Reviewer: Zanne Marie Gray zanne@bookreview.com (Monona, WI USA)
Imagine standing in the center of a circle of televisions all showing a story, but all of the screens are out of focus. As you are trying to work through the fuzziness, a screen comes into focus and you turn to watch the scene. As the scene ends, it fades out of focus again. Another television screen comes into focus and another scene is played. This happens continuously until you have many small scenes that piece together Virgil Thompson's Final Things, A Novel of Suspense.

As I began reading this book, I found myself confused and frustrated by the writing style. As I progressed slowly through the first chapters, I had to re-read sections to understand the loosely woven story. After giving the book time to come together, I found myself rapidly working through the story and embracing his chaotic writing style. The frustration and confusion Thompson creates by jumping from scene to scene mimics the life of the main character, a man wrongly accused of four counts of murder living on death row. To say much more about the story would give away details you must come upon while reading the wonderfully crafted novel.

I would recommend this novel to anyone who will embrace an unusual writing style and a chaotic pace with many twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will read any future writings by Virgil Thompson.

"A Psychological Thriller," December 29, 2002

Reviewer: Pepsych02 (Columbia, SC USA)
In the beginning it was like being inside the head of Eric. I could actually see the mystery unfold, like watching a movie. I could not put the book down. Thompson gives great insight into the minds of a death rown inmate, victims of childhood abuse and the unrelenting detective who really wanted to know the truth. Just when I thought I had it figured out, Thompson surprised me with another twist. It kept me guessing, right up to the explosive, cleverly written end. If you read it, you will not be disappointed. I loved it!

"Family Secrets and Corporate Corruption," November 17, 2002

Reviewer: Dallas Franklin www.sellwritingonline.com (Houston, TX USA)
Here's a murder mystery that will definitely keep you turning the page. Thompson has written Final Things in the first person and does it eloquently and with ease. Not many authors attempt a first book in first person, but it's clearly a style that fits extremely well with Thompson.

You're taken into the mind and world of Eric Betancourt. He's been charged with multiple murders and sits on Death Row awaiting his execution. It will be the first execution by lethal injection in Connecticut and the media captures their biased slant immediately.

Eric doesn't have much time to clear himself. As they say, the cards are stacked against him and Eric makes a deadly choice of stopping all appeals. He's been on death row eight years and now with only a couple of months left before his execution date, he makes some decisions he'll live to regret.

The murderer, or is it murderers is still out there and vexed by all the media attention Eric's getting for his deeds. He goes on another murder spree that was spurred by a plan Eric set in motion.

You see Eric has a gift. He can feel the emotions; receive names and circumstances on people in snapshots. Detectives and lawyers on both sides of the fence show Eric photographs from crime scenes and when Eric shares his gift it further implicates him. But Eric isn't guilty. He's innocent.

You're taken on a journey through the last days on Death Row where family secrets and corporate corruption add to the mystery. Thompson has the uncanny ability to hook you instantly as you unravel the real culprits. Descriptively written, you get to know all the characters intimately.

Final Things' read so easily that I felt Thompson sat down and wrote it in one sitting, just as I read this in one sitting. It's a riveting book and you'll be rooting for the protagonist right up to the end. There are many surprising twists and discoveries that will leave you breathless.

I highly, highly recommend this book and know you won't be disappointed. You'll applaud Thompson's gift in writing and look forward to more books to come.

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