|
Atlantic Monthly, Jul 2004, 24.00, 355 pp. ISBN: 0871139200 Octogenarian Cora Mulheisen and others protest an environmental outrage outside a Detroit suburban courthouse when a bomb explodes. Cora is unconscious and taken to the hospital. Her son, Detroit Police department Detective Sergeant Fang Mulheisen retires to care for his mother. Homeland Security Task Force Lieutenant Colonel Vernon Tucker tries to recruit him to join his team looking into the bombing, but Fang says no though once his mom heals he has plans to learn the truth. In Montana, Joe Service, retired from the mob, plans to lead a simple life with his lover Helen Sedlacek. However, his domestic tranquility is interrupted when he learns that an informer he failed to kill is coming for him and his beloved. Cora begins to recuperate, but remembers little from that day. Still, Fang realizes she could be a target since she witnessed much of the tragedy. He decides to go after who he believes is his mom's enemy. To keep Helen safe, Joe decides to confront the informer away from her. While Tucker manipulates people including Joe and Fang, they converge on terrorist Martin Parvis Luck, their apparent mutual enemy. The latest Mulheisen mystery is an action-packed, often humorous antiterrorism tale. The fast-paced story line contains intriguing heroes battling with one another as much as with their common foes. The skirmishes between Fang and Joe are delightful as both needs the other to succeed yet neither can trust a person from the opposite side of the law. Though the villains seem more suited for the Keystone Cops, Jon A. Jackson joyfully jolts his audience with this fine thriller. Harriet Klausner | ||
|
Plot & Themes Tone of story - suspenseful (sophisticated fear) Time/era of story: Spying/Terrorism Thriller Yes Cloak & Dagger Plotlets: Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book descript. of violence and chases - 10 % Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40 % How society works & physical descript. (people, objects, places) - 10 % Who's the terrorist enemy here? Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Ethnicity/Race Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: Motive of antagonist - power How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters Setting United States Yes The US: - Midwest Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths Amount of dialog - significantly more dialog than descript |
||