MORNING, NOON & NIGHT - Sidney Sheldon

Sidney Sheldon is an amazing author. The downside of reading too much of his work is that you start expecting a lot of surprising twists in the plot. Fortunately, Morning, Noon and Night does not disappoint its readers in that respect. The fact that it is coupled with a stunning story line is another great plus.

The book revolves around a wealthy and influential family, the Stanfords. When the father, Harry Stanford, a ruthless billionaire, is found drowned off the coast of Corsica, his three legitimate children, Tyler, Kendall and Woody, gather at Rose Hill, the Stanford Estate in Boston. Harry had been cruel as a father, and had mercilessly bullied his kids, who ultimately wanted nothing to do with him or with each other and had gone their separate ways. Tyler had become a state judge, Kendall a highly recgonized fashion designer and Woody a nine-hole polo player. However, each of the Stanford children had their own personal issues as well. When they learn of his death, they all want to get their hands on the money, but are shocked to find that they have an illegitimate sister, the stunning Rachel Stanford.

This family carries out all of the major components of a great action novel: murder, revenge, greed, mayhem, blackmail, and a splash of romance. The story is very well-written, and all the characters seem real, believable and consistent throughout. It is shorter than an average Sidney Sheldon novel, but there is no compromise on the story or the style. The characters have not been developed fully, but enough; and that, in a way, gives a sense of urgency to the story. The flashbacks of the kids' lives at different times also adds to the suspense.

It is not revolutionary to the world of literature, nor is it Sheldon's finest. Nevertheless, it makes for a decent fast-paced light reading. Once you start, you can definitely not put the book down midway. No Sheldon fan will be disappointed by this book.