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Coming To A Movie Screen Near You? Probably

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By GEORGE MEYER

Published: November 18, 2007

"Deadfall," by Robert Liparulo (Thomas Nelson, $24.99)

Having sold his last two novels, "Germ" and "Comes a Horseman," to the movies, it's small wonder that Robert Liparulo's latest, "Deadfall," reels out cinematically.

The novel practically revels in its similarities to popular on-screen entertainment, from its one-word title to its vaguely familiar cast of characters.

First, we've got the strong-willed, independent Fuller family, led by rugged Tom, the only Mountie in the northern Saskatchewan village of Fiddler Falls; his unshakable wife, Laura; and their tough-minded 9-year-old son, Dillon.

Second, four vacationing buddies from Denver: bow-hunting newspaper columnist Hutch leads recently downsized Phil, thoroughly modest David and struggling real estate agent Terry on a trip past cell phones, roads and modern problems.

Finally, meet cool-headed, ruthless Declan, with a gaggle of young video gamers who swoop into Fiddler Falls with a laser weapon powerful enough to obliterate a station wagon, filming situations for the deadliest digital game ever.

Liparulo quickly moves us past the familiar cast into his central question: Can ordinary people with primitive weapons defeat a superweapon wielded by a conscienceless killer?

The answer makes "Deadfall" an ideal companion for a plane ride. Liparulo revs quickly to a fast pace and refuses to stop.

If you're in no mood for depth and crave a nonstop action story that scampers as fast as you can turn pages, put your mind in neutral and enjoy the free-fall of "Deadfall."

George Meyer, a writer and communications consultant, is president of Meyer Publishing Co. of Tampa.

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