Dead Aim : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Exciting but illogical page-turner.
Review: Thomas Perry's "Dead Aim" is the suspenseful but ultimately far-fetched story of Robert Mallon. Mallon retired at thirty-eight with a hefty bank account, an ex-wife and a great deal of time on his hands. He lives a low-key life among the affluent residents of Santa Barbara, California. Now, at forty-eight, his life has settled into a predictable rhythm.

This rhythm is disrupted when, one day, Mallon pulls a suicidal young woman out of the ocean. The woman refuses to tell Mallon her name, and not long afterwards, she disappears without a trace. Mallon has the time and money to find out the identity of this woman and he decides to hire a former colleague, Lydia Marks, to help him with his investigation. Too late, Mallon discovers that he has placed himself and Marks in grave danger by meddling in this unknown woman's affairs.

Perry's fast-paced narrative and crisp dialogue make "Dead Aim" an exciting and suspenseful thriller. Unfortunately, the truth behind the strange events that Mallon uncovers is absurd. There is one particular coincidence that will make you groan. What a shame. Perry is an extremely talented writer and Mallon is one of those good-hearted and straightforward characters whom you can't help but like. The action sequences are nicely done, but Mallon's ability to take on his enemies make him seem more like James Bond than a retired construction worker. "Dead Aim" is an enjoyable escapist novel of suspense, but you will need to suspend your disbelief over and over again as you read it.

Rating:
Summary: Exciting but illogical page-turner.
Review: Thomas Perry's "Dead Aim" is the suspenseful but ultimately far-fetched story of Robert Mallon. Mallon retired at thirty-eight with a hefty bank account, an ex-wife and a great deal of time on his hands. He lives a low-key life among the affluent residents of Santa Barbara, California. Now, at forty-eight, his life has settled into a predictable rhythm.

This rhythm is disrupted when, one day, Mallon pulls a suicidal young woman out of the ocean. The woman refuses to tell Mallon her name, and not long afterwards, she disappears without a trace. Mallon has the time and money to find out the identity of this woman and he decides to hire a former colleague, Lydia Marks, to help him with his investigation. Too late, Mallon discovers that he has placed himself and Marks in grave danger by meddling in this unknown woman's affairs.

Perry's fast-paced narrative and crisp dialogue make "Dead Aim" an exciting and suspenseful thriller. Unfortunately, the truth behind the strange events that Mallon uncovers is absurd. There is one particular coincidence that will make you groan. What a shame. Perry is an extremely talented writer and Mallon is one of those good-hearted and straightforward characters whom you can't help but like. The action sequences are nicely done, but Mallon's ability to take on his enemies make him seem more like James Bond than a retired construction worker. "Dead Aim" is an enjoyable escapist novel of suspense, but you will need to suspend your disbelief over and over again as you read it.

Rating:
Summary: Exciting but illogical page-turner.
Review: Thomas Perry's "Dead Aim" is the suspenseful but ultimately far-fetched story of Robert Mallon. Mallon retired at thirty-eight with a hefty bank account, an ex-wife and a great deal of time on his hands. He lives a low-key life among the affluent residents of Santa Barbara, California. Now, at forty-eight, his life has settled into a predictable rhythm.

This rhythm is disrupted when, one day, Mallon pulls a suicidal young woman out of the ocean. The woman refuses to tell Mallon her name, and not long afterwards, she disappears without a trace. Mallon has the time and money to find out the identity of this woman and he decides to hire a former colleague, Lydia Marks, to help him with his investigation. Too late, Mallon discovers that he has placed himself and Marks in grave danger by meddling in this unknown woman's affairs.

Perry's fast-paced narrative and crisp dialogue make "Dead Aim" an exciting and suspenseful thriller. Unfortunately, the truth behind the strange events that Mallon uncovers is absurd. There is one particular coincidence that will make you groan. What a shame. Perry is an extremely talented writer and Mallon is one of those good-hearted and straightforward characters whom you can't help but like. The action sequences are nicely done, but Mallon's ability to take on his enemies make him seem more like James Bond than a retired construction worker. "Dead Aim" is an enjoyable escapist novel of suspense, but you will need to suspend your disbelief over and over again as you read it.