William Goldman's Heat is one of the best books I've read. I can't exactly say that it takes you from the first page, but wait for ten pages or so, and you won't be able to leave it (I tried). The twists and slides of the book are Marathon Man style and even though I say that, you'll never guess what's going to happen next. I don't want to spill any of the contents of the book, for fear of spoiling it, and a word of advice, don't even read the back to know what the stories about. Certainly a rarety where it'll leave you both exhilirated and shining.