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Bloodline
Sheldon's sweeping saga of greed and betrayal, sabotage and danger, and the ties that can kill...
Roffe and Sons is a family firm, an international empire filled with desperate, cash-hungry family members. At its head was one of the wealthiest men in the world, a man who has just died in a mysterious accident and left his only daughter, Elizabeth, in control of the company. Now as this intelligent, tough, and beautiful young woman dares to save -- not sell -- Roffe and Sons, she will have to outwit those who secretly want her power, and the unknown assassin who wants her life.
Roffe and Sons is a family firm, an international empire filled with desperate, cash-hungry family members. At its head was one of the wealthiest men in the world, a man who has just died in a mysterious accident and left his only daughter, Elizabeth, in control of the company. Now as this intelligent, tough, and beautiful young woman dares to save -- not sell -- Roffe and Sons, she will have to outwit those who secretly want her power, and the unknown assassin who wants her life.
460 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
825 people are currently reading
9,950 people want to read
About the author
Sidney Sheldon
322books8,379followersSidney Sheldon (1917-2007) was an American writer who won awards in three careers—a Broadway playwright, a Hollywood TV and movie screenwriter, and a best-selling novelist.
His TV works spanned a twenty-year period during which he created I Dream of Jeannie (1965-70), Hart to Hart (1979-84), and The Patty Duke Show (1963-66), but it was not until after he turned 50 and began writing best-selling novels such as Master of the Game (1982), The Other Side of Midnight (1973) and Rage of Angels (1980) that he became most famous.
His TV works spanned a twenty-year period during which he created I Dream of Jeannie (1965-70), Hart to Hart (1979-84), and The Patty Duke Show (1963-66), but it was not until after he turned 50 and began writing best-selling novels such as Master of the Game (1982), The Other Side of Midnight (1973) and Rage of Angels (1980) that he became most famous.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 992 reviews
March 30, 2021
For me, this is officially the best book on ŷ not to reach a 4.00 rating. There are twists galore in this book. But it's not the gotcha type of twist that is now so notorious in The Simpsons episodes and in The Last Jedi.
This book, now forgotten by most occidental countries, is popular, for some reason, in India. It is also the first adult book that I read. The sex scenes in the book are never gratuitous.
I didn't know before that the author, Sidney Sheldon, had won an Academy Award for best original screenplay in 1947, for a Cary Grant film. I affirm, and go so far as to say that the author is a genius in storytelling. Bloodline is a book that I'll reread a few times more. It's an unforgettable experience, and one of the strongest books to get 5 stars from me.
This book, now forgotten by most occidental countries, is popular, for some reason, in India. It is also the first adult book that I read. The sex scenes in the book are never gratuitous.
I didn't know before that the author, Sidney Sheldon, had won an Academy Award for best original screenplay in 1947, for a Cary Grant film. I affirm, and go so far as to say that the author is a genius in storytelling. Bloodline is a book that I'll reread a few times more. It's an unforgettable experience, and one of the strongest books to get 5 stars from me.
February 13, 2018
Brilliant! did not want the book to end that's how good it was reading each chapter because it was well written (paperback!)
July 11, 2019
A blast from my youthful past! Hollywood adapted this into a tv-movie, using a much older cast to play essentially new adult roles: it didn't translate as well, unfortunately. Audrey Hepburn was superb, but the movie was a let-down. This fabulous book had twists and turns that had me downright clinging to the edge of my beach chair! Sidney Sheldon was THE master of story-telling back in the day. He was one of my favourite authors growing up. Highly, highly recommended!
February 2, 2019
Blood Line, Sidney Sheldon
Bloodline is a 1977 novel by American writer Sidney Sheldon. Roffe and Sons is a family firm, an international empire filled with desperate, cash-hungry family members. The family consists of: Anna Roffe, whose husband Walther Gassner married her only because of her bloodline
Simonetta, the wife of Ivo Palazzi, a womanizer being blackmailed by his mistress, Donatella
Helene Roffe, the three time divorcee who marries Charles Martel. Martel invests in a vineyard by stealing his wife's jewelry, but the money drowns.
Alec Nichols, whose mother was a Roffe, whose gambling-addicted and spendthrift wife Vivian, pushes him into increasing debts.
It is clear that every one in the family is in need of money. The firm Roffe and Sons is managed by Sam Roffe and his assistant Rhys Williams. Sam Roffe was expecting a son, but instead got a daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was declined love from her father during childhood, but escaped the reality by reading about her great-great grandfather, Samuel Roffe.
....
عنوانها: خط خون؛ میراث خونین؛ خط خون وراثت؛ نویسنده: سیدنی شلدون؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز هفتم ماه ژانویه سال 1993 میلادی
عنوان: خط خون؛ نویسنده: سیدنی شلدون؛ میراث خونین؛ مترجم: امیر منوچهری پور؛ مشخصات نشر: تهران، میلاد، 1372، در 284 ص، موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان آمریکایی - سده 20 م
عنوان: خط خون؛ نویسنده: سیدنی شلدون؛ مترجم: پریناز مرعشی؛ مشخصات نشر: تهران، میلاد، 1374، در 420 ص؛
عنوان: خط خون؛ نویسنده: سیدنی شلدون؛ مترجم: هادی عادلپور؛ مشخصات نشر: تهران، کوشش، 1378، در 480 ص؛ شابک: 9646326420؛
عنوان: میراث خونین؛ نویسنده: سیدنی شلدون؛ مترجم: داوود ابوالقاسمی؛ مشخصات نشر: تهران، پازند، 1380، در 455 ص؛ شابک: 9647117191؛
عنوان: خط خون؛ نویسنده: سیدنی شلدون؛ مترجم: بیتا مهربان؛ مشخصات نشر: تهران، نشر گستر، 1389، در 294 ص؛ شابک: 9786005883008؛
عنوان: خط خون وراثت؛ نویسنده: سیدنی شلدون؛ مترجم: علی محسنی؛ مشخصات نشر: تهران، آسونه، 1393، در 336 ص؛ شابک: 9789648368024؛
رمانی ست که نشان میدهد خودخواهی انسانها، تا چه اندازه میتواند دنیا را آشفته سازد. نویسنده به صورت موازی داستان چند تن را، که همگی عضو یک خانواده ی بزرگوار هستند، با واژه های خویش پیگیری میکند. «سام راف»، رئیس هیئت مدیره ی شرکت داروسازی راف، در رخدادی کشته میشود� و دخترش «الیزابت»، جای او را در هیئت مدیره میگیرد، در حالیکه همه ی اعضای هیئت مدیره، میخواهند، الیزابت را وادار به سهامی عام کردن شرکت کنند، الیزابت متوجه میشود� که کسی از همان اعضا، کارشکنی میکند، و سعی در ایجاد خسارت و ضرر و زیان، برای شرکت را دارد، و حتی مرگ پدرش نیز، صرفاً یک حادثه نبوده است، تلاش برای یافتن خائن آغاز میشود... ا. شربیانی
Bloodline is a 1977 novel by American writer Sidney Sheldon. Roffe and Sons is a family firm, an international empire filled with desperate, cash-hungry family members. The family consists of: Anna Roffe, whose husband Walther Gassner married her only because of her bloodline
Simonetta, the wife of Ivo Palazzi, a womanizer being blackmailed by his mistress, Donatella
Helene Roffe, the three time divorcee who marries Charles Martel. Martel invests in a vineyard by stealing his wife's jewelry, but the money drowns.
Alec Nichols, whose mother was a Roffe, whose gambling-addicted and spendthrift wife Vivian, pushes him into increasing debts.
It is clear that every one in the family is in need of money. The firm Roffe and Sons is managed by Sam Roffe and his assistant Rhys Williams. Sam Roffe was expecting a son, but instead got a daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was declined love from her father during childhood, but escaped the reality by reading about her great-great grandfather, Samuel Roffe.
....
