5 stars This is the first part of a multi-series story, reminiscent of a cop show, with a number of varied characters being introduced as well as a number of plot threads. I was most intrigued by Coops, the undercover cop, and Steve, the cop hiding a few unexpected secrets. The first person we meet is Coop, a drug addict looking at his cracked and dirty image reflected in the mirror of a public bathroom. This scene is vividly described as every disgusting bathroom you’ve ever had the misfortune of needing to use while travelling. Shortly thereafter, the action commences, introducing a vast cast of characters named during a chaotic stakeout. I was worried I would have trouble keeping track of everyone and the sequence of events. Had it continued in that vein, I might have found that to be true, but then it switched POV and the reader was introduced to Joe Clark. Then, it almost seamlessly switched to the POV of Steve Clark. I especially liked how the transition was achieved—the reader follows Joe to a family gathering and then follows Steve home. Of course, I kept wondering what had happened with Coops/Cooper Holden, so I was happy to get another glimpse of his life. He’s a complicated character whom I found relatable in some inexplicable way. I felt he was one of the more altruistic players, a cog in the machine who still managed to maintain a willingness to be kind to others. In some weird way, he seemed unaffected by the horror he’d subjected himself to for the past three years. I’m anxious to see how things progress in his personal life in the next installment. Joe Clark was not a particularly sympathetic character. He was more of a chip-on-his-shoulder, unhappy-with-his-life-choices kind of guy. He was convinced everyone was judging him as somehow “less than,” and I have to say, as a reader privy to his thoughts, I saw him as “less than.” Some people are so busy begrudging the success of other people, they never take the time to be thankful for their own bit of happiness. There’s a scene in which his friend Jacob tries to explain this to him, by way of a metaphorical roof that doesn’t need repairing because it offers sufficient shelter and protection, that I found brilliant. It was surprisingly philosophical and insightful for a working-class ex-drug addict. Steve Clark is more of a conundrum. I’m not sure whether to like him or not. Clearly, there’s a part of him that is considerate, respectful, and kind, yet there’s another part of him willing to manipulate the good will of others for his personal gain. He cloaks it in a desire to prevent hurting someone else, but it’s obvious there’s a selfish aspect to it. It makes him very human and real. One of the things that impresses me about Carey Lewis is his command of dialogue in storytelling. Every bit of dialogue feels authentic and carries the story forward, minimizing the need for explanatory narrative. It helps the story to flow and keeps the pace quick, something this kind of story desperately needs. I’d say it ends with a cliffhanger, but it’s more of a standing-at-the-edge-looking-over-the-cliff kind of ending. It’s the kind of ending you’d expect from a TV series. The immediate story seems to have been resolved while the larger story needs more time. We still need to learn more about the main characters and I expect there will be other major events that allow for the action to reveal the personalities, strengths, and foibles of these characters as they grow and become either better or worse people for the trials they endure. I’m looking forward to more from the series. November 15, 2020
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Elizabeth J ConnorWriter. Editor. Proofreader. Archives
September 2022
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