A pal wrote that he doesn't like a new Wilbur Smith novel. Thinks it's too violent.

He didn't mention the title, but I checked Smith's site. Looks as if, "Vicious Circle" is just released. The No. 1 seller in South Africa and due for release in the UK on Oct. 10 or so. This may be the book, although my friend hasn't replied yet to my query.

Has anyone in the USA read this? I need to hit the book store. Haven't been in months.

Did you like it? It seems to be a sequel to his last, "Those in Peril." I enjoyed it, but I am less deterred by violent books and TV than is my correspondent. I liked, "The Silence of the Lambs" and it shocked him. (He and his wife like musicals, which i abhor.) I think he also found Robert B. Parker's Spenser books to be too stressful.

Thought I'd ask for other opinions.

Barnes & Noble has it, but I enjoy his earlier southern Africa-based novels better.

I am just trying to imagine -- unsucessfully -- what someone who finds Robert B. Parker's Spenser books too stressful likes to read.....

I think he read Ruark's, "Something of Value" and didn't mention the Mau-Mau oathing ceremonies.

Those must have shocked a lot of American readers in the 1950's. He used to enjoy Smith's books. The last two grossed him out, but I don't think they'd be any worse than some of Thos. Harris's books about Hannibal Lecter.