinter is a lawyer who runs into an old classmate named Bordman. The story is dream-like as Quinter accepts the job offer of a lifetime. As Quinter begins to travel for his new position, he finds out that his job duties may include more than he expected. This is an exciting story that develops along many levels, including international abductions and attacks that Quinter must dodge. It is difficult to predict what will happen next, and that makes "Quinter" an excellent read!
Tiffany: A SEXY COMBINATION. THANK YOU FOR WRITING SUCH AWESOME AND SEXY NOVEL. BEST WISHES TO YOU AS WELL!!!
Ken B. reviewed Quinter 5 Stars
Interesting and well done
I took it on vacation and found that it certainly kept my attention. Very nicely done. When's the sequel coming out? Can't wait.
September 21, 2013
Jean-Jaques reviewed Quinter 5 Stars
A Thriller !!
Ren Keller's debut thriller sends protagonist Quinter and his excellent secretary/companion/lover Jennifer hurtling from a prosaic Cleveland law practice across continents and the Atlantic in a swelling crescendo of intrigue, malice, mayhem and, ultimately, success against great odds. The pace is exhilarating; the developments are dramatic and unexpected but always plausible; the characters - especially Quinter, Jennifer and the other good guys - are finely developed; the conclusion is satisfying, but with a touch of irony making it all the more realistic.
This is a book for the thoughtful action reader. We hope Keller will give us more.
Jean-Jacques
May 4, 2013
Oppidan reviewed Quinter 4 Stars
Suprises around every corner
Ren Keller's first novel is right up there with the best of international thrillers, with some unexpected twists and turns that even the closest reader won't see coming. A delight to read, with characters as well-crafted as the settings and circumstances into which Ren places them.
January 27, 2013
Walt reviewed Quinter 4 Stars
Legal thriller January 27, 2013
If you like Grisham's legal thrillers, you will enjoy Quinter. This is the first book of a new series (I hope) by C. Reynolds Keller, a lawyer in Cleveland.
November 28, 2012
Jeffery Burns rated it 5 Stars
October 29, 2012
4.0 out of 5 stars By RWG
A real thrill read
Format:Hardcover
Quinter is a page turner in the true sense of the word. The characters are believable and consistent; the good get better while the bad ones grow darker. The story line is fresh and engaging with action galore. It was a delight to read and, hopefully, will be followed by further adventures.
September 30, 2012
Lue rated it 4 Stars
I won this as a free read giveaway. It took me a little while to get into it, but once I did it was entertaining till the end. The writing style reminded me of several authors of the mystery genre. (H. Robbins, S. Sheldon and L. Saunders to name a few.) I read it in three days. Looking forward to reading Mr. Keller's next book.
September 25, 2012
Staci Hersh rated it 4 Stars
There is a reason why my grandmother use to tell me, "Anything too good to be true, usually is not any good." I found myself telling myself that as I read Quinter. I loved how I was always surprised at what happened next as the story line is anything but predictable. C. Reynolds Keller did a wonderful job with character development as well as the plot for I was very involved in this book and couldn't put it down. High 4 star rating from me!
My rating system is as follows:
5 stars - Excellent, Worth Every Penny, Made It Into My Personal Library!
4 stars - Great book, but not a classic.
3 stars - Good overall, generally well written.
2 stars - Would not recommend based on personal criteria.
1 star - Difficult to read, hard to finish, or didn't finish. Wouldn't recommend purchasing or reading.
In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book I review was provided to me by the publisher, media group or the author for free and no financial payments were received, unless specified otherwise.
September 24, 2012
Lewis Barr: 4 Stars
Quinter is a good read. It is action-filled from the initial page and follows the search for answers by its hero, a lawyer named Quinter. The book is an interesting look into the reactions of a trial lawyer who is taken out of his element and placed into a world of surprising threats and dangerous situations. He is aided in his adventure by a secretary, Jennifer, who willingly accompanies him into danger, and ultimately becomes an ally. Engaged by a former classmate in international intrigue, the plot follows Quinter and his secretary as they resist the false paths set up for them by others. Quinter and Jennifer reason their way through the perils inflicted upon them, and along the way reveal unexpected physical courage and strength as well. The plot progression is laid out well by the author, and each step logically follows as the final resolution arrives. Easy to read, Quinter is an enjoyable adventure into the world of international arms dealings.
September 15, 2012
Florence Mims rated it : 5 Stars
This is an exciting adventure and mystery. Quinter is a lawyer who runs into an old classmate named Bordman. The story is dream-like as Quinter accepts the job offer of a lifetime. As Quinter begins to travel for his new position, he finds out that his job duties may include more than he expected. This is an exciting story that develops along many levels, including international abductions and attacks that Quinter must dodge. It is difficult to predict what will happen next, and that makes "Quinter" an excellent read!
Tiffany: A SEXY COMBINATION. THANK YOU FOR WRITING SUCH AWESOME AND SEXY NOVEL. BEST WISHES TO YOU AS WELL!!!