Review: I couldn't put it down!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 10, 2013
Even before I started reading this book I was sure I would like it. The description had convinced me it was my type of thriller. Well, let me tell you: I didn't only like it; I loved it! "The Devil's Necktie" is a well-written novel, with just the right amount of suspense, violence, realism, and twists and turns to keep you glued to the pages. But what I liked most was that I could see the action unfold like a movie, which completely disconnected me from the outside world, and took me right beside the characters.Jack Bertolino is a retired inspector who is trying to live a normal, peaceful life, away from the world of cops, criminals and drug dealers. When a confidential informant whom he worked with before calls him and tells him they need to talk, Jack has a feeling that his new-found peace won't last for long. After all, Mia is one of the most beautiful and intelligent women he's ever met, so how could he refuse to see her? After he spends the night with her, he finds out that she is in need of protection. Unfortunately, he has no idea how bad it is, and he leaves her alone in the house only to find her dead half an hour later. To make things worse, he becomes the prime suspect.Jack is a very likeable character. He thinks and acts fast, he is always one step ahead, and he is determined to find the one responsible for Mia's death. It was also nice to see him as a father who is trying to spend more time with his teenage son now that he is retired. He is proud of Chris, and the relationship they have is quite special. All these aspects make Jack a realistic and complex character that readers will easily relate to.Another thing that I liked was how the story is written from different points of view. It was interesting to see the facts through the dealers' eyes. Don't worry, this won't help you solve the case faster. The author has a great talent when it comes to building up the suspense and structuring the narratives in such a way that everything makes perfect sense at the end. If you like crime novels, you will love "The Devil's Necktie", trust me. It will take you by surprise.