Ever live vicariously through sports figures?

You're Tiger Woods, on the 18th hole, putting for the championship - the putt is from 25 feet...there's the putt...and it's in! Tiger wins!!!

You're jumping and shouting feeling like you won the tournament. We've all been there, haven't we?

Michael Balkind's Sudden Death takes you right in the action and insight into the life of a pro golfer. Reid Clark is a high ranked golfer. He's been dubbed "The Badboy of Golf" making John McEnroe look like a choirboy in terms of temperment -Reid starts receiving death threats at The Masters. A minor army of security people start to guard Reid and Reid must not only help find who would want him dead (business associates or past girlfriends?) as well as playing atThe Masters, then The Classic and dealing with the added pressure if this threat is real, what to do?

Balkind's writing puts you into the action, and you feel like you are walking with the golfing parties, seeing what it's like to be among the elite in golf - from papparazzi to endorsement commercials, to trying to lead a 'normal' life while always being in the spotlight. Hard thing to do if you are a star in your sport.

The relationship Reid has with his family, caddie, manager and associates changes as Reid gets his act together and he focuses in what is truly important. We see who the true Reid Clark is, and we like him, kindness, tempers, warts and all -

This book will make an exciting movie. The actions are beautifully structured and you are in the moment and part of this book.

For those of us golfer wannabees, who will never see a pro tournament other than on TV, you will feel you are playing next to a Tiger Woods, instead of watching it on TV. I love the game of golf, but am a terrible player, usually getting demoted to driving the golf cart and watching others play...but I can appreciate the nuances of the game.

Sudden Death is a masterful look at the game of golf, as well as an excellent mystery. You will find it a fun read and a great 'whodunit'.

You will see why such heavyweights as James Patterson, Clive Cussler, and Tim Green have written glowing testamonials for Sudden Death. The glowing comments are well deserved.

ellen george

Sudden Death by Michael Balkind, ISBN-10: 1563154048, Pero Thrillers, Sterlinghouse Publishers, review by ellen george