Book 213 - Steven James - The Pawn

I should be starting Steven James’ final Patrick Bowers novel, ‘Checkmate’, but since I didn’t remember much about this one, which I had read many years ago, I thought I would return to it and then read the last.

It has been a year since I read the prequel, ‘Opening Moves’ and for completists - Book 14 - The Rook, Book 29 - The Knight, Book 66 - The Bishop, Book 102 - The Queen and Book 147 - The King. Am so looking forward to the final one and was overjoyed to discover he has written a series of prequel novels too.

James’ writing is outstanding and his introduction to the geoprofiler and the so well realised side characters is magnificent.

A serial killer is at large and Bowers continues to be a step behind, as body after body turn up…and it is brutal…but never gratuitous.

James is wonderful at showing the burning light of right against the blackness of wrong. Twists and turns and red herrings and dead ends abound as Bowers gets closer to discovering who the killer known as ‘The Illusionist’ is…unlike other novels of a similar ilk…the killer is seemingly revealed with half a book to go…but things are never that simple as the story soon becomes very personal…and lives that are important to him are out at risk.

Mixing a cult and a series of murders by that cult from 30 years ago to a US Governor and on to serial killer who leaves clues to the next victim…which in itself is nothing new…but in this case…is just genius. ( )

1st in the Patrick Bowers series. I enjoyed this book. It had great characters and killers. The intricacies between the murders and the suspects kept me guessing. Pat is an interesting conflicted lead and his step daughter is in the background as he tries dealing with her and a recent death and trying to solve the murders. Rounding out the team is fellow agent Ralph and newcomer Lien-hua who work the case with Patrick. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series ( )

A good twisty page-turner! ( )

A roller-coaster ride of a thriller with a very interesting true backstory. I think it will make a very good movie. ( )

This is a fantastic, fast-paced thriller.
The characters are multidimensional, the antagonist is sadistic and creepy, and the real-life investigation elements are intriguing.

If you're looking for a thrill ride that will keep you engrossed to the final page, you've found it. ( )