عنوانها: خط خون؛ میراث خونین؛ خط خون وراثت؛ نویسنده: سیدنی شلدون؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز هفتم ماه ژانویه سال 1993 میلادی
عنوان: خط خون؛ نویسنده: سیدنی شلدون؛ میراث خونین؛ مترجم: امیر منوچهری پور؛ مشخصات نشر: تهران، میلاد، 1372، در 284 ص، موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان آمریکایی - سده 20 م
عنوان: خط خون؛ نویسنده: سیدنی شلدون؛ مترجم: پریناز مرعشی؛ مشخصات نشر: تهران، میلاد، 1374، در 420 ص؛
عنوان: خط خون؛ نویسنده: سیدنی شلدون؛ مترجم: هادی عادلپور؛ مشخصات نشر: تهران، کوشش، 1378، در 480 ص؛ شابک: 9646326420؛
عنوان: میراث خونین؛ نویسنده: سیدنی شلدون؛ مترجم: داوود ابوالقاسمی؛ مشخصات نشر: تهران، پازند، 1380، در 455 ص؛ شابک: 9647117191؛
عنوان: خط خون؛ نویسنده: سیدنی شلدون؛ مترجم: بیتا مهربان؛ مشخصات نشر: تهران، نشر گستر، 1389، در 294 ص؛ شابک: 9786005883008؛
عنوان: خط خون وراثت؛ نویسنده: سیدنی شلدون؛ مترجم: علی محسنی؛ مشخصات نشر: تهران، آسونه، 1393، در 336 ص؛ شابک: 9789648368024؛
رمانی ست که نشان میدهد خودخواهی انسانها، تا چه اندازه میتواند دنیا را آشفته سازد. نویسنده به صورت موازی داستان چند تن را، که همگی عضو یک خانواده ی بزرگوار هستند، با واژه های خویش پیگیری میکند. «سام راف»، رئیس هیئت مدیره ی شرکت داروسازی راف، در رخدادی کشته میشود� و دخترش «الیزابت»، جای او را در هیئت مدیره میگیرد، در حالیکه همه ی اعضای هیئت مدیره، میخواهند، الیزابت را وادار به سهامی عام کردن شرکت کنند، الیزابت متوجه میشود� که کسی از همان اعضا، کارشکنی میکند، و سعی در ایجاد خسارت و ضرر و زیان، برای شرکت را دارد، و حتی مرگ پدرش نیز، صرفاً یک حادثه نبوده است، تلاش برای یافتن خائن آغاز میشود... ا. شربیانی
July 2, 2019
“Because there was a hunger in me to see everything and do everything. I wanted to be everyone I saw. I wasn't enough for me. Can you understand that?�
Sidney Sheldon..Bloodline
I start to simmer when people do not take Sheldon seriously. In my opinion he is up there with the Fiction greats. This book, Bloodline is one of my favorites by him (I have read 99 percent of his works) and is fantastic.
So this book follows the rise of the Roffe Dynasty. Roffe and Sons is one of the largest Pharma companies in the world. At its center is Elizabeth Roffe, the daughter of the owner of the company.
When Elizabeth's father dies in a freak mountain climbing accident, it is up to Elizabeth to take the helm as her father left the company to her. She is being pressured to take the company public but Sam Roffe, her father, has always wanted to honor the family tradition of keeping the company private.
As Elizabeth struggles to cope with both her father's loss, and her new role as head of an international Pharma company, it becomes apparent that someone within the company also has an interest in it going public..and if that person has to kill to see that, they will.
This book is at once a piece of historical fiction, an epic family saga, a mystery and a romance. Sheldon is a master story teller. I could not put this down.
For lovers of fiction, you will be transported to England, to France, everywhere as you read this soaring tale. And don't stop till you get to the end. The last paragraph is remarkable.
I must give a shout out to Max, the odd little detective whom I grew to love. Of all Sheldon's books this is at the top of the list.
Sidney Sheldon..Bloodline
I start to simmer when people do not take Sheldon seriously. In my opinion he is up there with the Fiction greats. This book, Bloodline is one of my favorites by him (I have read 99 percent of his works) and is fantastic.
So this book follows the rise of the Roffe Dynasty. Roffe and Sons is one of the largest Pharma companies in the world. At its center is Elizabeth Roffe, the daughter of the owner of the company.
When Elizabeth's father dies in a freak mountain climbing accident, it is up to Elizabeth to take the helm as her father left the company to her. She is being pressured to take the company public but Sam Roffe, her father, has always wanted to honor the family tradition of keeping the company private.
As Elizabeth struggles to cope with both her father's loss, and her new role as head of an international Pharma company, it becomes apparent that someone within the company also has an interest in it going public..and if that person has to kill to see that, they will.
This book is at once a piece of historical fiction, an epic family saga, a mystery and a romance. Sheldon is a master story teller. I could not put this down.
For lovers of fiction, you will be transported to England, to France, everywhere as you read this soaring tale. And don't stop till you get to the end. The last paragraph is remarkable.
I must give a shout out to Max, the odd little detective whom I grew to love. Of all Sheldon's books this is at the top of the list.
March 23, 2015
Me being the stupid person that I am, read the last page by mistake and therefore knew the end from the beginning but this book still made me doubt my suspicions! Ahh Sydney Sheldon!
January 11, 2024
Decent story and a worthy read or listen. 6 of 10 stars
December 13, 2010
All of us dream of somehow inheriting a vast fortune, but for Elizabeth Roffe, this inheritance comes with an invisible enemy. Inheriting Roffe Industries after her father's mysterious death, things start happening that convinces Elizabeth that someone, or some people, are trying to take over her fortune - even if it means taking her life.
If the above plot has not moved you yet, then you probably have problems. The first few pages of this book is strongly gripping, forcing you to turn the pages and read it in one sitting. The ugly duckling to graceful swan that is Elizabeth's life is magical and full of beautiful imagery, her relationship with her stoic father very realistic and sympathetic. Fast-paced and dripping with exciting dialogue, this book will lead you on a thrilling roller coaster ride, only to have the ride stop at the top of the highest loop, the operator telling you that the ride is over.
What happened to Elizabeth's cousins? To the other characters? I can't believe that a book with so much promise could end so utterly disappointing. Yes, it did solve the mysteries but it just fell flat. The author has created such vivid characters that one would think they would each be given endings befitting their flamboyance. I would have thought that great character development + original plot + sharp dialogue + brilliant author = smashing novel. But I was wrong, glaringly, stupidly wrong. Without giving away a spoiler, I would have thought that the discovery of the bad guy would be more complicated than what happened. It's so disappointing to learn that while guessing whodunit, it turns out, it's not even worth knowing, as this book is hardly worth reading. Flat, flat, flat.
Obviously, I am very bitter about the ending, hence the low rating. But bad ending aside, this book is a superb story of maturity, love, wisdom, dysfunctional families, coveted fortunes, and gruesome murders and attempted murders. The author's storytelling is excellent, letting the reader see for him/herself what happens in each chapter, letting the reader feel and not just know, each word's impact in this story. I tried to get past the throng of questions and unresolved issues I had with the ending and the characters, but I just can't. I felt that it ruined the whole book for me. If you can be satisfied with how this turned out, then I admire you. Maybe it's my 'impatient reader' attribute kicking in again.
If you're planning to read this book, go ahead. As I say over and over again, preference is relative. What may be dull and flat for me may be the most exciting for another person. After all, I have seen a number of good reviews on this book, I just can't be swayed by other people's opinion. Maybe I'm just a stubborn ox.
If the above plot has not moved you yet, then you probably have problems. The first few pages of this book is strongly gripping, forcing you to turn the pages and read it in one sitting. The ugly duckling to graceful swan that is Elizabeth's life is magical and full of beautiful imagery, her relationship with her stoic father very realistic and sympathetic. Fast-paced and dripping with exciting dialogue, this book will lead you on a thrilling roller coaster ride, only to have the ride stop at the top of the highest loop, the operator telling you that the ride is over.
