Kill Me If You Can by James Patterson and Marshall Karp

Matthew Bannon, an aspiring artist, runs afoul of the Russian mob and some it’s most heinous contract killers. 

Say what you will about the formula aspects of Patterson’s work, I still love it.  I remember my first experience with an L-1 Vette, the slam of the gears and the sheer joy of the speed.   This book is reminiscent of that feeling.  With a pop of the clutch, you have difficulty breathing until that millisecond of air as you shift.   The characters were either exceptionally despicable or eminently loveable.  Sure it is a book of exclamation points but it is fun!  You are treated to a tour of the world, some dumps and some stellar spots.  

The comrade ship of the Marines was also likeable.  I’m lucky enough to have some Marines as friends, I am aware there are no ex-Marines, only those not currently on active duty.   Semper Fi sadly is not the hallmark of our nation any more but luckily there are still people out there who do their damndest to keep us honest and free. (In spite of the sewage like aspects of our elected officials, note I didn’t spare any political affiliation, sadly it seems like whatever stripe they claim, it all ends up on their back and they smell like skunks.)  However I digress but in all fairness, it is my blog and I’ll cry if I want to. (age related humor)

This is an exciting book, expect to devour it in several hours, it isn’t a book that needs a lot of pondering but it was darn good fun.

I highly recommend it.

Body of  work of James Patterson</a>

Body of  work of Marshall Karp</a>

 Site: http://www.jamespatterson.com/books

Executive Intent by Dale Brown

I’ve missed a couple of Dale Brown’s thrillers. This takes place a few years after Tin Man. An insipid president is faced with multiple international incidents and reacts with timidity. An assertive vice-president deals with the crisis with the help of retired General Patrick McLanahan.

Dale Brown keeps one foot in the present and his head and the other foot in the near future. He projects current events into the near future with often painful clarity. His stories are always loaded with action and techno-wizardry. My only criticism of this book is that recent history is referred to but not explained. If you have missed a couple of books (which I have done) you are not quite sure why some things are happening. The same thing is true with his characterizations. If you weren’t familiar with the major players you would feel left out. I think a little back story work would have improved the readability. With that said, I still enjoyed the book. It moves fast and leaves you hanging, wanting more.

I recommend the book .

Body of work of Dale Brown

Web Site