Review: The Pawn, by Steven James
Title: The Pawn (Book One of the series)
Audience: Teen to Adult
Synopsis:
FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers is hot on the trail of a serial killer at large. Using his expertise in environmental criminology, Bowers isn't interested in profiling--he tracks his perps by location, timing, and where the path of the killer intersects with the victims.
Wait, there's more! Bowers is also struggling with his personal life--the loss of his wife to Cancer, raising his teenage stepdaughter, Tessa, and certain feelings he's developing for a female agent.
Bowers' need to balance both personal and professional life intertwines with his hunt for "The Illusionist". Just when you think you may have it figured out--think again! Illusion is what this killer is all about and Bowers is all about thwarting his plans to continue killing.
First Impression:
A fair amount of background and introductive exposition, but the pace is well done. There was no "bogged down" feeling. Interest in the primary character, Agent Bowers, is created almost immediately, and before the first chapter ends the reader is just as intent on finding the killer as Bowers.
Style/Voice:
Steven James has an excellent crime thriller style and voice with his writing. Short sentences and explosive wording create an urgency and rhythm to the story, keeping the reader turning pages. Don't assume this 400-page thriller will be easy to put down or read at a snail's pace. This reader found The Pawn extremely difficult to break away from in order to make dinner or do the dishes.
Wrap-Up Reaction:
What a ride! The Pawn by Steven James is a full-throttle, edge-of-your-seat crime thriller. Don't spend time looking for handholds with this book--there are none. Possibly the best crime thriller this reviewer has had the pleasure of reading in quite some time. Grisham and Patterson have nothing on Steven James, and the characters James has created make Alex Cross feel like a cardboard cookie-cutter.
The Pawn is a must read for crime fiction enthusiasts. You won't be disappointed!
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
Published by KJ Young
Occassionally frenzied mother of a teenage daughter, KJ spends her time preparing home school assignments and trudging off to work each day. When possible, she enjoys reading Stephen King, writing fiction of... View profile
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3 Comments
Post a CommentI'm not a fan of crime fiction but I am a fan of books I can't put down. The Pawn sounds like a winner! Great review.
Sounds like a fantastic book! Definitely makes me want to hit the library.
All right already. As if I didn't have enough reading material in stacks around me I haven't gotten to. Now I need to schelp to the library and check out Steven James, who I don't think I've read, and get involved in another series. Thanks for the review, saves a lot of browsing time while I should be doing other things, like getting a life. :-) Good to read you again.
P ;-)