Book Review: THE BLACK BOOK, by Ian Rankin

Ian Rankin
THE BLACK BOOK (Inspector Rebus #5)
Minotaur Books, 2000
352 Pages
Crime / Thriller

John Rebus finds himself working a five year old cold case. After his friend, and fellow officer is jumped, and left for dead, the Inspector realizes it may have been more than a simple, violent, back alley robbery.

Brian Holmes had a black book. It was filled with things he was working on during his own time. Rebus sees a possible connection between the vicious attack and a fire. When the Central Hotel burned, at first it seemed like maybe arson. That is until a body was discovered inside. Ashes. Unidentifiable. This was what Holmes was working on when he was beaten, when he was nearly killed.

Determined to get to the bottom of the case, Rebus begins re-knocking on doors --doors that until Holmes started sticking his nose into other people's business, had been left alone over the last five years. Those involved with Holmes' attack now will stop at nothing to get Rebus out of the way!

What I enjoy most about Ian Rankin, and his Rebus books, is that the characters seem . . . real. Authentic. They are as close to people as fictional characters can get. We, the reader, get to see into the lives, and jobs, and feelings of those Rankin created. If that isn't talent, proof of a talented writer, then I don't know what is.

I am thankful I was introduced to Ian Rankin, and the Rebus series. I do not want to read them all too quickly. I want to savor each one, because sooner (rather than later), I will get to a point where I've no more titles to read, and will be stuck waiting for the next release. I suppose it's a good thing. Unless you are like me and hate waiting.

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the Severed Empire Series,
and The Vaccination Trilogy

Book Review: KILLING MAINE, by Mike Bond

Mike Bond

KILLINGMAINE

Mandevilla Press

Suspense / Thriller

There was a time when all I read were books by James Patterson, and Lee Child. I can’t remember this last suspense novel I read. Well. Until now. Mike Bond’s KILLINGMAINE definitely brought me back into the genre. Full force.

Sam ‘Pono’ Hawkins is a Special Forces vet, living in Hawaii. After having spent time in prison, he does his best to keep his nose clean. However, when he gets a message from an old flame, and is informed her husband has been arrested for murder, and she needs his help, Pono is torn.

Things are never simple. Originally from Maine, he decides he’ll head back and see what he can do about helping. He’s not thrilled about it, though. His old flame ended up marrying a guy from his Special Forces unit. And the guy, Bucky, testified against him in court, getting him sentenced to twenty years in prison for war crimes committed.

Politics have taken over Maine. Big money is being thrown around. The installation of ineffective, and costly wind turbines are going up across the state. Deep pockets are ensuring votes, and land value is quickly decreasing. Animals are absent, and birds are dying. The turbines are big, loud, and bright. Residents are losing their minds.

When Ronnie Dalt, Vice President of lobbying for Maine Environmental Resources is murdered, and the rap pinned on Bucky, Pono has his work cut out for him. His appearance in Maine does not go unnoticed. His digging for answers has triggered alarms. The only way to keep political secrets secret is by getting rid of Pono any way possible.

The quest for truth has Pono not only fighting for his own life, but for the lives of those closest to him. As the net around Pono drops he is down to one last chance at turning the tables. But will it be too little, too late!

Mike Bond is a storyteller. Crisp, clean writing accompanies swift, edgy prose. The dialogue is authentic, and the characters expertly drawn. Everything about this book – from the opening until the ending – is high octane thriller. I am now a Mike Bond fan, and am anxious for more Sam ‘Pono’ Hawkins!

Phillip Tomasso,

Author of the Severed Empire Series, and

The Vaccination Trilogy