Stolen Lives by Jassy Mackenzie

This book deals with the despicable practice of human trafficking.   Jade De Jong is a private detective who stumbles into a human trafficking ring.

If you are squeamish, you probably don’t want to read this book.   It is graphic and it details some pretty gruesome events.  With that said, it is a good mystery with a likeable female protagonist who survives in a Johannesburg that seems akin to the wildest days of the U.S. west. 

Jade’s characterization is excellent and Mackenzie clearly provides a detailed, colorful background and motivation.   The story jumps from the U.K. to Johannesburg and back.   Occasionally I lost track of where I was supposed to be.

I don’t know how accurate the author’s description of Johannesburg might be but it certainly provided an appropriate setting for her story.  

There is plenty of action and violence.   The book is disturbing but it is a good story and does illustrate a seamy trade that is hidden in the dark corners of our world.

I recommend it. 

Body of work of Jassy Mackenzie

Web Site: http://www.jassymackenzie.com/

The Lion by Nelson DeMille

John Corey former NYPD detective and now a member of the Anti-Terrorist Task Force faces the return of his evil nemesis, Asad Khalil, The Lion. Khalil is a terrorist assassin who has sworn to kill Corey and his wife. The ensuing confrontation is gargantuan.

John Corey details the friction and differences between the button down FBI and the gritty NYPD. This book is set in a post 9/11 situation where terrorism is faced daily. The fast paced adventure mystery is violent and engaging. I did not expect to laugh out loud but the John Corey character spouts some lines that elicited a full blown guffaw.

I’m a bit concerned that I identified so strongly with Corey’s reaction to being threatened. His actions and feelings seemed quite realistic and acceptable considering the circumstances. This book was an exciting and quite sobering read.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of Nelson DeMille

Site: http://www.nelsondemille.net/content/index.asp