Customer Reviews
This Whirlwind never really gets off the ground - By: Daniel Jolley, 18 Mar 2004 
Whirlwind is the second TV tie-in novel based on The X-Files. One can't help but compare this to the first novel, Goblins, as both books were written by Charles Grant. While Whirlwind seems more readable than Goblins,in the end Grant once again comes up a little short. His characterizations of Mulder & Scully saw improvementin this novel, but there were still bits of dialogue here & there that just didn't sound like something the agents would say. A bigger problem is foundin the characterization of all the other characters, some of whose actions really aren't adequately explainedin the context of the novel. The explanation behind the crimes presented here also falls short of believability.
The heart of this particular X-File involves a most unusual serial killer (indeed, I would not use the term serial killerin this context – but the back cover of the book uses it). It all started with a string of cattle mutilations, a subject even Mulder isn't very interested in. Then a local sheriff of a small New Mexico town asks for FBI help when a honeymooning man & wife are killedin the same horrible fashion, & Mulder & Scully are initially assisted on the case by an agent from the regional FBI office. The manner of deathin these cases is enough to make Scully uneasy looking at the remains, as basically the victim's skin is shredded & removed from the body – possibly before death, as it happens so quickly. I should mention the fact that it is very hotin the New Mexico desert – the author certainly mentions that fact a lot. Anyway, Mulder & Scully begin the investigation, ask questions that most folks don't seem to want to answer completely, & find themselves wondering what if anything the local & extremely private Konochine Indians might have to do with the unexplained murders.
Whirlwind just didn't manage to satisfy me. The reality behind the mystery is rather fanciful, yet it also manages to come across as too pat of an answer. A more penetrating examination of the important characters – those on both sides of the law – would have helpedin this regard, I feel. One character is seemingly dropped like a hot potato midway through the book, & another essential character's erratic behavior is explained away a little too easily for me. I love the X-Files, but,in my opinion, Whirlwind is really just an average novel.
Good story - By: , 22 Nov 2003 
I had this book on my shelf for at least 2 years before I picked it up, & I was very pleasantly surprised by it. I expected the writing to be average, but it was indeed very well written, with a gripping storyline & interesting characters (including the brilliant Mulder & Scully of course!). I'd recommend this book to anybody, & if you like the show then definately try to get your hands on this one. It's an original story & never been aired on TV.
Wonderfully new fresh x file! - By: , 04 Aug 2001 This novel has a good storline following an xfile not previously known to tv viewers. New characters, intrigue & suspence are all included. Not to mention well noted interaction between the great Mulder & Scully. A must for an Xphiles, yet still a great read for everyone else.
