The Deep Blue Good-By by John D. MacDonald

Travis McGee is a beach bum with a talent for finding wounded birds and murderous mayhem. A charming ex-con tramautizing McGee’s neighborhood discovers that only one good man is needed to stand in his way. McGee involves himself in other peoples business and collects his lumps.

Over the years I have read as many of the John D. MacDonald Travis McGee novels as I have been able to acquire. His stories are classic, hero with a heart, diamond in the rough, private eye stories that I grew up loving. In spite of my overwhelming love of fantasy and scifi, I always made time to read the latest Travis McGee tale.

The stories are dated, the scenes are changed, the environment and mores are dramatically altered and yet the story still entertains. Timeless mysteries with an admirable protagonist.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of John D. MacDonald

Web Site: http://www.jdmhomepage.org/jdmhomepage.org/index.html

American Assassin by Vince Flynn

This is a prequel to the Mitch Rapp series. This book provides the details of what made Mitch Rapp into the man he is and what motivates his behavior. There is distinct political commentary on how we should be addressing terrorists.

Vince Flynn will never be criticized for lack of action. The book just jumps! Once gain Mitch Rapp shows his mettle. I really enjoyed the fleshing out of the details as to how Mitch became a government agent and the reasons behind that decision. The plot is right out of the daily paper. (or web)

Flynn creates memorable characters. Stan Hurley is unforgettable. The violence is graphic and not for the faint of heart.

I loved the book and I do lean in the direction of Old Testament justice which is epitomized by Mitch Rapp.

I highly recommend this book and anything else Vince Flynn writes.

Body of work of Vince Flynn

Web Site:

The Hidden Man by David Ellis

An attorney suffering agonizing, debilitating grief over a personal tragedy is thrust into defending a childhood friend against murder charges. A mysterious Mr. Smith pays a inordinate retainer for Jason Kolarich to defend his childhood buddy. Child molestation, violence, kidnapping, the mob, threats, corruption are all a part of this outstanding mystery.

Jason’s guilt was initially annoying. The guy seemed completely unable to cut himself a break. Further reading helped to bring the perspective of the overwhelming personal tragedy clear. Accepting responsibility and guilt for other’s actions characterized Jason. I empathized with his proactive approach to being threatened. We all are susceptible to the flight or fight syndrome and when loved ones are threatened, overwhelming, massive retaliation seems reasonable. The overwhelming revulsion toward child molestation explained the overt behavior of many of the characters.

Ellis did a terrific job on creating his characters. It was inspiring to see Jason pulling himself out of the morass of grief onto the path of tepid sunlit normalcy. The fruits of the mystery tree did not fall prematurely; Ellis let them ripen slowly keeping a tense interest throughout the book. This is one darn good story.

I highly recommend this book. Jason Kolarich’s climb off the sliding board of despair would be a sufficient reason to read the book, the nail biting mystery and resolution of issues were a delightful bonus.

Body of work of David Ellis

Review: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Hidden-Man/David-Ellis/e/9780399155796

Web site: www.davidellis.com/

Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn

If you are into Old Testament justice, you will love Vince Flynn’s work. In an action laden format, set as about as current as you can get in today’s world, Mitch Rapp is an “out of control” CIA operative who takes terrorism very, very personally. Flynn’s Mitch Rapp makes John Wayne look like a reticent sissy. He believes in himself and his country and hates politicians. This is a very sobering book on the intricacies of the Middle East political arena. I have read Flynn, I have been able to find. I have enjoyed them all, this is no exception.

Body of work of Vince Flynn

Review: http://www.bookreporter.com/reviews2/9780743270410.asp


Web Site: http://www.vinceflynn.com/protectanddefend.html