Hi Mr. Coonts,
I just finished "Liars and Thieves" and all I can say is BRAVO! It was a great read, and could not even watch the Super Bowl so I could finish the book. I am purchasing "The Traitor" today. Here is my question. Have you ever flown in the Navy with any Citadel graduates? I was there from 1971-1975 and had plenty of friends who became naval aviators. Thanks for a great read.
Jim Bowie February 2, 2009
Dear Mr. Coonts
I received the 3 Tommy Carmellini books for Christmas and just finished Liars and thieves. I didn't think you could improve on the Grafton novels, but you have. The writing in the first person and the inside thoughts of Tommy Carmellini had me chuckling all the way through. Thanks again for the pleasure,
Happy Holidays to you and your lovely Wife.
Your Fan,
Corey Robinson December 31, 2008
I was so tired at work at work today. Last night I read Liars & Thieves, my first read of yours. I will say this you are truly gifted. I can't wait to read the rest of your books.
Ray Elliott November 21, 2008
A friend gave me Liars & Thieves,LOVED IT. Going to Barnes & Noble to buy more Stephen Coonts books. THANK YOU.
Diane Wadas. Sioux Falls, South Dakota, October 5, 2008
Dear Mr. Coonts,
I am an eighth grader in New York. I recently read your book Liars & Thieves and I must say that I loved it. I have never gone through a book so fast. The story line is somewhat generic, I'll admit, but the way you wrote it and the little details in your writing made it unique. I love your books now and I can't wait to read more. I even got a small job helping at a nearby landscaping business just to make enough money to fund my reading and running accolades. I love your books and PLEASE PLEASE keep writing. God bless you, your family, and your extraordinary gift.
Sincerely,
George Gates July 8, 2008
Since The Flight Of The Intruder, which had the fastest ramp up of any book I've ever read, to just finishing Liars and Thieves, I've enjoyed your books over the last 25 years (I think it's been that long.) As a former A6 driver (1970-73, USMC) I especially enjoyed The Intruders. I buy the books on Audible.com and hope you continue to license them. My wife of 40 years also can't put them down.
Thanks for the great stories. I'll look forward to Assassin.
Pat Dempsey June 23, 2008
I just finished your book "Liars and Thieves"! What a thrilling book that was to read; it was so difficult to put it down. A lot of excitement, a lot of suspense, sprinkled with some chuckles here and there by what Tommy would say now and then. Excellent reading!
Paul Troop March 9, 2008
I have just discovered your work through the book 'Wages of Sin' i'm very impressed, why are you not well known here in Australia? I shall be on the lookout for more of your excellent work.
Kerry Jackson December 18, 2007
Dear Mr. Coonts,
I have just finished reading your book "Liars and Thieves". It is the first of your novels that I have come across and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I shall be reading more.
Paul Howell November 3, 2007
Congrats on Liars and Theives! Your portrayal of female characters, Dorsey O'Shea and Sarah Houston, rings true! In the past, Rita Tarkington and the like were merely men with female names. Keep up the evolution!
Ruth Cohen August 25, 2007
Mr Coonts,
This message has been a long time in writing. From the copy of Flight of the Intruder that my wife bought me as a present in 1986 to Liars & Thieves, I have eagerly awaited your next book. I haven’t read the Traitor yet, but will soon. We recently moved from the East Coast to Las Vegas, where I now do all of the “Blue Air” flight scheduling for Red Flag at Nellis AFB. When we made the move, my wife and I decided we could not afford to move our entire collection of books, some 1500 plus. However, every single Stephen Coonts book made the trip.
My father was an Exec on Navy tankers during the fifties and I grew up with the Blue Jacket’s Manual, hoping someday to be a Navy aviator. Unfortunately, like one of your other readers, I was blessed with the eyesight of a bat and that didn’t happen. I did, however, manage to enjoy 14 years of flying as a member of the Comm Team on EC-135 and E-4A and B model aircraft, spending a lot of time in some of the places mentioned in your books. The next best thing to having been there and done that, is the way you so vivdly bring to life, the experiences of Jake Grafton. I look forward to reading The traitor and any future books that I can add to my collection.
