Reviews

Odds On by Michael Crichton, John Lange

beastreader's review against another edition

2.0

I agree with another reader that this book had the Ocean's 11 movie series vibe. The original movie with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon and not the new one with the women.

This is a quick read. There isn't anything too complex about the storyline; other than the fact that there are a lot of characters introduced all at the same time. There was not too much breathing room to get familiar with all of the different characters. So you kind of have to muddle your way through until you can get them all straight.

The women seemed to be calling all of the shots. The men were along for the ride. Although by the end there was a bit of a twist.

niftyiz816's review against another edition

3.0

I love Michael Crichton (writing as John Lange here) however I feel he had not gotten into his stride yet here. It felt he was appeasing a publisher, telling him he needed some sex in order to get the book published. Overall I enjoyed the truly Michael Crichton-esque parts, the in depth planning and research. However it did feel like a cheapened version of him.

evdark's review against another edition

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This was unexpected. I really enjoyed the premise and some of the technology explanations. A very unique take. It was really a privilege reading the first book in his journey to writing some of my favorite books of all time. Looking forward to more.

bookeyman's review against another edition

fast-paced

4.0

searchandrescueteam's review against another edition

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.5

There's a lot in this book to mark it of its time - particular the gendered roles, and the descriptions of sex.  The plot is over-complicated and the ending is heralded too early.

schnoebs13's review against another edition

5.0

Ok, what? This was so good and honestly surprised the hell out me. As someone who truly enjoys how Michael Crichton incorporates technology and theory into his books and who also is a romance reader, this was like an amazing combination that just worked so well for me. The vibes were on point, I loved that this was published in the 1960s and the heist is using a computer to determine probabilities for the outcome, and the smit was honestly a good time. The wide variety of characters we got to meet were a lot of fun and allowed for the twists at the end to really surprise me. I definitely want to try out his other hard crime books now!

usbsticky's review against another edition

2.0

I tried this and another of John Lange's books only because it was an early Michael Crichton effort (using a pen name) and liked neither of them. The writing is just not as good or polished.

I think this is supposed to be a spy thriller, not really sure. I dnf'ed at 10% because there were too many POV's. The direction of the book changed so many times in the first 10% that I decided not to continue.

I always feel that the author needs to capture the readers' attention early on... otherwise there are just too many other books to read.

wondawilson's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.25

akayeh's review against another edition

4.0

Good grief what a ride! It had everything but murder! Definitely a head trip.

panthor's review against another edition

2.0

Crichton's first novel, and far from his best. However it does give hints of what is to come in later books.