IN MY OPINION: The PM Note

What a good read. The premise is fascinating and you tell the story well.

I like how you've set up 'In My Opinion.' with the legal deinitions topping the chapters, and I like, too, how you introduce the characters. Your writing is strong and I love the tidbits of information like Churchill designing a few Hallmark Cards (I knew I should have stopped in Kansas City.) and do Warren Buffett and Bill Gates even need business cards? I'd buy this in a flash, Mr. Sherwood, take it on the plane and love every minute of reading it. Best of luck.
Caroline
KC Hart
Summer Rose

The concept of 'reasonableness' is an interesting prologue to this, a story as intelligently scripted as its pitch suggests. In the UK it's all about 'the man on the Clapham Omnibus' - he is the keeper of what is reasonable, that cornerstone of a civilised place and what keeps us from anarchy. Backed for its intelligence.

The concept of 'reasonableness' is an interesting prologue to this, a story as intelligently scripted as its pitch suggests. In the UK it's all about 'the man on the Clapham Omnibus' - he is the keeper of what is reasonable, that cornerstone of a civilised place and what keeps us from anarchy. Backed for its intelligence.

Yes, it's a timely story, fast-paced, well written and very intriguing. I love all that I read so far. Your detail is fascinating. It is true that Adams & Monroe still exists? I doubt it, but it's a nice touch. When I get a little more time, I'll be back to read more. Backed for now.

Wonderful prologue, much better than when I took business law and torts came up. Great writing, I need not say more. Backed. Chuck (Paperboy Adventures) (Literary Agent Blues)

Robert,
A wealth of 'lived' detail but used cleverly and with pace and humour. Looks like a great formula for the series. I shall read more and wish you success.
Backed.
John

Your background shines through your writing. I love the Quixotic way, particularly if he's on jets rather than horses. Although I found more similarrities with James Bond then Don Quixote. Your write this with confidence, knowledge, humor and wit and the end result is highly entertaining. Your writing is simply effortless.
Backed earlier.
Rakhi (Sir William...)

In my Opinion: The PM Note

What an intriguing opening. It’s tautly paced and you cover so many disparate elements I can see that linking these up is going to deliver a great plot. The legal quotation about the reasonable man seems unrelated, but you tie it in at the end of the opening. Chapter two neatly begins the story presenting your central premise. The throw away remark about a small company in Texas holds promise for plot lines to come. Chapter three and the story begins to get going. Good idea to show David in action first and then have him immediately to after the next assignment. There’s a hint of his interest in the Alaska Secession, but not yet linked in directly with the new case he’s taking. Although the slight hesitation in Heggeman’s voice makes me think the two are most definitely linked. Good stuff. And then you tie it all together in chapter four. We learn about the modified copiers and the insider trading scheme linking up with David’s new case. Fantastic structure. David is a likeable hero, intelligent and dynamic. He is perfect for your story. I’m backing this, and I’d be really grateful if you can find the time to take a look at Bokassa’s Last Apostle in return.

Hi Robert,

This is a very well written thriller and I've enjoyed what I've read so far and want to read more. It's obvious that you've done a great deal of research and it shows. Backed, with pleasure.

Carol

Your writing has all the hallmarks of the classic thriller writers. Solid construction, and excellent delivery.
My journalistic side was impressed by the obvious amount of background work you have done. For me you can't fake doing your homework before you write the story. Your writing exhibits the hard yards put in and it's all the better for it. Backed with pleasure. Hope you'll return the favour.
David
Bailey of the Saints

This is creative and very well written. Looks as if you did a lot of research while writing this. Backed with pleasure.

Kristin
Demon in the Knight

Robert,

You've got some good stuff here. The pacing is nice; you get a good bounce between details and explanation, visual details and internal reactions. The radio broadcast, the blurb at the beginning, all gives it some interesting dynamics.

It needs some polish to really get it where you're aiming. The first two sentences are a perfect example of the general problem. In the first, too many adjectives. It's cluttered and loses some of its punch as a result. In the second sentence, your semicolon is not gramatically correct (you need to independent clauses on each side).

Keep editing and polishing. Rework the language and the structure of your sentences to keep inching it forward. The big picture stuff seems to be there (though you can always improve on flow, too) and that's the hard stuff.

