Eleven Days (Carl Houseman)

by Donald Harstad

Book Overview

In a mesmerizing debut, cop-turned-author Donald Harstad uses real-life events to paint a jarring picture of crime in America's heartland--where two-stoplight towns no longer offer refuge from... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553581481
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: Bantam
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 0.8" x 4.3"

Customer Reviews

Wonderfully written. Excellent narrative voice!

I had read that this "thriller" was above-average and well written. After devouring it in a few short days, I must say I was very impressed. The novel doesn't fall into the usual cliche holes of many in the genre and the distinct and well-formed voice of the narrator gives the story tons of extra impact. Instead of a hard-boiled detective or a supercop, we get a real person along with small glimpses into his life, even if they are glimpses into typical Midwestern life. There's nothing better than a good read that's well-written. That's what you'll get with Eleven Days.

Eleven Days--Best of the Year

Don Harstad's "Eleven Days" is the by far the best book I read in 1999. The chilling detail and terrific narrative that Harstad brings makes him one of the best police procedure novelist. This and it is only his first novel. Harstad being an ex-cop gives you the gritty real cop of the world. I'm tired of most novels were the cops are perfect and do nothing wrong. Harstad's characters are more human.Harstad also has the ability to let the reader know that something bad is going to happen when his characters cannot. The whole time reading the book I found myself saying "turn around" or "go back and double check". It truly made the book a chilling read.There are parts in this book that are quite grusome, so this novel may not be for the squimish. Remember this is based on true facts which also makes it pretty scary in the more violent scenes. I strongly recommend!

Tantalizing, who-dun-it, grisly yet mysterious

I found this book to be one of the most intriguing novels I have read in a long time. As one who loves mysteries, I feel that Harstad has put Iowa on the map. I am a resident of the area of which he writes, and I found myself trying to figure just who was who in this book of all the people I know in the area. Thank goodness all of the people in this book are fictitious--at least I hope they are. Harstad's methodology in leading the reader to the real murderer is one of interest because nothing that exciting ever happens around here. I am looking forward to the movie.

A fast-paced, often-times surprisingly funny suspense story.

As a big fan of "Fargo" but not too big a fan of mysteries, I read Eleven Days seeking some momentary diversion. Moments turned into hours when I found myself wrapped up in the search for a killer in a small town, where life is placid on the surface but exciting in the depths. The "real time" narration of the small town deputy provided fast-paced momentum as the story raced along with enough twists and turns to satisfy the most avid roller-coaster rider. Thank goodness there were also moments where the reader could catch his breath with a chuckle or out-right laugh at the more practical and mundane events in police work. It was a fun ride!