Eight stars
Having revelled in my discovery of Joseph Flynn's work recently, I cannot help binge reading many of his stories. This trilogy differs greatly from other work by the author, both because he admits there are realistic aspects tied to his own family's experiences in the Second World War, and the themes presented. Flynn is a stellar storyteller and I am always eager to learn from him, which was not lost in this first novel of a war-time trilogy. I am eager to keep reading and learning more about Dan McGill, as well as those who grace the pages of this series.
Sergeant Dan McGill found himself in a great deal of trouble that summer of 1941. Working as a cop in Chicago, he did then one things he ought never to do. When 'asked' by the Mob to go on their payroll, he politely declined, making him a target for the Family. With a reputation to keep and the rumour mill starting, something would have to give to send McGill a message.
With a hit put out on him, McGill was in for a hard ride, though he was not alone. McGil's closest friend, Charlie Hart, as crooked a cop as they come, failed to get McGill to follow the rules and so he would also have to be killed. The plan was in place and now it was time to act.
While Charlie met his match, McGill was able to escape, killing three Mob men as he did so. He nabbed a massive suitcase of money next to a Mob boss and ran for cover. Carrying that three million in cash would put yet another target on his back, so Dan McGill had to disappear.
This began the hunt to find and kill Dan McGill. After storing the money in a safe location, McGill decided to disappear in plain sight. He enrolled in the military under Charlie Hart's name and used some of his past skills to earn the trust and admiration of those at the army base in South Carolina. When the US entered the war after Pearl Harbor, McGill/Hart had the ultimate chance to disappear and enter active combat, where no Mob man would ever find him. However, McGill left a few too many breadcrumbs in his wake. The deception left some in South Carolina a little upset. Enough to turn him in? Flynn does a great job with this series debut and leaves the door open for a great deal of action as the second book is ready for my reading pleasure.
Joseph Flynn's books tend to be action packed as they entertain the reader to no end. This story sets the tone for a new and unique series, at least from the Flynn novels I have read up to this point. Set in the middle of the Second World War, its characters rise to the occasion as they paint the era quite effectively. Flynn's narrative is full of a number of moving parts, all of which work well together and on their own. The grittiness of the story emerges as the story gains speed and new elements of action and intrigue find their way into the mix. While I do not tend to read books set during this time period, this piece had me quite intrigued. I am ready to keep forging ahead to see how Dan McGill and his cohort will remedy some of the issues brought up in the story's core.
I rely on a strong plot to keep me hooked to the book and this was yet again a success on Joseph Flynn's part. The story moves with various surprises throughout, some of which are to be expected, while others come out of left field. I am eager to see how some of the elements will resolve themselves and what new issues might arise, something that Flynn has done well throughout the various series of his I have taken on. I cannot wait to delve deeper in the McGill/Hart persona and how things in Europe might make the story even more exciting, with the Mob ready to take the former cop down when he least expects it.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for another great series debut that has me needing more.
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