Wednesday 18 August 2021

BOOK REVIEW: Straight Shot.


TITLE: Straight Shot.
AUTHOR: Jack Lively
PUBLISHED BY: General Projects

Straight Shot is the first full length novel in the Tom Keeler series.
  Ex-Special Forces operator Tom Keeler is passing through the town of Alencourt in France when there is an attempt to assassinate him in a case of mistaken identity. 

This fast-paced thriller is a compulsive page-turner with tension and twists together with engaging writing giving time to get to know the characters. When the action kicks in it is frenetic, well detailed and believable.

Straight Shot delivers suspense, fast-paced action, speedy revenge and a pleasant rustic location in a quiet French backwater. It is a romp through the French countryside written in the first person with forceful prose, presented with excitement without being too long-winded. The French culture is well described and the town and countryside setting has a sense of realism. 

Brutal action scenes and plenty of wry humour complete the ‘mystery thriller’ package along with well-described, realistic action sequences and romance sections which are tastefully related. There appears to have been factual research resulting in creativity behind the story without any idle plot lines coupled with excellent characterisation and some vividly described settings. The main character is formidable and engages with interesting, likeable characters who one wants to learn more about. 

Newly retired US Air Force Search and Rescue Special Forces operator Tom Keeler belonged to a special unit, one trained for weapons, tactics, and covert operations. He’s a very dangerous man. He now has time on his hands and whilst touring Europe decides to try to find out more about his mother's early life in France. An attempt by some locals to assassinate him in a case of mistaken identity does not end well for them. Romance comes in the form of policewoman Cecile Nazari. The story is somewhat predictable but it has an enjoyable ending with an unexpected twist.

It is a really satisfying read in every respect.

Reviedwer - Anne Pritchard.


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