While Hot Springs isn't an awful book, it is a book with atrocious dialog, a predictable plot, and only a handful of interesting characters. In over 500 pages, I didn't find a surprise or a moment that captured my attention. Earl's nobility irritated, the stereotypical mobsters and molls were mere window-dressing, and the backwoods hicks were ridiculous caricatures.I will try others by the author as my wife swears that this is the worst of his books, and I generally trust her taste. For me, though, this was a disappointment. I can forgive a story that lacks originality if the writing is compelling; this isn't that book. Before I give Mr. Hunter another go, though, I'm going to retreat to my world of Paul Theroux, Sean Stewart, and Victor Davis Hanson.