What happened to Elizabeth's cousins? To the other characters? I can't believe that a book with so much promise could end so utterly disappointing. Yes, it did solve the mysteries but it just fell flat. The author has created such vivid characters that one would think they would each be given endings befitting their flamboyance. I would have thought that great character development + original plot + sharp dialogue + brilliant author = smashing novel. But I was wrong, glaringly, stupidly wrong. Without giving away a spoiler, I would have thought that the discovery of the bad guy would be more complicated than what happened. It's so disappointing to learn that while guessing whodunit, it turns out, it's not even worth knowing, as this book is hardly worth reading. Flat, flat, flat.
Obviously, I am very bitter about the ending, hence the low rating. But bad ending aside, this book is a superb story of maturity, love, wisdom, dysfunctional families, coveted fortunes, and gruesome murders and attempted murders. The author's storytelling is excellent, letting the reader see for him/herself what happens in each chapter, letting the reader feel and not just know, each word's impact in this story. I tried to get past the throng of questions and unresolved issues I had with the ending and the characters, but I just can't. I felt that it ruined the whole book for me. If you can be satisfied with how this turned out, then I admire you. Maybe it's my 'impatient reader' attribute kicking in again.
If you're planning to read this book, go ahead. As I say over and over again, preference is relative. What may be dull and flat for me may be the most exciting for another person. After all, I have seen a number of good reviews on this book, I just can't be swayed by other people's opinion. Maybe I'm just a stubborn ox.
April 2, 2013
BLOODLINE is a 1977 novel by the great and the wise, Sidney Sheldon. My grandmother told me that she saw a movie titled Bloodline before but she wasn't sure if it was the film adaptation of this book. Out of curiosity, I learned that Bloodline was really adapted into a film in 1979, but it was a complete failure because Audrey Hepburn who played as the protagonist is older than the Sheldon character she supposed to portray (Elizabeth). In order to solve the problem, Sheldon revised his novel to place the literary version of Elizabeth into the same age range as Hepburn. (Wonder why they didn't bother to look for another actress to save the novel? -_-) And I read that the film adaptation became a critical and box office failure.
Such a waste. I'll try to watch it if ever I have the chance...and if it's still downloadable.
Anyway, BLOODLINE is one the amazing stories Sheldon has ever written. It even consists of a Geopolitical agenda back in WWI which targets the World Economy theoretically in Berlin, America, Italy, Paris and England. What interest me most in this novel, is the way the characters portray a different POWER HUNGRY personalities. It will make you want to be exactly like them! >:D
“Because there was a hunger in me to see everything and do everything. I wanted to be everyone I saw. I wasn't enough for me. Can you understand that?�
� Sidney Sheldon, Bloodline
I shared too much of the novel's background. So here's the plot: The story started with the death of Sam Roffe. S. Roffe is the owner of the biggest and the most powerful pharmaceutical company in the world. The report if his death says that he accidentally fell off a bottomless crevasse and died. His daughter, Elizabeth Roffe (the anticipated heiress of the company) did not believe it happened by accident. She wants to find out the truth but while searching for the heart-trembling truth, she found herself trapped inside a death maze.
*I totally recommend this book to everyone. It's summer! Read a book and enjooy!
Such a waste. I'll try to watch it if ever I have the chance...and if it's still downloadable.
Anyway, BLOODLINE is one the amazing stories Sheldon has ever written. It even consists of a Geopolitical agenda back in WWI which targets the World Economy theoretically in Berlin, America, Italy, Paris and England. What interest me most in this novel, is the way the characters portray a different POWER HUNGRY personalities. It will make you want to be exactly like them! >:D
“Because there was a hunger in me to see everything and do everything. I wanted to be everyone I saw. I wasn't enough for me. Can you understand that?�
� Sidney Sheldon, Bloodline
I shared too much of the novel's background. So here's the plot: The story started with the death of Sam Roffe. S. Roffe is the owner of the biggest and the most powerful pharmaceutical company in the world. The report if his death says that he accidentally fell off a bottomless crevasse and died. His daughter, Elizabeth Roffe (the anticipated heiress of the company) did not believe it happened by accident. She wants to find out the truth but while searching for the heart-trembling truth, she found herself trapped inside a death maze.
*I totally recommend this book to everyone. It's summer! Read a book and enjooy!
June 20, 2020
This book was first released in 1977, when the daughter of one of the richest men in the world inherited her multi-billion-dollar company, she also inherited her position at the top of the company and the top of the list of killer victims!
This book tells the story of Elizabeth Roffe, the son of a Roffe and Sons company owner named Sam Roffe. From a young age, Elizabeth often received neglect from her father, because at that time, the fathers wanted boys to continue their company.
This large company was founded by Samuel Roffe, Elizabeth's great-great-grandfather. This company is in 5 different countries, and it's all thanks to Samuel Roffe with one of his crazy ideas, namely by teaching his five children first in five different languages. People at that time thought, who was the stupidest person in the world who taught their five children words they did not understand each other? There is a big idea of ignorance and madness.
Continuing into the present, the owners of the company have fallen into the hands of the children.
Anna Roffe, married to Walther Gassner.
Simonetta Roffe, the wife of Ivo Palazzi, a womanizer being blackmailed by his mistress, Donatella.
Helene Roffe, the three time divorcee who marries Charles Martel. Martel invests in a vineyard by stealing his wife's jewelry, but the money drowns.
Alec Nichols, whose mother was a Roffe, whose gambling-addicted and spendthrift wife Vivian, pushes him into increasing debts.
And Sam Roffe's father from Elizabeth.
This book not only tells the story of Romance and thrillers but also about how the company's rulers start from being crazy, some are being chased by debt, some are playing women, some are stressed, and there are loyal ones. This company is a family company; each share is only owned by family members and is not sold to the public. This is, of course, also the idea of Samuel Roffe; do not put a fox into a collection of chickens; one day, it will be hungry too.
Until finally, one day, Sam Roffe was the most loyal and brilliant man, die falling off a cliff while skiing. Elizabeth, her daughter, was forced to replace her father's position on the board of directors. Assisted by Rhys William, his friend, and assistant Sam Roffe, Elizabeth learned about how the company should run, about the drugs they produce, and about how the father with his skiing skills could fall into a cliff.
After Sam Roffe's death, another brother pressured Elizabeth to sign a contract about selling company shares because, so far, Sam Roffe had refused to sell company shares because he remembered Samuel Roffe's words not to sell them to outsiders. Elizabeth, who had the soul of his father, insisted on refusing to sell shares; of course, the brothers did not accept it, and one of them thought, oh God. She must die too.
Will Elizabeth die? Will Rhys William be with Elizabeth? Who is the mastermind behind Sam Roffe's death?
A good book from Sidney Sheldon.
This book tells the story of Elizabeth Roffe, the son of a Roffe and Sons company owner named Sam Roffe. From a young age, Elizabeth often received neglect from her father, because at that time, the fathers wanted boys to continue their company.
This large company was founded by Samuel Roffe, Elizabeth's great-great-grandfather. This company is in 5 different countries, and it's all thanks to Samuel Roffe with one of his crazy ideas, namely by teaching his five children first in five different languages. People at that time thought, who was the stupidest person in the world who taught their five children words they did not understand each other? There is a big idea of ignorance and madness.
Continuing into the present, the owners of the company have fallen into the hands of the children.
Anna Roffe, married to Walther Gassner.
Simonetta Roffe, the wife of Ivo Palazzi, a womanizer being blackmailed by his mistress, Donatella.
Helene Roffe, the three time divorcee who marries Charles Martel. Martel invests in a vineyard by stealing his wife's jewelry, but the money drowns.
Alec Nichols, whose mother was a Roffe, whose gambling-addicted and spendthrift wife Vivian, pushes him into increasing debts.
And Sam Roffe's father from Elizabeth.
This book not only tells the story of Romance and thrillers but also about how the company's rulers start from being crazy, some are being chased by debt, some are playing women, some are stressed, and there are loyal ones. This company is a family company; each share is only owned by family members and is not sold to the public. This is, of course, also the idea of Samuel Roffe; do not put a fox into a collection of chickens; one day, it will be hungry too.
