Review: Calico Jack Walker - An Image to uphold
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 19, 2012
I found "Hot Pursuit" listed on a promotional email for free Amazon e-books and found the book description intriguing.  I've never read a police story before and thought I'd give Paul Bishop's book a try.  I was hooked from the very beginning and found it difficult to put the book down.  Jack Walker is a crusty police veteran, willing to risk his health and retirement in order to maintain his image.  The story opens with Jack in the final event of a rodeo (his hobby).  He was the all around champion last year, but is at risk of losing the title if he is not able to stay on top of the most evil bull in the world until the bell rings. His risky technique for holding on may help him win the event, but it could also cause him severe injury or the loss of his life.  "Whatever it takes" is his motto to win.Police work is not the safest job in the world and an officer will always expect to be in put in harms way sometime during his shift. Jack is ready to retire at the end of the week and his partner, Tamiko, is a rookie at the end of her probationary period. They depend upon one another for survival and develop a special bond over time; protecting and supporting each other in the face of adversity. Even if it means losing your career and pension.Together, Jack and Tamiko make a fine team - successfully taking out the bad guys.  Some of the police officers in their unit are not so lucky and find themselves on death's doorstep. It's almost over for Jack and he's finally looking toward retirement at the end of the week. A challenge from a cop in the Central Division puts all that at risk. It seems that Calico Jack Walker also holds the record for the fastest time of a squad car driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and back within the course of a work shift.  This is against policy and cause for dismissal, but to Jack Walker it is well worth the risk to keep his record intact.  A Race is scheduled during Jack's last shift as a police officer.  Some want him to fail and lose the race, thus, forfeiting his pension.  Others are supportive and will cover his back.  Tamiko, as his partner in "crime" will also be booted from the police force. Jack is confident of winning and will do whatever it takes.Once a cop - always a cop, meaning that if a crime is in progress, it is his obligation to take action and catch the perpetrators - regardless if it is in his jurisdiction or not.  When Jack and Tamiko find themselves in that situation when reaching Las Vegas, no decision is needed. They are obligated to take action even if it means to lose the race and everything else they've worked for.I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all.  Hot Pursuit will keep you on the edge of your seat - Paul Bishop has created a masterpiece.John Podlaski, authorCherries - A Vietnam War Novel