Legacies by F. Paul Wilson

I just read the prequels to the Repairman Jack series in December.  I am now trying acquire them and read the ensuing series in order.   This Jack is more mature and more decisive than the Jack in the prequels.  This story encompasses world economics and the onset of Aids.

Jack violates a couple of his earlier rules in this book.  He gets attached to both a client and a single mom in this book.  Jack's normal reaction to bad folks is aptly illustrated in this book.  It seemed dated until I read the copywrite of 1998.   Some themes are timeless and sadly in this book, their are a couple of disturbing themes than continue to plague us.

There is plenty of action and if you have an Old Testament attitude toward retribution you are going to devour this series.    

I recommend the book and I plan on reading more of the series.

Site:  http://repairmanjack.com/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Gods and Fathers by James Lepore

This is another excellent mystery from James Lepore. See my post of Sons and Princes review. This mystery aligns a hot tempered prosecutor against terrorists and criminals in an attempt to save his alienated son, ex-wife and new girlfriend from death and destruction.

Matt DeMarco is a good protagonist. He isn’t perfect, he has trouble controlling his temper and he has problems with relationships. In other words, his characterization is eminently believable. Pristine, perfect protagonists are no fun as they are so hard to identify with.

The story has plenty of twists and turns and a wealth of evil villains. I liked the fact that the main characters worked through their personal demons. Jade successfully faced her fears while Debra didn’t do as well. Another example of how Lepore both maintains interest in the characters but also gives a reality check that all can not be saved.

Having an old testament approach to justice myself, I appreciate Lepore’s willingness to delve out street justice in full measure. I’m aware of the rule of law and the need for it but there is some visceral satisfaction in seeing evil get it’s just deserts.

Lepore also clearly demonstrates how difficult parenting is in any circumstance, let alone in one fraught with peril.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of James Lepore

Web Site: http://jamesleporefiction.com/

Target of Opportunity by Jeffrey S. Stephens

A terrorist plot by plausible partners threatens the U.S.   Jordon Sandor of the CIA is the only thing standing between global financial chaos.

The economics of oil and resultant potential for economic blackmail give plausibility to this novel.   As an aside, this should help all of us to recognize the need for energy independence.   That may have not been the more subtle plot line but that is what I felt reading the book.

Sandor is a ruthless defender of liberty.   He is an excellent protagonist as he displays emotion and action.   The book is fast paced and the plot is complex enough to maintain interest throughout.  

The intricate nature of the plot is very well done and keeps you guessing until the end.   Mr. Stehphens does an excellent job portraying an able weapon but loose canon in the character of Sandor.  His irreverence is endearing but I suspect in the real world of bureaucratic nonsense, he would end up on the street. 

Sandor is a worthy James Bond clone with skills and warmth abounding.  He comes across as real which is often a difficult characterization.   Sadly the only downside to the book is the likelihood that some demented soul out there is striving to perpetrate a similar scenario in real life.

I recommend it.

Body of work of Jeffrey S. Stephens

Web Site: http://jeffreystephens.com/