Review: In the words of Artie Johnson, "very interesting."
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 10, 2012
I will admit, it took a few chapters before the book truly drew me in. It was worth the wait. There are a host of characters the author needs to introduce and lay the ground work. With a little tweaking the beginning will be easier to follow, but the slow start doesn't detract from the premise.This could fall in the category of Alistair McLean or Mickey Spillane. Why? It is a good quick read and filled with non-stop action. Sometimes the action is overwhelming and requires a small break to regroup and digest what is going on.Dateline:Current. The Council of Vampires is trying to obtain a very lucrative surveillance contract to keep financing their secret order. What is not know is in order to make sure the contract is obtained, a power struggle is occurring in the hierarchy. Enter our hero (?) Leo Malone. Leo is a loner to say the least. He was banned as a sheriff for behavior unbecoming a (vampire) sheriff. He makes his living freelancing to anyone with pockets deep enough to keep his wallet full, well at least partially filled. Leo has some very expensive hobbies. His main client is a portly gentlemen, Yuri Popolovich-head of the Russian Mafia in the states. Unbeknownst to his client, Yuri is going to be introduced to the real underworld of New York City.That's a good start but there are many more main players to be contended with: a fiery disturbed female cop Castillo (who hates Leo) that will do anything to bring Leo up on charges, his computer genius(wanna be street guy) Marvin, a restless werewolf enclave, and the sultry Katherine Goldstein.The disappearancee of one Marty Goldstein (accountant to the mob and a shape shifter) is attacked and then mysteriouslydisappears.. The search for Martin is going to lead to a trail of blood, death, destruction and mayhem through the streets of New York as Leo is hired by the mob, the council and Martin's daughter to find him. What a great deal! Getting hired by three firms for one job. The thought does not escape Leo.The book is packed with sarcasm and humor that draws you into the characters. At times (like the action) it is a bit over done, but it is well warranted. You either love or hate the characters Mr. Deskin has created.In conclusion, I will be picking up another one of Mr. Deskin's books. A job and story well done.