Hank Steinberg

He’s an American journalist looking for the break-out story that will make his career. She’s a British social activist working for an NGO and striving to ‘make a difference’ in the world. Their mutual passions bring them together in the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan. Together they play a hand in an ill-fated uprising, prompting a hasty departure from the country.

Six years later, their past comes back to haunt them. Julia vanishes mysteriously after a day trip to Disneyland. show more The police find the children unattended in her car and are quick to suspect husband Charlie of foul play. But others are interested in Julia’s activities and Charlie is soon heading back to Uzbekistan to find out what is going on and hopefully rescue Julia.

While ‘Out of Range’ is not likely to win any literary awards, it is a fast-paced thriller that showcases author Hank Greenberg’s skill as a TV scriptwriter. I don’t know if he is actually familiar with Uzbek life or if he just referred to CIAFactbook.gov but he did a good job of making the story sound plausible which is really all that matters.

In addition, if you are working on a 'read around the world' reading challenge, you aren't going to find too many books about Uzbekistan.

* The review book was based on an advanced reading copy obtained at no cost from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. While this does take any ‘not worth what I paid for it’ statements out of my review, it otherwise has no impact on the content of my review. show less

Charlie and his wife, Julie used to travel to dangerous countries like Uzbekistan. That was until Charlie almost lost his life and Julie their new born child.

Now, Charlie and Julie have two children. Charlie is living more of a quieter life as a desk reporter. That all changes when Julie disappears.

I have only watched about two episodes of Without a Trace. So I could not really judge what Mr. Steinberg would bring to the table with his debut novel. Well I can tell you after reading this show more book what Mr. Steinberg brings to the table, the triple “E”…Excitement, Edge of your thrill ride, and Energy. I started reading this book and could not read it fast enough. It has been a while since I have read an international thriller that had me excited to read it and put a smile on my face.

Charlie is the perfect hero. He has personality and he is relatable. Readers can feel the strong love he has for his family and wife. They can understand the need and want to go to the ends of the earth to bring back their loved ones. I don’t want to say too much more as I don’t want to give anything away. You will just have to check this book out for yourself. show less

Out of Range is Hank Steinberg's debut novel. But Steinberg was also the creator and producer of a television show I enjoyed - Without a Trace. The fictional tv show setting was the Missing Persons Unit of the FBI in New York City and their search for - you guessed it - missing persons.

Well, Steinberg has taken that successful one hour formula and parlayed it into a novel that I also really enjoyed.

Charlie Davis and his wife Julie were living and working in Eastern Uzbekistan in 2005 when show more the country erupted in violence. They barely made it out with their lives - and newborn son. They move back to the US to raise him in a stable and safer environment. Life is good for the Davises. Or so Charlie thought. Until the day his children are found alone in the family's vehicle on a dead end street. And Julie is missing.

Out of Range is my favourite kind of suspense novel - an everyday person forced into extraordinary circumstances. Steinberg ups the ante with an international setting and by incorporating actual events into his story.

Out of Range is a perfect summer read. Lots of action, suspense, cliff hangers, international intrigue, terrorist and more all added up to a entertaining read. Yes, some of it is a bit over the top, but again - perfect escapist reading. Fans of Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay would enjoy this new author. And this reader will be looking for his next novel.

And if sounds like a great movie plot....it is. Steinberg is working on the screenplay for Out of Range for Paramount Pictures. show less

Charlie Davis is a journalist who wants to make a difference, but while in Uzbekistan with his pregnant wife, Julie, he is almost killed. Trading his life on assignment to working of a Los Angeles newspaper, they live the life of a happy suburban family until Julie disappears after an outing with the kids. As he tries to find his wife, he is accused by the police, tortured by unknown assailants and finds out his wife may be leading a secret life.

This fast paced thriller could certainly be a show more movie and sometimes it reads that way. But still this is a great summer escape and a exciting read. There weren’t any surprises and a lot seemed far-fetched, but I didn’t take away from what it was – an electrifying story of love against the odds. show less