Until finally, one day, Sam Roffe was the most loyal and brilliant man, die falling off a cliff while skiing. Elizabeth, her daughter, was forced to replace her father's position on the board of directors. Assisted by Rhys William, his friend, and assistant Sam Roffe, Elizabeth learned about how the company should run, about the drugs they produce, and about how the father with his skiing skills could fall into a cliff.
After Sam Roffe's death, another brother pressured Elizabeth to sign a contract about selling company shares because, so far, Sam Roffe had refused to sell company shares because he remembered Samuel Roffe's words not to sell them to outsiders. Elizabeth, who had the soul of his father, insisted on refusing to sell shares; of course, the brothers did not accept it, and one of them thought, oh God. She must die too.
Will Elizabeth die? Will Rhys William be with Elizabeth? Who is the mastermind behind Sam Roffe's death?
A good book from Sidney Sheldon.
September 6, 2018
You have to love this master work of Sydney Sheldon. Come on.
Sheldon's broad adventure of covetousness and treachery, damage and peril, and the ties that can slaughter... Roffe and Sons is a family firm, a global domain loaded with urgent, money hungry relatives. At its head was one of the wealthiest men on the planet, a man who has only kicked the bucket in a baffling mishap and left his exclusive little girl, Elizabeth, responsible for the organization. Presently as this savvy, extreme, and lovely young lady sets out to spare - not offer - Roffe and Sons, she should outsmart the individuals who furtively need her energy, and the obscure professional killer who needs her life.
“Because there was a hunger in me to see everything and do everything. I wanted to be everyone I saw. I wasn't enough for me. Can you understand that?� � Bloodline
Sheldon's broad adventure of covetousness and treachery, damage and peril, and the ties that can slaughter... Roffe and Sons is a family firm, a global domain loaded with urgent, money hungry relatives. At its head was one of the wealthiest men on the planet, a man who has only kicked the bucket in a baffling mishap and left his exclusive little girl, Elizabeth, responsible for the organization. Presently as this savvy, extreme, and lovely young lady sets out to spare - not offer - Roffe and Sons, she should outsmart the individuals who furtively need her energy, and the obscure professional killer who needs her life.
“Because there was a hunger in me to see everything and do everything. I wanted to be everyone I saw. I wasn't enough for me. Can you understand that?� � Bloodline
January 30, 2022
After the sudden death of her father, Elizabeth Roffe finds herself the heir to a successful pharmaceutical company. She quickly has to contend with the other board members, who are all relatives of hers) as each of them as their own secret and agenda. A mystery soon develops as the read wonders if there was more to the CEO's death than meets the eye, and if Elizabeth will also soon be in danger.
This was certainly enjoyable and exciting, but the degree of sexual violence in the book was a bit off putting to me. The book also managed to pull the wool over my eyes as to the identity of the villain so it gets points for that too.
This was certainly enjoyable and exciting, but the degree of sexual violence in the book was a bit off putting to me. The book also managed to pull the wool over my eyes as to the identity of the villain so it gets points for that too.
August 10, 2015
Rating-2.8
Bloodline is my first Sidney Sheldon read. Mystery and crime-thrillers are my favourite genre, so of course I enjoyed the book, it was like a action-mystery packed, fast roller coaster ride. It's a 20th century book still the plots, character, everything is no less than a modern contemporary novel.
But I'm not fully satisfied with the book, there are enough negative points to justify my complaint.
The book opens with the death of Sam Roffe--president of the "Roffe and sons". It seems like an horrible accident at first but later things turns out very interestingly, pointing out that it was a murder. Elizabeth Roffe is the daughter of Sam Roffe, she was very ignorant child at her childhood but turns out to be a very beautiful and intelligent woman later. Rhys Williams is one of the most trusted people in Sam Roffe's list, where only a few people resides, he is a good-looking, charming and ambitious personality. There are many more characters, like-Samuel Roffe(the great-grandfather of Elizabeth), Hélène Roffe, Alec, Anna, Charles, Vivian, detective Max and many others.
The plot is well written, some characters are very precise and neat. Elizabeth Roffe is protagonist of the novel, after her father's death, she has to take over his position and responsibilities. She proves to be a good leader, and constantly faces problems. Her determination to run the company well leads her to the revealation that her father was murdered and she was also trapped in a death-maze. After the revealation the novel moves faster and un-covers few more interesting facts.
Major part of the book consists of back-stories, flashbacks and lust. Most of the couple, most of the time, are so horny that it looks disgusting. The characters are so driven by lust and sexual tension that the whole novel seems to move on this very subject, and that's the part where the whole novel gets disgraced, I believe that there could have been a different and better subject to fill in the voids and make the story move.
Despite of everything, up to the second last chapter I was still sure that the end is going to be awesome, but alas! high expectations always lead to disappointment. The ending was like pouring cold water on so brilliantly plotted story. The culprit was caught, the most awaited part--ending, unfolds like any Hollywood movie's climax. But the ending was so unsatisfactory, a trusted and compassionate person throughout the story turns out to be the murderer and he dies the instant, he was caught. At last, suddenly after a few lines' explanation of his an another crime the book ends. Readers are left in haze, no explanation about other things, like--what was going on between Hélène and Rhys? What later happened with "Roffe and sons"? why Rhys kept the report and Hélène's letter hidden in his desk? When reading any mystery-thriller, readers hope that their every question would be answered at last. But here we are, left an-answered. Clearly a bad ending.
There are a few more minus points, Sheldon creates so many brilliant characters, and there was the most brilliant one--detective Max, but neither Max nor Elizabeth was able to smell the lose thread and find the killer, instead he keeps hiding and committing crimes under their nose.
Overall I am not very much impressed by this book. I have read better crime-thrillers than this one.
But I still recommend it to those who love suspense-thrillers and mystery books(if you could ignore the end part, it would be a nice read).
Bloodline is my first Sidney Sheldon read. Mystery and crime-thrillers are my favourite genre, so of course I enjoyed the book, it was like a action-mystery packed, fast roller coaster ride. It's a 20th century book still the plots, character, everything is no less than a modern contemporary novel.
But I'm not fully satisfied with the book, there are enough negative points to justify my complaint.
The book opens with the death of Sam Roffe--president of the "Roffe and sons". It seems like an horrible accident at first but later things turns out very interestingly, pointing out that it was a murder. Elizabeth Roffe is the daughter of Sam Roffe, she was very ignorant child at her childhood but turns out to be a very beautiful and intelligent woman later. Rhys Williams is one of the most trusted people in Sam Roffe's list, where only a few people resides, he is a good-looking, charming and ambitious personality. There are many more characters, like-Samuel Roffe(the great-grandfather of Elizabeth), Hélène Roffe, Alec, Anna, Charles, Vivian, detective Max and many others.
The plot is well written, some characters are very precise and neat. Elizabeth Roffe is protagonist of the novel, after her father's death, she has to take over his position and responsibilities. She proves to be a good leader, and constantly faces problems. Her determination to run the company well leads her to the revealation that her father was murdered and she was also trapped in a death-maze. After the revealation the novel moves faster and un-covers few more interesting facts.
Major part of the book consists of back-stories, flashbacks and lust. Most of the couple, most of the time, are so horny that it looks disgusting. The characters are so driven by lust and sexual tension that the whole novel seems to move on this very subject, and that's the part where the whole novel gets disgraced, I believe that there could have been a different and better subject to fill in the voids and make the story move.
Despite of everything, up to the second last chapter I was still sure that the end is going to be awesome, but alas! high expectations always lead to disappointment. The ending was like pouring cold water on so brilliantly plotted story. The culprit was caught, the most awaited part--ending, unfolds like any Hollywood movie's climax. But the ending was so unsatisfactory, a trusted and compassionate person throughout the story turns out to be the murderer and he dies the instant, he was caught. At last, suddenly after a few lines' explanation of his an another crime the book ends. Readers are left in haze, no explanation about other things, like--what was going on between Hélène and Rhys? What later happened with "Roffe and sons"? why Rhys kept the report and Hélène's letter hidden in his desk? When reading any mystery-thriller, readers hope that their every question would be answered at last. But here we are, left an-answered. Clearly a bad ending.
