Review: Highly Recommended
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 17, 2013
Smart, contemporary, tightly structured and written in a style that is both easy to read and seductive, The Guilty would serve as an excellent introduction to an author who is at the top of his game. Zandri has written a highly enticing novel that ranks among the sharpest most observed crime fiction being written. Filtered through the eyes of private investigator Jack Marconi, the narrator, the plot centres on a playboy who is into some strange erotic games, whose fiancee ends up in hospital with a head wound. Marconi digs into the relationships surrounding what appears to be a darker 50 Shades of Grey, which the novel cleverly references. The author has written not only a first rate detective story with a character who deserves literary longevity, but he has imbued it with tasteful eroticism and some profound insights into contemporary popular culture. As it delves into the underbelly of online bloggers and obsessions, the story moves gracefully between elegantly written and sharply descriptive scenes to a brilliant climax. Reminiscent at times of Don Winslow in its stylish rhythm, but with Zandri's trademark muscular hard-boiled style, this novel is an utterly compelling piece of storytelling. Once you read one Jack Marconi novel you will want to read them all.