Daily Helping had previously recommended the book back in January of ’09.

It’s a brilliant novel by Alan Glynn (which up until recently, was his only published novel). A down-and-out writer (Cooper) procures a top-secret pharmaceutical drug from his old dealer who claims to have gone straight. The pill makes you smarter.  Really smart. Smart like you can learn Portuguese in the time it takes to read a phrase book, which in this case is about thirty-minutes.  He uses his new-found ability to obtain obscene financial and social success but eventually discovers that the drug has lethal and lasting side effects.  Then there are those who want the drug for themselves…

A year ago, news of the film adaptation started and then stopped with news that Shia Labeouf was lined up to play Cooper’s part.  The casting choice was nothing short of sabotage not to mention a shift in the lead character’s age by about twenty years.  Labeouf was filming “Transformers” at the time and found himself in a car accident which caused some fairly serious damage to his hand.  Shia was out of Dark Fields and a collective sigh of relief could be heard by the book’s devoted fans.

The Dark Fields is one of those novels that you can’t put down, once you give it a look. It’s also a novel that you envision as a film, while you’re reading it.

The Daily Helping says you need to find the book at your local bookstore or online vendor. It’s a fantastic reading experience and best read before the movie trailer dilutes your pleasure.

UPDATE: Robert DeNiro is scheduled to join the filming of Dark Fields in May.

Both have set their respective series of novels in the exotic and mysterious Pacific Rim.  In no other genre that I can think of , does a reoccurring hero in a string of thrillers spell franchise as quickly. Crime/thriller readers seem to welcome familiar characters as they make their way through murky business. Church and Burdett have two very successful and brilliant series under way and I strongly suggest you give them a look  Start at the begining.

James Church (which is actually a pseudonym for a former US intelligence officer who wanted to get published), provides a truly original backdrop. North Korea. Few can say they’ve been to North Korea and have a sense of life there.  Church, or whatever his name is, has clearly been there and understands not only daily life among it’s people, but also the minefield that comes from being a politically astute detective. The obstacles that present themselves are unique for their particular flavor of paranoia and political complexity.  This is very well-written, intelligent series of books.  When offered the chance to explore a closed society, it’s nice to have such a talented guide.  The first book is called, A Corpse in the Koryo.

John Burdett‘s  books are set in what many consider the most open of societies in South East Asia; Thailand.  Burdett had been an attorney in Hong Kong for over a decade, both for the Hong Kong government and in private practice. He made a ton of money and gave it all up to be a mystery writer. His stories follow the very spiritually  pragmatic detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep.  There’s great humor, sex and gruesome violence to these books.  Set in Bangkok’s notorious red light district and the steamy jungles just this side of Cambodia; there’s a lot to enjoy here and I can only ask that you give the series a try. The first book is called, Bangkok 8, which opens with a lot of snakes and bad traffic.

*I just discovered there’s a movie in developement for this novel.  Should be interesting if it goes anywhere.

Body of Lies by David Ignatious.

This was recently turned into a confusing film by Ridley Scott , starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe.  As cliche’ as this may sound, the book was a lot better.  The author is intimately familiar with the Middle East and the CIA and understands how the war on terror is really fought.  This is a smart espionage story that takes you to places you never want to see in real life.  Don’t rent the movie…buy the book.

Replay by Ken Grimwood

This isn’t a new book. It’s probably something you’ve held in your hand at the used book fair and then tossed it back in the pile with Interview With A Vampire and Bridges of Madison County.  Published in 1998, this unique take on time travel was the late Ken Grimwood’s one hit wonder.

Even if you’re not a big fan of science fiction or fantasy, you’re bound to be intrigued by the novel’s unique mystery. Without  explanation, a man and a woman discover the ability to live their lives over and over and over again. Each dies in 1988  and returns  as a teen back in 1963 without losing accrued life experiences and with memories intact. This is the chance to live life again…this time allowing for new choices based on experiences playing over and over again.   This a very well-written novel that pays attention to the little details without stumbling on them.

The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn

This is a drug book. It’s a technological thriller and one really wild ride.  Imagine a pill that makes you not just smart, but something just short of Superman. You can teach yourself Portugues in an hour, charm just about anyone, motivate you to compose an opera or re-build a car engine. The price is steep. The pills are addictive and the results changes our hero’s life spectacularly. There extreme headaches, sudden bursts of anger and blackouts.

It’s easy to relate to the selfish appetite of the novel’s slacker hero. He takes advantage of what he can, when he can, and the ramifications of this addiction will play out in the world of the brilliant and super rich.  This is a great thriller and I understand the book was about to be turned into a movie. Shia LaBeouf was pegged to play the lead but his recent hand injury spared us this unfortunate adaptation.  I know you’re going to love this one.