George General May 21, 2007
Due to a recent trip to Hong Kong, I snatched up your book. Since then, I've read backwards all the way to Flight of the Intruder. Liars & Thieves is so far my favorite. Reading that book was like being trapped in a run-a-way Vette. Thank you for the honest tips for writers. Reading your books is my study guide for better writing. I hope to be one of those 900 people you mentioned.
Brandon Jones May 19, 2007
Steve,
I usually stay away from TV or books that contain violence. I guess that is from many years of raising my son by myself and trying to set a good example for him
(and wanting to go to sleep easily at night). However, even though I suspected that "Liars & Thieves" would be quite violent, I did the unthinkable - I read the first 2-3 pages and I WAS HOOKED! The sad thing was, as I was reading I kept thinking all the while that this kind of stuff must go on all the time within our government. Just wanted you to know that usually I would put a book down which had violent plot - but not this one. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Looking forward to reading more of your books.
Rhonda Harvey April 18, 2007
Hello Steve, I am a big fan of your work. I started reading Ludlum because of "The Bourne Identity". Even though I couldn't find that particular book in my dad's library, nor was the book even close to the movie, or I should say the movie close to the book, I really enjoyed it. When I ran out of those I finally relented to my dad's suggestion that there are other good authors and you were his first suggestion. Sorry for the circumlocution, the reason I am writing is to encourage you in the writing of Tommy Carmellini novels. He and Jake Grafton are cool as cool gets. I'm sure you get a lot of this, but I had to put my two cents in. Liars and Thieves was awesome and I am reading the Traitor. I don't know if it will sway you toward more Carmellini novels, but I had to tell you that there is gold there. Oh, and Hong Kong was stunningly good. Anyway, thanks for the terrific books and keep it up please!
Corey Watts March 15, 2007
Loved "Liars and Thieves". It was hard to put down. I couldn't wait to pick it back up and read what was going to happen. I would love to see it as a movie.
Maybe Mark Wahlberg, or Ben Afleck could play Carmellini.
Buf Peckham March 2, 2007
Dear Sir, Normally I do not write about the books I have read. I have just completed your
Liars & Thieves. My thanks and compliments on a job well done. After completing this, I see that you are originally from WVa. I grew up in Huntington. It is a beautiful state and a wonderful place to grow up.
Thanks for several hours of enjoyment. I live in Hilton Head SC and miss the wonders of WVa,(not enough to move back).
Larry Le Grand February 7, 2007
Steve,
Your characters Dorsey and Kelly in "Liars and Thieves" may be the most realistic women you've written. In contrast to a character like Rita Tarkington, the actions of Dorsey and Kelly ring true. Keep up the good work!
Debbie Williams January 18, 2007
Mr. Coonts, again i just wanted to say that im REALLY enjoying your book Liars & Thieves. this is one of those books you hear about that say in the cover "dont
start this book if you have to go to work in the morning" you really dont allow the reader time to breathe which i like a great deal. ive read books by other authors like clancy that have bored me to death as he discribes the color of whatever for like five pages. just out of curiousity, how long does it take you to write a given book? ive been reading this book for just two days and have read 80 pages (not a fast reader) but never have i once while reading it wanted ot put it down. thank you again for writing such amazing books. i cant wait to finish this one to go and pick up another one of your novels.
Ken Sprague November 30, 2006
Hello Mr. Coonts my name is SGT William Baker, I am serving in Iraq right now as a cavalry scout out of Fort Hood, Texas. Since being deployed I've started the hobby of reading. The first of your collection I found was Liars and Thieves, an excellent book I must say. Since then I've read Flight of the Intruders and Intruders. I absolutely love your books and cant put them down once I start them. I just wanted to let you know that you've made an impact on someone's life, even if it's something as small as getting my mind off the war while i'm not on patrol. Thank you for your time and your incredible books."
SGT William Baker Nov 9, 2006
I have read almost all of your books and just finished "Liars & Thieves" which I thought was terrific. I love what you have done with Tommy Carmellini as a character. Despite what I read in your FAQ, Tommy seems to enjoy a full and varied sex life (which I appreciate you revealing). Looking forward to reading "The Traitor" and the continuing saga of Jake and now Tommy. It seems that the original heroes of all my favorite authors (Tom Clancy, Dale Brown, Larry Bond, etc.) are aging well and passing the baton to the next generation (Clive Cussler even is keeping it in the family). Thank you for over twenty years of literary fulfillment and pleasure."
