Dene Mackenzie wraps up a fresh batch of thrillers.
MARSHALL’S LAW
Ben Sanders
Allen & Unwin
New Zealand author Ben Sanders had previous success with his first three novels when they were New Zealand fiction bestsellers.
His fourth book, American Blood, was the first to be set in the United States and television rights have been sold to a major US studio.
His follow-up novel, Marshall's Law, focuses on former undercover cop Marshall Grade, who is hiding out in California, but not for long.
Grade learns federal agent Lucas Cohen has survived a kidnapping and Cohen is Grade's ticket into witness protection.
The story involves bad characters, bumbling sidekicks and some rather nasty moments.
It is a credit to Sanders he can write with such authenticity about the American underworld and in a way which will guarantee a good read for those readers liking a bit of a thrill.
QUICKSAND
Malin Persson Giolito
Simon & Schuster Australia
Any fan of the black writings of Scandinavian authors will enjoy Quicksand, although the ending will take some deciphering.
Maja Norberg is at school in Stockholm's wealthiest suburb when she is arrested and finds herself on trial for her involvement in the massacre in which her boyfriend and best friend were killed.
The book opens with her ready to face trial after months in solitary confinement in a prison designated for the worst of women offenders. The chapters of the trial merge with the background to the massacres.
Author Malin Persson Giolito is a former lawyer who works the courtroom scenes so well it is like sitting there listening to the prosecutor and defence. The book immerses readers in the lives of the families involved and the lead-up to the killings. Top marks.
CAST IRON
Peter May
Hachette NZ
The Enzo MacLeod Investigation series of books have been reliable and thrilling reading over the years. And Peter May's latest is no exception.
MacLeod finds himself even more entangled in complicated family matters after returning to Paris to solve another murder.
As is often the case, one murder leads to several more and MacLeod is dealing with his daughters, grandchildren and ex-wives and falling in love all over again.
This is well worth a read.
SIRENS
Joseph Knox
Penguin Random House NZ
The darker side of Manchester is the subject of this book by a new author who comes with some high recommendations, including from the master of suspense, Lee Child.
This is not a happy story, however. Drugs, violence, prostitution, dirty police and politicians litter every page and you find yourself wishing someone would just turn out not to be tainted by police investigations past or present.
The main character is an undercover policeman, but it is not certain he is all that innocent. The plot is complicated but well worth persevering with.
Dene Mackenzie is ODT business and political editor.