I'm happy to back this and appreciate your backing of my book, too.

I hope this helps. Good luck with this.

Cheers!

Dustin (Dreamland)

Dear Robert,

This is brilliant. You have great writing skill, keeping readers on edge with your every word. I admit this is not something that I'd usually read but with your writing skill, I'm sure many will love this type of story, me included. Backed.

Well, I finished it, and was engrossed with every paragraph. Excellent, Mr. Sherwood, in style, content, research, and writing skill. I surely would like to witness the secession, but that will have to wait until publication. Well done. You are excellent with description, clear with facts, real or imagined, and skillful within your element. Since I am new with Authonomy, I hope there are more polished writer like you somewhere in the listings. Good luck, good fortune, and God's speed in advancing this work. KV

I have been looking for a novel I can get my teeth into. I have found it. You write with a distinct and clearly believable style, tight and to the point. Your characters are real, your settings clearly definable, and your story moves like a fast train on smoothly oiled tracks. I admire descriptive writing, knowing precisely where I am and what is around me. Your description have depth, not only of place, but of character. Well done. An admirable story that clearly depicts all the elements with a fine touch of imagination. Impressive, to say the least. After reading to chapter four, I look forward to devouring the rest. KV

Chapter 11 Impeccably written. And I dislike Werner very much.

Robert,
You got a real action packed thrille. As i read i can see it all in a movie.

Fine work.

backed

Dear Robert, I love your amazing story - wouldn't that be something if it really happened? :) Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your recap/pitch,which was very well done. Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "backing" your book: When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved...authonomy. :) Please "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)
p.s. Remember: Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs. :)

Fascinating story-telling, complete with intricate details that aren't overdone, which is a feat in itself. This is obviously geared to the smarter-than-average thriller reader, and they will be well rewarded when they buy this one.
backed
Genevieve

This is a very, very clever and well-structured book.
The sensory narrative is exceptional, this is a very well written book. I my eyes, great characters in a great story. – brilliant read!!!

A very well written and intriguing story with just the right amount of foreshadowing in the first two chapters. Your use of imagery is excellent and your character development is strong. Backed with pleasure.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Fantastic. This is such incredibly gripping stuff that I was pulled straight into the action. You have a real skill with words, and it's a pleasure to read.

Backed.
Abi xxx

I loe the description of Zimmerman. You are an amazing writer. I don't ususally read sotires like this but the writing is TOO good. unfathomable eyes - yikes.
a zoomer
Going Out In Style

Oh, I like ch. 2 it almost stands alone.

I like the same newscast. on to ch. 2.

The opening scene is interesting because we open to immediate danger--a plane crash. The radio announcement felt life like, but what gripped me the most were the ending two sentences. I'm not sure if it's doable, but I'd consider moving those to the front of the chapter as your opening lines. An excellent read just the same.

xBeccaX
The Forever Girl

In my Opinion feels fresh, modern and thoroughly original.. there's action, mystery and intrigue.. David is a well crafted hero and I love the fact that he wants to protect the America way of life by using his connections.. I just know he's going to outsmart the baddies and I can't wait to find out how that happens.. this has Made for Film written all over it.. Backed and best wishes!

This is a good story. Chosing Alaska as the state which is threatening to secede is clever plotting; the same for making David older than the usual teenager featured on this site. Instantly gives him more depth and makes him a more interesting character. And makes this a good read. I'm adding this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

You have to hook people right away in this genre and that's exactly what you do here, it's really well done, backed with pleasure. ELoraine Royal Blood Chronicles book one

I really enjoy the way this is written, the story is very professionally told. Backed with pleasure
BADD

In My Opinion: The PM Note

Robert,

We are straight into the action with the plummetting plane which creates an immediate tension.
Your description of the scene is precisely detailed with a good visual observation, creating a real sense of immediacy and I felt perilously involved from the start.
Dr Kona's indifference at learning of the aeroplane crash leaves a hint of intrigue which made me want to read on.
Then David Dawson intensifies the mystery of the crash by suggesting that he's 'never heard of a single instance where the FAA found a specific cause that explained an airline accident.'
Of course, this lends massive scope for mystery. Was the accident really an accident? Was there, perhaps, sabotage?
The prose is clear and fluous. I was soon drawn into the mystery and hooked by questions as yet to be explained.