Tim Geddes July 16, 2006
"I just finished reading Liars and Thieves thanks to my wife. Who says she'll never buy me another book because all I did was sit around and read it until I was finished. It was great, non stop action, plenty of good characters both good and bad thrown in. Tommy Carmenilli is great. I just wanted to let you know I enjoy reading your books. My father was a B17 ball turret gunner and I have loved planes and military aircraft for as long as I can remember. He was a good man and I wish he was still here. I always passed on you latest book to him. Take care and keep up the good work," -- Chris February 6, 2006
"Hi Stephen, I found out about you when I bought Fortunes of war in 2003.It took me until the summer of 2005 to read it. I'm 44 years old and until then I maybe read 1 Book a year. Since Aug. of 2005 I've read Fortunes of War and all of the Jake Grafton/Tommy Carmellini Books Several of them twice. I can’t wait until the next Tommy Novel. Hopefully it wont be to long. I'm sure its going to be worth the wait! In the meantime I just finished Deep Black (awesome) so yesterday I went to Walden Books and brought the other three. That should keep me busy until the next Novel comes out. Will we hear from Jake Grafton in this one? Well thanks for all the great read material!!" -- Steve Brown February 5, 2006
Hi, I received Liars & Thieves for Christmas. Today I got started on it. At 1st after a good laugh at one of the credits I laughed liked crazy (but shortly ate my laffs) from Hinton news...or even the master himself Elmore Leonard. I finished the 1st section quick. It then ate my words, completely. Damn your up to him, I hope u don't let me down. I read about 100-200 books a year, my late father favorite el Leo. The best, I agree, he'd be rolling over now. I have a very diversy (not work).6th black belt USA, national offshore powerboat champion, aerobatic regional champ (like u) and a long list. as u can see I can't wright but I can consult, for free, but a lot of knowledge here, to pick for free if u want. I venture to Vegas a lot, March next time. We have a lot in common, would be a nice chat. I also know a few x agents and others so we have a lot in common. if not be honest in your writing, or at least research to the utmost cause there are many like me u ban't bs. Thanks Vaughn ps. I have to get this book finished tonight, so far very good, keep going Steve."-- Vaughn Szarka January 31, 2006
"I just finished my first book of yours, Liars and Thieves. Like a schoolgirl, I jumped online to see if any of your other books included Tommy Carmellini. I was reading up on your site, and saw where you mention you were asked "Why Tommy?" as the next character. As a happily married, young mother to 2, I commend your choice! I'm hoping your future books feature him as a main character again, I'll be first in line! Incredible incredible book, Thanks!" --Darlene January 19, 2006
Looking forward to THE TRAITOR, and I'll definitely continue to collect your DEEP BLACK series with Jim DeFelice. Your efforts are greatly
appreciated by those of us who wish we could write as well as you do." -- Doug Newman December 19, 2005
"I read "Flight of the Intruder" when it came out in paperback and just finished "Liars & Thieves". I've yet to find any thing you have written that wasn't a "Just couldn't put it down" type of book. I snatch everything I see that you have written as soon as I see it on the shelf. To me you and W.E.B. Griffith are in a class by your selves. My attraction stems from knowing first hand you have done your homework before writing. (Army '58-'78 and a helicopter pilot with 5k plus hrs.) Thank you for providing many hours of enjoyment!" -- Bill Tausaro May 19, 2005
"I just finished Liars and Thieves. Man, that was a great book, Steve. I really enjoy your characters. Tommy Carmellini is very human and I hope that you continue to write him into your next books..." -- Russ Spears May 17, 2005
"Dear Mr. Coonts - I have just finished reading your latest novel. "Liars & thieves", and I must confess, I am surprised I had not read any of your books prior to now, and I look forward to reading more.
I have never been a huge fan of the "Spy" kind of novels out there, military, CIA style writings, although I am sure there are some great authors that turn out many wonderful books.
Except for Tom Clancy, who's character's always allowed me to visualize the actual story in my head.
Until now...
Tommy Carmellini is to me the next generation Anti-hero. He's not some big, muscular jar-head, who runs around with knowledge of every weapon ever made, with a crack shot every time. He's an everyman. Sure, he can pick locks, but anyone can learn to do that with time and patience. He's a criminal, albeit former, and i can related well to his personality, wanting to run and take a banana boat God knows where, but sticking it out to the end.
