Eight stars
Continuing my political thriller binge by Joseph Flynn, I sought answers within the great series and tried to settling my curiosities from cliffhangers of the previous novels. Jim McGill remains in the middle of a great deal of events, including the waning days of his wife's presidency. While preparing for a post-Oval Office life, he must be on edge, as someone has put out a hit on him. As he expands his McGill Industries PI firm to have more of an international presence, he must be ready for whatever awaits him around the corner. With a novel that tackles this and many of the other advancing plot lines, Flynn proves that he has what it takes to make the most of the reading experience.
With the presidency of Patricia Grant creeping towards its conclusion, many wonder who will replace her in the Oval Office. Two major contenders are preparing for the election, which pits Vice-President Jean Morrissey against the Senate Majority Leader, Oren Worth. As the candidates make moves to gain more favour with the electorate, there are issues the country must handle in short order. A US warship is forced to shoot down two Chinese fighter jets, creating rising tensions with China. No one is quite sure what is set o happen or how the Americans will be able to protect themselves while still currying favour of the world.
One issue that remains wedged in President Grant's mind is how her husband, Jim McGill, will be able to live through the the end of her presidency. News that a hit has been orchestrated to have him assassinated have made their way from intelligence agencies to the White House. McGill is ready, having expanded his private investigation company to be a world-wide entity, with some of the strongest people at the helm. This will require many people working every angle possible, in hopes of setting the scene for what is sure to be an explosive action, should something come to fruition.
After an attempted assassination goes sideways, McGill and those closest to him receive a clue regarding the central assassin. With a photo in hand, they rush to identify the individual, known as Tops, as well as where they will strike next. With mere months left before the next presidential election, the Chinese beat their chests and try to pull one over on the US Navy, though President Grant is ready for them. Whatever happens, the Grant Administration will not sit idly by, waiting to react. A stunning addition to the Flynn series that had me hooked from the opening pages.
Flynn has done a fabulous job at building the story up by juggling so many plot points in a single novel (and extends them from one book to the next). His narrative is not only strong, but also multi-pathed in order to push things along effectively. The foundation is strong and gains momentum as Flynn adds more to the mix, while resolving some aspects that have spanned a handful of books. Characters emerge, make their presence known, and disappear, though some are always present in order to make an impact. The core individuals provide a connection to the reader, which helps keep things on point and leaves a hunger for added development. Flynn is apt to do this, given the time and the reader's patience.
Flynn continues his technique of labelling chapters as true 'parts' of the book, while vignettes within them serve as multiple shorter chapters. This takes some getting used to, but proves to be an effective way to convey the larger narrative. Flynn scatters his narratives within each chapters and advances things with great form, though there is a great deal to remember, which forces the reader to pay close attention. While this might seem overwhelming to some, it is truly exciting and makes for a stunning story arc that expands over many novels, sometimes never leading to resolution.
These numerous plot points provide much entertainment for all involved, with themes and storylines that push political and social events forward. I am eager to the remaining novels in the series, all of which are likely to push forward new ideas and summarise others that have lingered for a great deal of time. How I could not have discovered this collection years ago, I will never be able to explain.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for another great novel.
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