There are a few more minus points, Sheldon creates so many brilliant characters, and there was the most brilliant one--detective Max, but neither Max nor Elizabeth was able to smell the lose thread and find the killer, instead he keeps hiding and committing crimes under their nose.
Overall I am not very much impressed by this book. I have read better crime-thrillers than this one.
But I still recommend it to those who love suspense-thrillers and mystery books(if you could ignore the end part, it would be a nice read).
January 5, 2021
Bloodline is a 1977 novel by an American writer Sidney Sheldon. Sheldon is best known for his breathtaking thrillers, he is a master of crime-fictions, with novels having become international best-sellers and read by more than 30 million. Bloodline is one of the amazing stories Sheldon has ever written.
This novel is about a girl named Elizabeth roffee, whose father (Sam Roffee) dies in a mysterious accident, leaving behind his multi-billion dollar business for her to inherit. She befriends her father’s best friend and business partner Rhys William, an attractive but mysterious man. As the plot progresses, the strong and intelligent Elizabeth soon figures out that her father’s death was no accident and starts the investigation of his murder. In the meantime her four cousins Anna from Berlin, Ivo from Paris, Helene from Paris and Alec from London, force her to take the company go public � an idea which Elizabeth turns down. Consequently, Elizabeth finds herself become the target of an unknown assassin and trapped inside a death maze.
Sidney’s manner of keeping the suspense intact is commendable. This breath-taking novel portrays grey shades of each character, making it impossible for the reader to figure out which one of them would be the real culprit. What interest me most in this novel, is the way the characters portray a different power hungry personalities.
“Because there was a hunger in me to see everything and do everything. I wanted to be everyone I saw. I wasn't enough for me. Can you understand that?�
� Sidney Sheldon, Bloodline
Another fascinating factor to me was that Sheldon’s way of narrating the story by the murderer’s point of view, without disclosing the identity which makes bloodline more mysterious.
I highly recommend this masterpiece since Sheldon with success fabricates yet one more action packed best-seller and enhance it with violence, rage, romance, betrayal, danger, greed, jealousy and power. This blood chilling novel can dazzle all readers. It is unquestionably a page turner novel, once you’ve begun reading. Bloodline is an impossible one to place down.
This novel is about a girl named Elizabeth roffee, whose father (Sam Roffee) dies in a mysterious accident, leaving behind his multi-billion dollar business for her to inherit. She befriends her father’s best friend and business partner Rhys William, an attractive but mysterious man. As the plot progresses, the strong and intelligent Elizabeth soon figures out that her father’s death was no accident and starts the investigation of his murder. In the meantime her four cousins Anna from Berlin, Ivo from Paris, Helene from Paris and Alec from London, force her to take the company go public � an idea which Elizabeth turns down. Consequently, Elizabeth finds herself become the target of an unknown assassin and trapped inside a death maze.
Sidney’s manner of keeping the suspense intact is commendable. This breath-taking novel portrays grey shades of each character, making it impossible for the reader to figure out which one of them would be the real culprit. What interest me most in this novel, is the way the characters portray a different power hungry personalities.
“Because there was a hunger in me to see everything and do everything. I wanted to be everyone I saw. I wasn't enough for me. Can you understand that?�
� Sidney Sheldon, Bloodline
Another fascinating factor to me was that Sheldon’s way of narrating the story by the murderer’s point of view, without disclosing the identity which makes bloodline more mysterious.
I highly recommend this masterpiece since Sheldon with success fabricates yet one more action packed best-seller and enhance it with violence, rage, romance, betrayal, danger, greed, jealousy and power. This blood chilling novel can dazzle all readers. It is unquestionably a page turner novel, once you’ve begun reading. Bloodline is an impossible one to place down.
January 9, 2020
PERFECTION!!! Rhys, Elizabeth... Could these two have been any more perfect for each other? Helene Roffe scared the shit out of me! And Alec... COME ON!! Oh Sidney, you always, always blow my mind.
March 11, 2023
One of my tattered, yellow-paged paperbacks I picked up years ago at some used bookstore. If I've read another Sheldon novel it was a long time ago. Potential heirs to an international pharmaceutical conglomerate seem willing to do anything to get control of the company to dig themselves out of their own individual financial difficulties. Family drama, a serial killer on the loose, industrial sabotage, multiple suspects, a Columbo like computer detective, and a little bit of romance. An entertaining read-it even has some info on early vaccine development--timely in this covid age. I thought the ending was a little weak-tied up in a neat little bow, but no explanation of the outcome of some of the family members.
As I usually do--did some research on Sheldon. Besides writing 18 novels, he made his start writing Broadway plays and movies. He was awarded an Oscar for writing 'The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer in 1947. He went on to create 'The Patty Duke Show', 'I Dream of Jeannie', and 'Hart to Hart'. A very diverse writer!
This particular copy of the book is so old, it sparked my recollection of shopping at a used bookstore in my college days called 'The Tin Can Mailman'. I tried to keep away from that place--didn't have money to spend on used books, or the time for extracurricular reading. Sometimes the lure was just too great. Looked up the place on the internet. It's still there! Third owner, the store was revitalized with a historical landmark renovation grant in the 1990s. The original owner was a Peace Corps volunteer serving in the Pacific island nation of Tonga. One of the islands is named Tin Can Mailman Island. Originally there was not a harbor where ships could dock, so mail was placed in a tin can, and small boats or strong swimmers would retrieve the mail. I'm so glad this store is still there, hopefully one of these days I can revisit it.
As I usually do--did some research on Sheldon. Besides writing 18 novels, he made his start writing Broadway plays and movies. He was awarded an Oscar for writing 'The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer in 1947. He went on to create 'The Patty Duke Show', 'I Dream of Jeannie', and 'Hart to Hart'. A very diverse writer!
This particular copy of the book is so old, it sparked my recollection of shopping at a used bookstore in my college days called 'The Tin Can Mailman'. I tried to keep away from that place--didn't have money to spend on used books, or the time for extracurricular reading. Sometimes the lure was just too great. Looked up the place on the internet. It's still there! Third owner, the store was revitalized with a historical landmark renovation grant in the 1990s. The original owner was a Peace Corps volunteer serving in the Pacific island nation of Tonga. One of the islands is named Tin Can Mailman Island. Originally there was not a harbor where ships could dock, so mail was placed in a tin can, and small boats or strong swimmers would retrieve the mail. I'm so glad this store is still there, hopefully one of these days I can revisit it.
October 24, 2012
When Sam Roffe, a rich and powerful businessman, dies in a mountain-climbing accident, it was up to Elizabeth, his daughter, to take over his vast global empire. It comes with a bonus, though: An enemy who's determined to get what he wants—even if it means Elizabeth's life.
The first few chapters of this book had me strongly hooked. I couldn't stop flipping the page. All the time I was on the edge, my mind spinning theories, fitting the puzzle pieces, playing with the clues and details; I couldn't figure out who was the real culprit. I keep alternating between suspects. One time I thought I figured who, but then something comes up contradicting me. It was all so confusing, but delightfully entertaining at the same time.
Until I was on the edge too much that I fell and couldn't get anything to hold on to.
Seriously. What's up with the ending? There were no explanations at all. No absolute declaration of closure. Sheldon should've put in some more pages. What happened to the other characters? To Elizabeth's cousins? All of them had their own conflicts (and that was what really got me in so much) but none of them were really solved, weren't they? I mean, sure I could already imagine what would happen, but still...!
*sigh* I really expected a lot from this book. Especially since it's a Sidney Sheldon book. I am very disappointed, but somehow, I don't feel any regret over it. Although the ending was not quite what I wanted, Sheldon's writing is, and always have been, something I quite admired ever since I started reading his works.
