Putnam
January, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-399-15613-7
Hardcover, 320 pp., $26.95
Joe Pike again plays a leading role in this thriller, while Elvis Cole, who usually is in the forefront, is relegated to a supporting but vital function. It all starts when one of Pike’s former contract mercenaries, Frank, who retired 11 years before when Pike headed such a group, and raised a family peacefully while building a successful business importing clothing and selling nationally, is found murdered along with his wife, two children and a nanny. [The titular rule: "Families don't matter."]
Pike, an obsessive perfectionist [his men called him Yoda behind his back], always assumed complete responsibility for his men. As he continues to do after learning of the murder of ‘Frank the Tank.’ As a result, Pike, assisted by Cole and a couple of others who served with Frank, takes on a Serbian gang and its leader, who is at war with a rival boss. At the same time, the ATF is interested in the Serb, who is believed to have imported 3,000 automatic rifles for sale to a Los Angeles gang.
The two themes come together in an exciting finish. Macho Pike is always thinking and moving, while Cole uses his expertise to ease the way. A whirlwind of action doesn’t hide a new, softer side of Pike. A gratifying and recommended read.
This book is on my nightstand, #1 in the TBR pile. I keep picking it up but always have to put it back down when Sandra or Brian call with more work. Maybe in March when I sneak off to Cali…
Also to note, the finishing touches are being applied to Spinetingler’s very own Q and A session with Robert Crais. He’s a big fan of Ernest Hemingway. Find out soon what RC would say to Papa if they could share a drink.