Review: Think Triads, jewel heist and SAS and you're there!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 6, 2012
I started reading this book months ago, but I wasn't really in the mood to read a thriller, so only came back to it a few weeks ago. The title and the cover of The Violin Man's Legacy, which has a picture of a gun on it, attracted me initially. I was intrigued as to what violins and guns had in common, as I am a big lover of classical music.I love crime novels and thrillers, so thought I would give this one a go. I particularly liked that it had an international feel and as a keen traveller, I could recognise some of the places that I had been to; Amsterdam, Hong Kong, South America. I especially liked the portrayal of corruption in South America, and found that to be in keeping with what I have always imagined to be the case there.The beginning of the novel is set in Glasgow, of which I a native, so Jack's background and family history starting off in Govan also appealed to me. Of course, this is an area close to the author's heart, too, being himself from Glasgow originally. There is a very poignant moment which connects the violin and Glasgow, but you will have to read it to find out what it is!It's clear the novel has been well researched. Perhaps the author has a related background. The detail gone into with regard to the Triads, the SAS, how operations are carried out, as well as the lengths the SAS go to look after their own is second to none.Plus there's a love interest, in the form of sexy sidekick May-Ling!The almost report-like style would appeal to many, particularly, if I may say so, men (I can think of several family members and male friends who would like this book) If you enjoy books light on description, but solid on narrative, with plenty of dialogue, then this is for you.In my opinion, fans of Lee Child and Jack Higgins would enjoy The Violin Man's Legacy.