Still, I reeeaaally wanted more. *goes into a corner and sulks*
The first few chapters of this book had me strongly hooked. I couldn't stop flipping the page. All the time I was on the edge, my mind spinning theories, fitting the puzzle pieces, playing with the clues and details; I couldn't figure out who was the real culprit. I keep alternating between suspects. One time I thought I figured who, but then something comes up contradicting me. It was all so confusing, but delightfully entertaining at the same time.
Until I was on the edge too much that I fell and couldn't get anything to hold on to.
Seriously. What's up with the ending? There were no explanations at all. No absolute declaration of closure. Sheldon should've put in some more pages. What happened to the other characters? To Elizabeth's cousins? All of them had their own conflicts (and that was what really got me in so much) but none of them were really solved, weren't they? I mean, sure I could already imagine what would happen, but still...!
*sigh* I really expected a lot from this book. Especially since it's a Sidney Sheldon book. I am very disappointed, but somehow, I don't feel any regret over it. Although the ending was not quite what I wanted, Sheldon's writing is, and always have been, something I quite admired ever since I started reading his works.
Still, I reeeaaally wanted more. *goes into a corner and sulks*
February 13, 2021
Don’t get me wrong, this is an interesting book but, for the love of God, I couldn’t connect with the any of the characters!
July 22, 2021
Memorable quote:
"If you had to remind someone you loved that it was your birthday, then it was futile." -Elizabeth Roffe
"If you had to remind someone you loved that it was your birthday, then it was futile." -Elizabeth Roffe
May 22, 2016
Roffe and Sons is a family firm. Sam Roffe dies in an accident and young-beautiful Elizabeth Roffe takes charge. The first 200+ pages covers all the branches of the family across the globe which gives a quick picture of each member's need and greed.
The storyline picks up jet-speed when Elizabeth refuses to sell the stocks. The revelation of who conspired against her left me dumbfounded. Absolutely stunning read. After reading this book, I could decipher why Sidney Sheldon is still the master storyteller.
The storyline picks up jet-speed when Elizabeth refuses to sell the stocks. The revelation of who conspired against her left me dumbfounded. Absolutely stunning read. After reading this book, I could decipher why Sidney Sheldon is still the master storyteller.
July 24, 2012
Bloodline is another fascinating novel by the author Sidney Sheldon.
The book is divided into two parts:
BOOK 1 is only the introduction part.it tells about the background of all the main characters. Book 1 is extends to 180 pages out of 409.
the 1st part might seem a little boring.
The main story starts from BOOK 2.
The Novel is incomplete..
after completing it i found many things does't have its end.
As his other works this one too provides a fantastic read from the very beginning where the story begins with news of death of Sam Roffee, the president of a multinational company set by his ancestor. With his sudden death his daughter is becomes the sole heir of his billion dollar fortune. Elizabeth, who is very young, is forced to take the charge of his father’s business.
But someone wants to kill her to get the whole fortune himself. The novel follows a series of incidents and accidents that provide a breath-taking suspense. Till the end the murderer is not unveiled and that provides a series of spine-chilling adventurous read.
The various relatives of Sam Roffee have been presented very well giving a detailed account of each one’s life separately. The starting chapters are a sneak-peek into the lives of the members of Roffee family. The accounts of their lives are more like a different story through which the reader glides smoothly as they all provide a thrilling and dark side of each oneâ?Ts characters.
As he does in all his novels this one too has a mesmerizing ending that captivates the reader. I won’t spill the beans here I would suggest you to grab a copy of your own. Though I am a slow reader but I had completed this novel in mere 2 day span as once I started I couldn\’t stop myself� The novel has around 409 pages and each one provides a thrilling and enchanting read that makes the reader feel like he himself is in the midst of all the happenings..
The book is divided into two parts:
BOOK 1 is only the introduction part.it tells about the background of all the main characters. Book 1 is extends to 180 pages out of 409.
the 1st part might seem a little boring.
The main story starts from BOOK 2.
The Novel is incomplete..
after completing it i found many things does't have its end.
As his other works this one too provides a fantastic read from the very beginning where the story begins with news of death of Sam Roffee, the president of a multinational company set by his ancestor. With his sudden death his daughter is becomes the sole heir of his billion dollar fortune. Elizabeth, who is very young, is forced to take the charge of his father’s business.
But someone wants to kill her to get the whole fortune himself. The novel follows a series of incidents and accidents that provide a breath-taking suspense. Till the end the murderer is not unveiled and that provides a series of spine-chilling adventurous read.
The various relatives of Sam Roffee have been presented very well giving a detailed account of each one’s life separately. The starting chapters are a sneak-peek into the lives of the members of Roffee family. The accounts of their lives are more like a different story through which the reader glides smoothly as they all provide a thrilling and dark side of each oneâ?Ts characters.
As he does in all his novels this one too has a mesmerizing ending that captivates the reader. I won’t spill the beans here I would suggest you to grab a copy of your own. Though I am a slow reader but I had completed this novel in mere 2 day span as once I started I couldn\’t stop myself� The novel has around 409 pages and each one provides a thrilling and enchanting read that makes the reader feel like he himself is in the midst of all the happenings..
September 22, 2019
Normally I enjoy Sidney Sheldon's particular brand of crazysauce but this book seems, well, rather tame compared to his usual work.
Sam Roffe has been killed in an "accident" and the usual suspects must be trotted out for examination. The problem for me is there seemed to be too many usual suspects, their spouses, their lovers, their bastards, etc., and they all get a back story. We even go back in time to get the story of family patriarch Samuel Roffe. (What we don't get is the story of how Samuel starts off as a poor Jewish kid in the ghetto of Krakow and a hundred years later his descendants are celebrating Christmas.)
Eventually the book settles on one protagonist, Sam's neglected daughter, Elizabeth. As characters go she's kind of a wet noodle, reacting to events instead of making events happen. She's totally underprepared to take control of a multinational pharmaceutical company and must lean heavily on the shoulder of Rhys Williams, the intended love interest she has no chemistry with.
Late in the third act a new character is introduced. Max is a detective who butchers other languages and gets along better with computers than he does human beings. While trying to piece together the truth about Sam Roffe's death, Max stumbles across another series of murders that turn out to be connected to the family.
Typing this review out I just realized there were several plot threads that were left hanging. Whatever happened to the murderer's henchmen? What were the plans between Character A and Character B? What happened with the policeman? Now I'm bothered even more.
Sam Roffe has been killed in an "accident" and the usual suspects must be trotted out for examination. The problem for me is there seemed to be too many usual suspects, their spouses, their lovers, their bastards, etc., and they all get a back story. We even go back in time to get the story of family patriarch Samuel Roffe. (What we don't get is the story of how Samuel starts off as a poor Jewish kid in the ghetto of Krakow and a hundred years later his descendants are celebrating Christmas.)
Eventually the book settles on one protagonist, Sam's neglected daughter, Elizabeth. As characters go she's kind of a wet noodle, reacting to events instead of making events happen. She's totally underprepared to take control of a multinational pharmaceutical company and must lean heavily on the shoulder of Rhys Williams, the intended love interest she has no chemistry with.
Late in the third act a new character is introduced. Max is a detective who butchers other languages and gets along better with computers than he does human beings. While trying to piece together the truth about Sam Roffe's death, Max stumbles across another series of murders that turn out to be connected to the family.
Typing this review out I just realized there were several plot threads that were left hanging. Whatever happened to the murderer's henchmen? What were the plans between Character A and Character B? What happened with the policeman? Now I'm bothered even more.
May 30, 2016
When a pick a book from Sideny the first thing that comes into my mind is vengeance and then glamour, mafias, dons, sex, romance.. but this book is quite different though it has main ingredients of Sidney Glamour, love, sex, romance along with medical science(research in depth), greed, sabotage, betrayal, murder,crime, mysteries.
