Puerto Vallarta Squeeze

A retired American journalist and his young Mexican girlfriend become entangled with a mysterious stranger who needs immediate transport from Puerto Vallarta to the U.S. border. Their journey takes them north through Mexico in an old Ford Bronco, staying ahead of both Mexican and American authorities. The story centers on Danny Pastor, who left his writing career behind to live a simpler life in Puerto Vallarta with María de la Luz Santos, a former cantina waitress. Their relationship exists in a state of comfortable uncertainty until a sudden violent incident disrupts their peaceful existence and sets the main plot in motion. The narrative follows this unlikely trio as they navigate the physical and psychological challenges of their dangerous road trip through Mexico. The complex dynamics between the three main characters develop against a backdrop of pursuit and mounting tension. This novel explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the price of both action and inaction in a world where moral choices are rarely clear-cut. The story serves as a meditation on how ordinary lives can suddenly intersect with extraordinary circumstances.

Readers found this thriller weaker than Waller's romance novels, noting it lacks the emotional depth of The Bridges of Madison County. Readers appreciated: - The vivid descriptions of Puerto Vallarta's streets and atmosphere - The fast-moving plot - The complex moral choices faced by the characters Common criticisms: - Unrealistic dialogue - Underdeveloped characters - Plot holes and improbable scenarios - Writing style feels stiff compared to Waller's other works One reader noted "The story moves along but never really grabs you." Another said "The setting is the best part - you can feel the Mexican heat." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.0/5 (200+ ratings) Amazon: 3.2/5 (50+ reviews) LibraryThing: 2.9/5 (30+ ratings) Most readers recommend skipping this book unless they're Waller completists or specifically interested in thrillers set in Mexico. Several suggested reading Waller's romance novels instead.

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🔸 Robert James Waller's most famous work, "The Bridges of Madison County," spent over 3 years on the New York Times bestseller list and was adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. 🔸 "Puerto Vallarta Squeeze" was also adapted into a film in 2004, starring Scott Glenn and Harvey Keitel, though it received considerably less attention than Bridges. 🔸 The Ford Bronco featured in the novel gained cultural significance in the 1990s due to the infamous O.J. Simpson police chase, which occurred around the time the book was published. 🔸 The book's setting, Puerto Vallarta, transformed from a small fishing village to a major tourist destination after the 1964 filming of "The Night of the Iguana" with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. 🔸 Before becoming a novelist, Waller was a professor of management and economics at the University of Northern Iowa, bringing a unique analytical perspective to his character development.