And I thought Grafton was a great side character, and thought "He might make a good leading man in his own story". Surprise me when I visited here for the first time to discover he has a ton of books with him as the lead. Books I am now anxiously waiting to get my hands on.
With that said - Tommy is one of the greatest characters I have read about in any novel, and I hope he gets more leads soon. And I look forward to reading all your books now.
PS - If you ever share the rights to do any movies with these characters, I would love to be Tommy =). I think I can pull it off."
-- Jeff Orange May 16, 2005
" Hi Steve, I have been reading your novels for over 15 years and have enjoyed every one. I have also read and enjoyed "The Cannibal Queen" as I am from Australia and have never been to the US, and the book gave me an insight into your experiences and the places that I probably will never visit. I always search the book shops for your latest offering and have never been disappointed when the latest arrives. I am truly a Jake Grafton fan however I am currently reading and enjoying "Wages of Sin" (published in the US as LIARS & THIEVES) with Tommy Carmellini - a great character!! Thank you Steve for the many hours of enjoyment your work has given my family and myself." --Peter Kelly, January 5, 2005
"Dear Mr. Coonts: I am a 72 year old grandmother who has just retired to live in Hawaii with my son and two grandchildren. I picked up one of your books at Borders several months ago and now I am hooked. Your exciting narratives about Jake, Callie, Toad, Rita and Tommy and friends keep me on the edge of my seat--I love them all, they feel like family. Thank you so much for keeping me entertained." --Robin Voorhies, December 11, 2004
"Dear Mr. Coonts; I am eagerly awaiting your next offering. Having recently completed LIARS & THIEVES, I enjoyed it as thoroughly as any of the Jake Grafton novels. I have been remiss however, in not sending you my compliments on THE CANNIBAL QUEEN. In February, I had surgery to remove a cancer on my kidney, and your book was my reading material during my recovery. It helped me to forget for a while about my problem. A co-worker had recommended it to me, but I had put off reading it until then. What a surprise and delight it was. I enjoyed the glimpses of your philosophy on life and your statement about encouraging young people to "not trim their dreams to match the size of their hometown," is such a profound remark. I have shared it with many of my friends in the months since. It says so well what I have tried to impress upon my own children...UNDER SIEGE remains one of my favorites still. I enjoy the way you have of turning a phrase. I remain a devoted fan, and will be looking forward to your next publication." --Karen Nutter-Ali, November 17 2004
"DAMN!, now that's a great book, engrossed from page one. No better way to stay up late and be late for work that one of your books. I've read them all, and to me this is by far the best yet." --Taylor Smith, October 12, 2004
"I have been following the career of Jake Grafton for many years, ever since he bombed the forbidden targets in Hanoi. I have enjoyed them all. However, I just finished LIARS & THIEVES. Wow. You have outdone yourself. Bravo. And I was glad to see Jake making appearance in that one, too. Thanks for writing it." --George Fore, October 4, 2004
"I just felt that I should thank you. Your books have entertained me beyond my expectations. Please do not stop writing." --Mark D. Meyer, September 29, 2004
"Hi Steven -- I picked up "Liars and Thieves" yesterday and I'm practically done with it already! An EXCELLENT read! This is the first time I've read you (I'm not into 'flight' books that much) -- "Liars" is one of the best books of its kind I've read in years. I sure hope you think about writing another one like that." --Frank Panero September 19, 2004
"Dear Mr. Coonts, All the clichés apply, including could not put it down! Tommy Carmellini has to be the most preposterous, outrageous protagonist to come out of your fertile imagination. Thank you for a great ride!" --Chris Smith, September 13, 2004
"I hope you don't mind that you have an old (chronologically) new convert to the Stephen Coonts novels. I just finished reading LIARS & THIEVES today, and, at times, I just could not put the book down. The dialogue was refreshingly bright and the action of the story never lagged. My son, Michael, has been enjoying your books since FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER and raved about them to me, but, alas, I didn't heed his advice until now. I am looking forward to catching up on reading those of your books that are still available. Thanks for a couple of days of great reading." --Ronald Herr, September 11, 2004
"I just wanted to say thanks-for Jake Grafton, Rip Cantrell, and all the other characters you have brought to us in your writing. I just finished 'Liars and Thieves' and, in my humble opinion, it was your best novel since 'Flight of the Intruder'. I literally couldn't put it down, even at the expense of meals. I must admit that I have never been too excited about stories told in the first person but loved this one. I suspected, after having read 'Liberty' that Tommy Carmellini would be the next hero in the Grafton series and think it was an excellent choice. I agree that Tarkington, while a great character, would be too limited. But I am just rambling...My original intent was simply to say thank you for the occasional roller-coaster ride through a world of suspense, intrigue, and pure excitement. Please keep it up!" --Scott Matheson, September 6, 2004