The book actually started after 200 pages, first 200 pages includes introduction of characters, at time it feel, the introduction is dragged a bit, although the accounts of their lives are more like a different story and all provide a thrilling and dark side of each one's characters. After introduction of main protagonist and other characters two 100 pages gone, the actual book started after introduction, main lead Elizabeth, who is very young, is forced to take the charge of his father’s business.But someone wants to kill her to get the whole fortune himself.
Then it follows the series of incidents and accidents that provide a breath-taking suspense. After the introduction of detective Max Houang book keeps pace and then you will feel u are actually reading Sidney Sheldon.
Till the end the murderer is not unveiled and that provides a series of spine-chilling adventurous read.
Bloodline would definitely come under finesse work of Sideny Sheldon
The book actually started after 200 pages, first 200 pages includes introduction of characters, at time it feel, the introduction is dragged a bit, although the accounts of their lives are more like a different story and all provide a thrilling and dark side of each one's characters. After introduction of main protagonist and other characters two 100 pages gone, the actual book started after introduction, main lead Elizabeth, who is very young, is forced to take the charge of his father’s business.But someone wants to kill her to get the whole fortune himself.
Then it follows the series of incidents and accidents that provide a breath-taking suspense. After the introduction of detective Max Houang book keeps pace and then you will feel u are actually reading Sidney Sheldon.
Till the end the murderer is not unveiled and that provides a series of spine-chilling adventurous read.
Bloodline would definitely come under finesse work of Sideny Sheldon
May 14, 2021
Roffe and Sons is a company that specializes in the pharmaceutical industry. When the family patriarch, Sam Roffe, was killed in a climbing accident, his daughter Elizabeth took over the company. Elizabeth Roffe, a bright young woman, believes her father was murdered and that an assassin is hunting her down.
Bloodline is my first introduction to Sidney Sheldon's world, and I'm impressed with his writing. Sheldon begins with Sam Roffe's accident and then moves on to Elizabeth. The author introduced the history of Roffe and Sons through Elizabeth. In addition, the author emphasized young Elizabeth's sadness and loneliness. He then shifts to the main story and hooks the reader. There are far too many characters of equal value, and the author assigns equal weight to each. The plot of the book slowly unfolds, and the author narrates it well.
When we get to the end, the author has to justify a lot of stuff, but the book has a lot of unanswered questions. Even, the conclusion does not satisfy me. The book maintains the suspense and sometimes shocks the readers, but it is not entirely persuasive. There are far too many flaws and unresolved or unanswered incidents.
Bloodline is an exciting tale about greed and deception in a wealthy family. The book is suitable for every thriller enthusiast, and the author's style is commendable.
Bloodline is my first introduction to Sidney Sheldon's world, and I'm impressed with his writing. Sheldon begins with Sam Roffe's accident and then moves on to Elizabeth. The author introduced the history of Roffe and Sons through Elizabeth. In addition, the author emphasized young Elizabeth's sadness and loneliness. He then shifts to the main story and hooks the reader. There are far too many characters of equal value, and the author assigns equal weight to each. The plot of the book slowly unfolds, and the author narrates it well.
When we get to the end, the author has to justify a lot of stuff, but the book has a lot of unanswered questions. Even, the conclusion does not satisfy me. The book maintains the suspense and sometimes shocks the readers, but it is not entirely persuasive. There are far too many flaws and unresolved or unanswered incidents.
Bloodline is an exciting tale about greed and deception in a wealthy family. The book is suitable for every thriller enthusiast, and the author's style is commendable.
June 25, 2011
A world existing of male dominance is where Elizabeth Roffe, the sole heir to a multimillionaire father, lives. An unloving father as hers is, dies a mysterious death while on a vacation. Devastated as she is, its up to her to run her fathers company, but what she doesn't know that her family members on the board of directors are vying for the money put on shares, which according to the her father, shouldn't be made public. On top of that, someone's trying to kill her. Is it her father's super sexy, and trusted ex-secretory, or one of her relatives, is what she trying to find out. Failed attempts to kill her makes her think about the selling the share money. Will she able to survive and save her father's company at the same time?
This Sheldon novel is very interesting, as his every novel is. Dealing with people's psychology, this might connect to personally. A very good book, even though it sometimes gets confusing. Read it slow and you might find emotions hidden.
This Sheldon novel is very interesting, as his every novel is. Dealing with people's psychology, this might connect to personally. A very good book, even though it sometimes gets confusing. Read it slow and you might find emotions hidden.
September 22, 2018
7,5 de 10*
Embora Sidney Sheldon tenha uma vasta obra de literatura, nunca tinha lido nada do autor. Por estar a participar num desafio literário, chamado Book Bingo, para uma das categorias, necessitava de ler um livro escrito no ano em que eu nasci. A escolha não foi fácil porque a oferta, em livros traduzidos para português, não era muito grande. A escolha acabou por recair neste livro.
Fiquei agradavelmente surpreendida com a escrita do autor.
Comentário completo em:
Embora Sidney Sheldon tenha uma vasta obra de literatura, nunca tinha lido nada do autor. Por estar a participar num desafio literário, chamado Book Bingo, para uma das categorias, necessitava de ler um livro escrito no ano em que eu nasci. A escolha não foi fácil porque a oferta, em livros traduzidos para português, não era muito grande. A escolha acabou por recair neste livro.
Fiquei agradavelmente surpreendida com a escrita do autor.
Comentário completo em:
March 29, 2016
I'm very surprised that this has such a high average rating here on ŷ, I remember it as very much in line with his others. It's been a while, so I may be off some, but I'm not going to read or re-read any of his books, because life's too short.
July 23, 2018
This review is not spoiler free.
Am I going to do justice to Sheldon's genius with my words? No.
Is there anything stopping me from giving it a sloppy go? Yes, my common sense. But no.
I just wish there was something I could say to define this man. Sidney Sheldon. The biggest writer to ever walk planet earth in my humble opinion. The research that good man did for each one of his books is alone worthy of exceptional praise. Later come all other matters that separate him from his peers and even the whole generations of talented writers that came before and after him. No one can match his brilliance and dedication. Dedication and inspiration that overflowed from his works, that was spilling over the brim from Bloodline. As far as I am concerned, this is his masterpiece.
I thought I had read his best works in the shape of Windmills of the Gods or If Tomorrow Comes. How utterly wrong had I been. On this day, July 23rd 2018, I discovered how wrong I had been. And I'm not throwing all this loosely. I am aware how many times I've said it, wrote it, expressed it, that Sidney Sheldon was a talented writer with breathtaking books but he keeps on surprising me as much as I delve into his writing.
Bloodline is the story of greed, lust, family, betrayal, murder; in the midst of all of this, a twenty-four year old Elizabeth Roffe who has overnight inherited a multi-billion dollar business empire when her father, the original owner of it all, suddenly dies by falling into a crevasse. Never to be found again.
The pressures of the relatives sharing the stocks and wanting to let the company go public so they can sell their shares, the sense that her father had wanted the company to remain private, the small accidents that Elizabeth keeps running into, turn to one thing: someone was desperate for money, and could kill for it. Someone inside the family. But who?
The book had so many twists and turns, so much drama, thrill, suspense that I was literally on the edge of my seat all the time. My heart was in my throat beating, hammering, pounding like a wild animal and I'm not exaggerating, I was breathless most of the time, closing the book at regular intervals to catch some air. Slamming the book shut countless times to ponder over it: theorizing. And I hadn't realized I was holding my breath until I finished the final sentence. The whole time I was reading, which was exactly twenty-four hours with the breaks of sleep, hunger, small tasks, my head wasn't free of the wonder I was reading. No lies, even when I stood up for a glass of water, I kept reeling who could be conspiring. Placing the pieces of the puzzle, trying to come up with answers and solutions and hoping against hope it's not that one person.
About that.