Backed.
Ray
(A Child from the Wishing Well)

IN MY OPINION': THE PM NOTE:

Robert,

It's wonderful to stumble on a gem of a novel like this. In my opinion, Mr. Sherwood, you are already a great story teller, and probably have been all your life, if only you had recognised it earlier.

In chapter two I would have started the first sentence with : Thousands of miles away . . .
There's nothing whatsoever wrong with your sentence, but I was told in a creative writing class to always leave the most interesting, the most vital part of a sentence, paragraph or chapter, to the very last. It's all part of the "make 'em wait" theory. I don't know if you agree with this. I noticed on one or two other occasions that the word order could have been more dynamic with a slight re-shuffle. But this is a very minor point, and I don't usually nit-pick like this, but your writing, the whole concept of the novel, the characterisation, the dialogue, the suspense - everything - is so good that I didn't think you would mind me mentioning this. I'm probably guilty of the same thing, but can never recognise it in my own writing.

I think this is brilliant, and I will be first in the queue for a signed copy.

Backed, with admiration.

Sheila Mary Taylor (Pinpoint)

This a relevant and expertly crafted tale that could genuinely find a wide audience because of it's topicality. It's also accessibly composed enough for the reader who is not necessarily aware of some of the political issues it deals with. I'm delighted to back it.
carl
The Time hunters

This a complex and well crafted plot that requires the reader to concentrate, but the intricate story is well told and rewards the reader for the effort.
Backed

Nice description of the characters. If this concept has any flaw, it would be that the plot is almost too complicated. However, I have a feeling that you have mastery over the intricacies and that ultimately, the resolution will be credible. Best of luck with this project -- well executed, and conveying the depth of your commitment to the task.
Backed! Marianne (Saint Paddy and the Sundial)

Backed with pleasure! Good Luck!!
A look at Sicilian Shadows would be greatly appreciated.
Frank.
If you back my work, you may also want to approach BJD (a big supporter of my work) for a further read and possible backing of your book.

I like the way this story moves forward. You have an excellent grasp of the thriller genre. I think I would rewrite the longer pitch to make it more compelling to draw in more casual readers. SHELVED!

I can use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key
Authonomy's #1 rated commentator

Excellent writing and a plot that draws you in. Backed 100%, best wishes, Mary

There's an unemotional tone to your writing, a statement of fact, almost as if we're no longer surprised by these things though we do our best to combat them. It's brilliant. Backed. Lynn

My Dear, Robert. What a stonking beginning that was!! I love reading books like this, reminds a lot of Dan Brown's Deception Point. You have a stunning plot and the hooks to every chapter make this one of the best page turners I've had the pleasure of reading on this site.

Absolutely excellent, I'm off to finish it now, wish there was more up here to read.

Melxx

Please let me know when this is published!! I can't wait to read the rest!!!

This is a very compelling story with a chilling premise, especially these days. The writing flows very well, the pace is quick. Readers beware--you will not be able to stop after the first chapter! Well done. Backed.

Richard Bard
BRAINRUSH

I agree with Robert Sherwood's comment of 7 days ago! Backed! Barry (Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys)

This was a good read. Characters, setting, plot all do what it says on the can, engage and hold the reader. Had to wrest computer from my other half who's into thrillers! Thanks, it kept them off my back for ages and for that you get my backing! Jim D Serpent's Blood

I have to say that this is probably one of the more engrossing excerpts I've read. The characters feel real and all of them speak with a different voice. The concept is something original as well.

Bravo

I am really captivated by the book. I can't wait to read the whole story. Please let me know when it is published.

Realistic - perhaps so much so, it left me feeling yet a bit more anxious about our world (as if we need any help on that front!) However, that is the sign of a good read. It drew me in, grabbed me and left me thinking, "This could happen!" Loved the character development, the story moved well and I enjoyed the twists in the plot along the way. I am looking forward to the sequel.

A fun read, cool concept. I like the idea of seeing an expert witness as an investigator, something I haven't read about before. More, please!

As a former history and government teacher, this really appealed to me. Love the ideological concepts here and your interpretation.

Backed and good luck
Natalie