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EYE OF VENGEANCE is not a Max Freeman novel. It is the first standalone by Edgar Award winner Jonathon King and is an exciting read, set in a location not unfamiliar to the author -- that of a crime reporter. It has been two years since professional crime reporter Nick Mullins lost one of his twin daughters and his wife in a drink drive accident. Still unable to cope with the loss he spends his spare time stalking the culprit who has been released from prison after serving only 18 months. When a convicted murderer is killed with a single bullet, Mullins finds that the dead man was someone that he had previously featured in one of his past news stories. As he investigates the shooting he comes to realise that the killing is not a coincidence. Someone appears to be killing off every criminal that he has featured in his column. The modus operandi is a single gunshot wound to the head and any thoughts that he may have been mistaken are soon swept away when a third criminal is killed in similar circumstances. To some, the plot of EYE OF VENGEANCE might be rather contrived. However, what makes this such a good story is not only King’s writing but also his ability to portray the harrowing feelings that are interconnected with grief and loss. It is also edgy, broody, and full of poignancy. King also nicely wracks up the tension as we watch Mullins struggle to save his daughter and himself. His thoughts and feelings of vengeance are very strong and one has a real feeling of how hard it is for him not to submit to his deep-held desire to gain revenge for all that he has lost. The reader also has the added bonus of observing fascinating views of crime scenes for once from the opposite side of the fence with a reporter’s eye. His resilience and resolve are evident and Mullins is a convincing hero determined to do what is best in a difficult and traumatic situation. Certainly he's my type of guy!
Reviewed by Ayo Onatade, November 2006
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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