"I have been reading all of your novels since I inadvertently picked up a copy of Flight of the Intruder almost 20 years ago. I am sorry to see Jake Grafton retire, but if anyone is entitled to it he is. I feel that Tommy Carmellini is up to the task of filling a great pair of shoes. I am looking forward to another 20 years great reading. Thanks and keep up the great writing." --Tom Belowske, August 17, 2004
"Steve: Just finished LIARS AND THIEVES. Great! I knew Grafton had to come out of retirement. Can't let a good character die. Hope he goes on to help another President. There certainly are "hotspots" in the world. Keep up the excellent writing." --Bob Shapley, July 17, 2004
"Just finished LIARS AND THIEVES. Thanks for another non-productive day and most of a night. It was worth every minute. Very much enjoy the first person style. If you're ever near the Georgetown Airport (E36) stop in for a beer or coffee." --Steve Berkley, July 15, 2004
"Dear Mr. Coonts: I am fan of your work. I have read all of your books. i just finished LIARS AND THIEVES, and thought it was one of your best. My mom, who died six years ago, did not know much about military planes until I introduced her to FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER. Whenever she would go to an air show with me, she would ask if that was Jake's plane flying. I grew up in Hollywood, and watched them film some of the special shots from FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER movie. It was funny to see a cut up A6 at night bathed in red light. I knew what it was, but did not know what film it was for. I just wanted to say thank you for your great work and I look forward to future books..." --Greg Epstein, July 4, 2004
"I just finished this book and it was fantastic. Thank you for writing it. I am now mailing it to my son who is at basic training in South Carolina. It's been a tradition with the two of us for many years to buy your books the first day they come out and read them immediately, then talk about them for days afterward. This is the first one where we haven't lived in the same house, but we will persevere via the postal service. I hope you come to Albuquerque for a book signing sometime." --Randy Alden June 28, 2004
"Hi Stephen, I wanted to drop you a quick note. Once again I find myself writing you an email after reading your latest work of art. I loved the way that Jake the hero was still his usual self, yet took a back seat to Tommy. I enjoyed the way that you saw their friendship develop almost equal to that of Toad and Jake. As I read what I am writing I can see these characters as real people. As an author I can’t imagine it getting any better then that when your readers can assimilate to what you have created on paper and see there characters as real people. I find myself feeling a common bond or affinity to the characters in the story. I would like to say that my girlfriend shares in my enthusiasm for your books but as she aptly put it this weekend she asked me if there was a treatment such as Readers Anonymous for my Coonts ailment. I had to laugh at that one. So that leaves me with one question…what’s next?" --George Henderson June 7, 2004
"Hello Mr. Coonts. Just finished your latest and loved it. I've read all of your books, and they just keep getting better. I have to say that I've read all of the book of Clancy and Dale Brown. Clancy is the master of technical detail and long almost boring introductions. Brown is just plain fun to read because he does things in his books that we would all love to do. You, on the other hand, I feel are the most literary of the three. You have a way of really getting inside the heads of your characters and then getting
us to understand what they are thinking. You also have the rare talent of really getting your readers emotionally involved in your stories. I always look forward to your next story." --Norm Smith June 8, 2004
"Dear Mr. Coonts, I don't know why it has taken years to thank you for the hours I've spent appreciating your work. I apologize. I just finished LIARS AND THIEVES, and Carmellini is fun. It appears as if you enjoyed the exercise very much and your foray into the first person flat works. I visited your website and learned that it will take a year for the next one. I bet it wouldn't if you weren't doing so well... I missed a couple of your books. The good news (for me) is that I can find them at Half Priced Books, used, and at a habit of three to five books a week that makes it look like I'm not too obsessive about reading. I was very glad to learn that you are not dependent upon my personal sponsorship, and am dealing with the guilt quite well. Seriously, thanks for your hard work. I'm sure the first person role for Tommy caused some pucker. We're still here, chompin' at the bit." --Mike Ryan, May 28 2004
"Mr. Coonts, You have done it again. This book goes right to the top with "Flight of the Intruder." I was stunned by your first book. The following ones were very enjoyable, but this last one is a mature tour de force. Perhaps one of your greater strengths is main character development. That's what sticks in my mind (aside from the techno-realism): Jake and Tommy in their leading roles.