When I was reading, I had taken a liking to the character of Rhys Williams. How could I not? He made is so easy. *fangirling* He was charming, charismatic, mysterious, intelligent and just oh-so-amazing. The perfect could-be villain. All fingers were pointing at him. But then again, all fingers were pointing at all the members of the family. That is what made the book so damn good, I couldn't just come up with one motive. Everyone had a motive. Even Rhys. And I didn't want him to be the bad guy. So I made a deal with the book gods if Rhys turned out to be the villain, I'd give this a one star rating no matter what. And well, guess the wish was granted.
I've seen so many reviews saying the ending was disappointing, that it left them feeling flat and that they were not satisfied. I say, read it carefully! There were no loose ends as such. Sheldon gave closure to all the characters.
Ivo was ruined because his mistress phoned his wife and asked to meet up with her. His secret affair and bastard sons will destroy his reputation, his wife will leave him and he no longer will be part of the Roffe family.
Charles left Helene and ran away. Although Helene says she will get him back. But that should be not easy anymore. I'll come to this part again below.
In addition, Alec dies, Vivian is left to spend her life as a cripple.
Yes what does leave me in some confusion is the end of Anna and Walther. I have two theories: either they were both schizophrenic. Or it was just Walther. The former seems more plausible though a stretch. What is certain is that they were both mentally sick. Who had what is left on us to decide.
Last but not the least, it was not Rhys! And Elizabeth and Rhys can now run the company together and return it to its former glory. Together. Ah!
Helene cannot work on obtaining the company now because Charles has ran away and from what we saw in the meeting and conversation between Helene and Rhys, Rhys has absolutely no interest in her and is aware of her true motives. With no one in the board of directors, her plot would fail. And Rhys and Elizabeth will be more and more careful now that they've suffered and seen so much.
The book was perfect. The last chapter was beautiful, and I have no other way to describe it. The maker of the snuff films finally is revealed with a motive and it just... ends in an ecstasy.
Am I going to do justice to Sheldon's genius with my words? No.
Is there anything stopping me from giving it a sloppy go? Yes, my common sense. But no.
I just wish there was something I could say to define this man. Sidney Sheldon. The biggest writer to ever walk planet earth in my humble opinion. The research that good man did for each one of his books is alone worthy of exceptional praise. Later come all other matters that separate him from his peers and even the whole generations of talented writers that came before and after him. No one can match his brilliance and dedication. Dedication and inspiration that overflowed from his works, that was spilling over the brim from Bloodline. As far as I am concerned, this is his masterpiece.
I thought I had read his best works in the shape of Windmills of the Gods or If Tomorrow Comes. How utterly wrong had I been. On this day, July 23rd 2018, I discovered how wrong I had been. And I'm not throwing all this loosely. I am aware how many times I've said it, wrote it, expressed it, that Sidney Sheldon was a talented writer with breathtaking books but he keeps on surprising me as much as I delve into his writing.
Bloodline is the story of greed, lust, family, betrayal, murder; in the midst of all of this, a twenty-four year old Elizabeth Roffe who has overnight inherited a multi-billion dollar business empire when her father, the original owner of it all, suddenly dies by falling into a crevasse. Never to be found again.
The pressures of the relatives sharing the stocks and wanting to let the company go public so they can sell their shares, the sense that her father had wanted the company to remain private, the small accidents that Elizabeth keeps running into, turn to one thing: someone was desperate for money, and could kill for it. Someone inside the family. But who?
The book had so many twists and turns, so much drama, thrill, suspense that I was literally on the edge of my seat all the time. My heart was in my throat beating, hammering, pounding like a wild animal and I'm not exaggerating, I was breathless most of the time, closing the book at regular intervals to catch some air. Slamming the book shut countless times to ponder over it: theorizing. And I hadn't realized I was holding my breath until I finished the final sentence. The whole time I was reading, which was exactly twenty-four hours with the breaks of sleep, hunger, small tasks, my head wasn't free of the wonder I was reading. No lies, even when I stood up for a glass of water, I kept reeling who could be conspiring. Placing the pieces of the puzzle, trying to come up with answers and solutions and hoping against hope it's not that one person.
About that.
When I was reading, I had taken a liking to the character of Rhys Williams. How could I not? He made is so easy. *fangirling* He was charming, charismatic, mysterious, intelligent and just oh-so-amazing. The perfect could-be villain. All fingers were pointing at him. But then again, all fingers were pointing at all the members of the family. That is what made the book so damn good, I couldn't just come up with one motive. Everyone had a motive. Even Rhys. And I didn't want him to be the bad guy. So I made a deal with the book gods if Rhys turned out to be the villain, I'd give this a one star rating no matter what. And well, guess the wish was granted.
I've seen so many reviews saying the ending was disappointing, that it left them feeling flat and that they were not satisfied. I say, read it carefully! There were no loose ends as such. Sheldon gave closure to all the characters.
Ivo was ruined because his mistress phoned his wife and asked to meet up with her. His secret affair and bastard sons will destroy his reputation, his wife will leave him and he no longer will be part of the Roffe family.
Charles left Helene and ran away. Although Helene says she will get him back. But that should be not easy anymore. I'll come to this part again below.
In addition, Alec dies, Vivian is left to spend her life as a cripple.
Yes what does leave me in some confusion is the end of Anna and Walther. I have two theories: either they were both schizophrenic. Or it was just Walther. The former seems more plausible though a stretch. What is certain is that they were both mentally sick. Who had what is left on us to decide.
Last but not the least, it was not Rhys! And Elizabeth and Rhys can now run the company together and return it to its former glory. Together. Ah!
Helene cannot work on obtaining the company now because Charles has ran away and from what we saw in the meeting and conversation between Helene and Rhys, Rhys has absolutely no interest in her and is aware of her true motives. With no one in the board of directors, her plot would fail. And Rhys and Elizabeth will be more and more careful now that they've suffered and seen so much.
The book was perfect. The last chapter was beautiful, and I have no other way to describe it. The maker of the snuff films finally is revealed with a motive and it just... ends in an ecstasy.
February 2, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed my first Sidney Sheldon novel whose storyline is gripping and with multifaceted characters. The incredible Detective Max Hornung who earned a special place in my heart. The control-obsessive, brilliant Hélène Roffe-Martell. Rhys Williams who shed off his old skin like a charm. Elizabeth Roffe who stood up to the task 👑 Great old Samuel Roffe and his determination. Go on.
However, the 👏 ending 👏 (hand-clapping for Black girl emphasis for rage, disappointment, excitement etc) felt a bit rushed.
I agreed with the sentiments below.
Nina wrote: "Yes, it did solve the mysteries but it just fell flat. The author has created such vivid characters that one would think they would each be given endings befitting their flamboyance. " Geby wrote: "The villain is portrayed as one without the ruthlessness and financial means and cunning required to pull such a coup...and too many unresolved loose plots and lacks closure. "
However, the 👏 ending 👏 (hand-clapping for Black girl emphasis for rage, disappointment, excitement etc) felt a bit rushed.
I agreed with the sentiments below.
Nina wrote: "Yes, it did solve the mysteries but it just fell flat. The author has created such vivid characters that one would think they would each be given endings befitting their flamboyance. " Geby wrote: "The villain is portrayed as one without the ruthlessness and financial means and cunning required to pull such a coup...and too many unresolved loose plots and lacks closure. "
November 28, 2015
Outstanding!!
This book grab you from the very beginning to the last page! from the beginning in my suspect list there were only 2 person and one would be the main culprit from them I knew for sure. but I couldn't conclude which one it could be until the last page.
though I felt some hurry in the end and expected some more explanation, it was absolutely a thriller full of suspense, tension, romance and MYSTERY.
Sheldon is a boss writer. He is THE MASTER STORYTELLER!
This book grab you from the very beginning to the last page! from the beginning in my suspect list there were only 2 person and one would be the main culprit from them I knew for sure. but I couldn't conclude which one it could be until the last page.
though I felt some hurry in the end and expected some more explanation, it was absolutely a thriller full of suspense, tension, romance and MYSTERY.
Sheldon is a boss writer. He is THE MASTER STORYTELLER!
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