Product Description

Meet Jake and Carolyn Donovan, attractive, mid-30s, they work hard at raising their 13-year-old son, pay their taxes and obey the law. A typical American couple? Appearances are deceptive - the Donovans head the FBI's most wanted list for a crime they didn't commit and now they're on the run again.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1291974 in Books
• Published on: 1999-07-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 464 pages

Customer Reviews

At All Costs
"At All Costs" is the first of John Gilstrap's novels I have read and certainly after lapping up this page turner, I'll be soon coming back for more.

Jake and Carolyn Donovan are on the run from the FBI and have headed the agency's most wanted list for the last 14 years. Wrongly suspected of being behind the deaths of a dozen or so chemical workers at a disused military base, Jake and Carolyn have disappear into everyday America with much thanks to Carolyn's rich and resourceful Uncle Harry.

Harry's last word of advice to them before they went was not to have any children as this would make their disappearance more difficult. Fortunately for the Donavans but unfortunately for their cover, they were blessed with a boy called Travis who is now 13 and knows nothing of his parents past.

At work one day, Jake's garage is busted by the FBI in a unconnected drugs raid. Jake is arrested and although shortly released, when his fingerprints are processed the FBI realise who they have just let gone and as quick to begin their pursuit of the Donovans all over again.

It's with this explosive beginning that the first several chapters just fly by as the Donovans must once again flee the authorities. There are some excellent passages amongst these, the one where Jake goes to pick Travis up from his high school is brilliant in the way it raises the tension.

I did feel the book slightly lost its way in the middle when the explanation for what really happened 13 years ago is revealed. I felt that although the theory was credible the way that Jake presented it to the FBI was based on pure conjecture and had no hard evidence, and yet the investigator believed him at first look.

The ending of the book is back to the 100 miles an hour pace again although perhaps the final shoot out was a little unnecessary with far too much blood, guts and death.
All in all though an excellent pacey thriller and I will certainly be looking out for this author again.

Relentless, but slightly too obvious
Having enjoyed Gilstrap's debut work, "Nathan's Run" I felt I was placing a pretty safe bet when buying his follow up. Similar in everything but personnel the novel is undoubtedly fast paced and grows increasingly intriguing as the Donovans ever more frantically attempt to break loose. However, the sub plots within the novels framework are far too revealing and you begin to sense the direction the author is leading you in far too early. Nevertheless, this is an accomplished, concise, gripping piece of storytelling. Perhaps over descriptive and quirky in places, but a fine portrayal of bureaucratic manipulation.

one of those books you don't want to finish.
from the very begining of this book one is hooked.the plot,characters,progression of story-line are perfect. it is one of those books that you don't want to end, yet you can't put it down. if, like me you are a fan of patricia cornwall or kathy reichs,john grisham,you will enjoy this book and want to read more of his books as i am. definatly one to buy for a friend.