"One quibble (always have to have one). I never suspected Dunn, and was surprised when Tommy 'deduced' his involvement. All along I wondered about leaving the ballpoint pen tracheotomy guy alive. I thought he was the one who got the 'word' (written note) to his bosses. I assume (since all your other continuity in every novel has been impeccable) that you let someone talk you into 'softening' Tommy's image in a re-write -- and overlooked this problem after the Dunn part was already 'done' into the plot. That'll teach you to listen to others." --W. C. Morrey Ph.D., May 31, 2004
"Steve, Just wanted to let you know I've completed "Liars & Thieves," which was good. Maybe I'm missing Jake being in the center of it all, instead of in a supporting role, but to be quite honest; I've read better books by you. Like I said, it was certainly a good read, don't misunderstand. Maybe it was the way it was written, in the first person. There was only one other story by you that I've read written in the first person which was your short in "Combat"... Jake certainly hasn't lost his edge in retirement, that's for sure! I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars, where normally your books get 5 out of 5. However, I'm still looking forward very eagerly to your next release..." --Jesse Helmick, June 1, 2004
"Dear Mr. Coonts, First off I'd like to say it was a great pleasure meeting you last Saturday. Thank you so much for signing my copy of THE CANNIBAL QUEEN as well as LIARS & THIEVES. I finished reading LIARS & THIEVES last night and I enjoyed it immensely. I think this is one of your best yet. Absolutely incredible. I can't wait to see what you come up with next. Keep up the good work and thank you for writing such great adventures." --Eddie "Squirrel" Bowen, June 2, 2004
"Steve, I really enjoy reading your novels. I just finished Liars and Thieves last night. It was a great story. I really like Carmellini. I am an aviation fan and I do miss the the excitement of the aviation in the first of your books. T he Saucer books were OUTSTANDING and they keep us aircraft fans excited but I would still love to Jake or Tommy venture back out to a carrier or something like that... I am a true fan and I can't wait for the next book! God bless you and don't get up from that keyboard! WE NEED MORE! LOL" " -- Bear" Simpson August 25, 2005
"Just finished "Liars & Thieves". WONDERFUL book. I've read most, if not all, of the Grafton books, as well as a few of your others, and found the first-person style of this book a nice change. Carmellini has always been just a bit-player in the Grafton books, and it was interesting to see the plot from his point of view. Thanks for another great novel, and keep up the good works." -- Neil Ditzler November 15, 2005
Just finished LIARS & THIEVES, and once again - you kick much ass. Just when you had me lulled into thinking that Joe Billy Dunn *wasn't* dirty, he blew up Tommy's van and stuck a pistol into his back. And the first lady character (that reminded me of a cross between Hanoi Jane and the Hildebeast) was a real piece of...work, to put it nicely. :-)...
Reading about Jake Grafton's exploits has been extremely enjoyable, but I see you've got another interesting hero-character in Tommy Carmellini. I hope someday he'll meet up with Anna Modin again. Of course, with his unexpected (to him) new fling with Zelda Hudson/Sarah Houston happening at the end of LIARS & THIEVES. He has a bad habit of thinking with the wrong head, as shown by his attraction to Dorsey O'Shea. <evil grin!>
Awhile back I read SAUCER one Sunday when I had a week of vacation. I always wonder how an author will react to something like that. As in, "What? I poured my heart and soul into that story, and you went through that book like crap through a goose?!?" But it was that *good* and I didn't want to put it down. (THE CONQUEST was just as enjoyable, but I made it last for a few days.)
