Because we are dedicated to honest customer opinions A Tourist in the Yucatan (James McNay Brumfield) (Paperback), we have also included Amazon's customer reviews for this item (of which 5 are displayed below). Amazon customers have given A Tourist in the Yucatan (James McNay Brumfield) an average rating of 4.5/5.
Top Amazon Review
Fun read, especially if you've been there or are going.. This is a fun thriller that was made more interesting for me because I spent a month Traveling the Yucatan 2 years ago. I had a blast and this book brought back so many memories of the places I visited. The Author does a great job of describing the ancient Mayan cities (just like I remebered them, the historic colonial cities (Merida and Campeche), and the stunning beaches and steamy jungles. Whats more he wraps it up with an exciting story that avoids most of the stereotypes typical of the genre and keeps the reader guessing as to how it all will end. One warning: there is some graphic violence, and a little graphic sex, both go with the story though. I think I read somewhere that the book is being made into a movie? It would be an awesome flick.
Customer Review 1
What a loong BORING read this was.. Notice the emphasis on the word BORING? That's because from the first page on I had to force myself to read Mr. Brumfield's work. The synopsis, the reviews and Mr. Brumfield's own blog promised a book of adventure with a side of romance, but this book was anything but. The premise of the story was laughable. Reading the editorials and you begin to understand why--this book read like his honeymoon and not at all like anything listed in the preview.
Since this book is mainly a description of the author's honeymoon it explains why all the characters are 1-dimensional. Indeed, there is nothing exciting or fascinating in this book. BORING is the word that I emphasis. The book also seems to need about three more rounds of editing as the misspellings really began to urk me to no end. The emphasis this time is on the word URK. Let's backtrack a bit and revisit the 1-dimensional characters, shall we? The protagonist is named Jack, his bumbling throughout the novel led me to reference him as a cartoon coyote.
During the adventure throughout the Yucatan he'll remind you of a looney toon trying to save Josephine only to bumble every step of the way. The only thing missing is an anvil falling from the sky and landing square on Jack's head. Which really is too bad, as it would have livened up this poor excuse for a book. Unfortunately there is nothing I can recommend about the book other than to avoid it. Every aspect of this book emphasis' a poor first attempt at writing and that isn't what I paid for.
Customer Review 2
Pretty good. I read this on holiday and if it hadn't been for the kids I would have read it in one sitting.
It is a very easy read and highly recommended.
The person who gave it one star is a million miles off too.
Customer Review 3
Mystery, thrills, and adventure in the Mexican Jungels!. I wrote a review of this book ages ago but see it has somehow vanished? Since I am constantly recommending this book I figured I better replace my review. "Tourist in the Yucatan" deserves better know, it's a fun read and is as good or better than 90% of the thrillers I read. It's the story of a young American couple who get in trouble down in the Yucatan. The story weaves in great bits about the Ancient ruin sites and the mystery of the Maya. I'll admit the writing won't win any literary awards but that is not what I am looking for in this type of book. It delivers with plenty of twists and turns and surprises that left me wondering who done it until the final pages. Throw in a little sex and violence and it makes a great beach read!
Customer Review 4
Gritty story in an exotic location. I got this book due to a recommendation I saw in a review on travel books to Mexico - we were going to Mexico on holiday to some of the locations in the book. My holiday was too busy to read much but I think it was better reading it when I got back as I recognised the places - the characters even stayed in the same hotel as us at one point!
I wouldn't say it was the best written book in the world and it's not for the easily offended, but the storyline was exciting and unpredictable and the characters likeable. I could imagine it made into a film.
I'm not sure how good it would be for people used to reading thrillers by the better known writers (not usually my thing) but if you have been to Mexico on holiday and enjoy a good read then I would recommend it.
