Review: Conflicted about the book
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 09 12, 2013
I have to admit, it was a good book.  That isn't to say the 'hero' (and I use that term loosely) is a nice guy or anything, but the book is well crafted.  The author knows how to flesh out a character.  You certainly are riveted to the plot, somewhat like watching a train wreck or a particularly horrible accident.  (**spoilers ahead**) You've got this ex-marine who's discharged from the corp because of his PTSD.  He's a hit man for a mob boss in Chicago.  He has absolutely not a shred of remorse or angst about killing anyone, and he's the hero.  I didn't find a lot redeeming about the book.  You might wonder why I gave it three stars.  Mainly, because I couldn't give it a 2.5. The author is talented.  The book is well written and edited.  So much is left out though.  Why is he a hit man?  Two years before he's a Lt. in the Marine corps.  He doesn't break after 18 months of torture as a prisoner.  He was selfless enough to offer to be killed in place of another prisoner who had a family, yet he comes home and suddenly is the right hand, trusted hit man for a mob boss.  None of it is explained or even hinted at.  So, no higher ranking.  If you are looking for a tortured, mentally unstable main character, then this is the book for you.  I guess I'm glad I used my prime membership to read the book, but I sure wish I had that month back.