Eight stars
First and foremost, a large thank you to Blair Denholm for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always eager to reach for another book in Blair Denholm's Jack Lisbon series, I jumped at the chance to read the latest instalment. As Denholm has crafted his protagonist over the last number of novels, he is ready for a new chapter in his life. Returning to the U.K. for his ex-wife's funeral, Jack is now in charge of their daughter, Skye. During a side trip to Portugal, they witness a shooting aboard a tram one night and Jack's expertise is used to help with the investigation. Torn between his love of investigating and the new-found responsibilities towards Skye, Jack Lisbon tries to balance it all. Back in the country of his ancestors, Jack discovers new mysteries of his own, Denholm does well with this piece and keeps the reader hooked until the very end.
After attending his ex-wife's funeral in the United Kingdom, Detective Jack Lisbon now has full custody of his daughter, Skye. Precocious and full of life, Lisbon decides they will take a detour to Portugal before returning the Australia. While in the country's capital, Detective Lisbon and Skye find themselves in the middle of a targeted shooting of a university student while travelling on a local tram.
As panic ensues, Lisbon makes she that his daughter is safely taken to his relatives before making his way to the police to offer his assistance. It would seem the victim was a part-time journalist who had been stirring the pot quite effectively. While Detective Lisbon does not have the jurisdiction to work the case, he is taken in as a consultant of sorts, hoping that his expertise can aid in finding the killer swiftly.
As suspects emerge, Lisbon will have to pare them down and get to the root of the assassination. Who would want to kill a young woman who appeared only to be reporting the news, as she saw it? When Lisbon is attacked, one can only wonder if this was a sign to stay away from the case, or a warning that more is to come.
While juggling time with Skye and trying to catch a killer, Lisbon realises that his life has changed significantly now and his priorities must shift as well. While you can take the detective out of Australia, you cannot take the detective out of Jack Lisbon. Forging ahead, Lisbon promises Skye that he will be careful, but cannot let one of Portugal's most baffling investigations slip through his fingers. Denholm tells quite the story here and is sure to impress the reader.
While I have never shied away from a Blair Denholm novel, I have also never had an issue with his narrative style. Full of grit and quick dialogue, Denholm knows how to paint a picture that is well worth the reader's time. Keeping things gritty and always evolving, the story moves along with a strong narrative foundation, building from there as time progresses. The momentum is never lost and the reader is able to see things through Jack Lisbon's eyes.
The character development of Jack Lisbon appears to have waned in this, the seventh novel. However, with the full-time parenting being thrust upon him, Lisbon will have to amend his style and this shines throughout in the novel. Lisbon adapts as best he can, but has trouble separating family life and professional responsibility when murder is on the table. This is sure to be the start of an intriguing new development angle that Jack Lisbon must address.
Plot points are key to keeping the reader hooked. While Lisbon is away from Australia, he has not lost the ability to attract action and detective work. Denholm is able to fashion both of these effectively and keep the reader engaged until the very end with ideas that some may not have seen coming. I am eager to see what's next and how Jack Lisbon will handle being full-time dad in a series that has never lacked for action.
Kudos, Mr. Denholm, for a great addition to the series and new story arcs to come.
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