Review: D is for Dilemma
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 6, 2011
This is a fast-paced psychological thriller set between Thailand, Australia and the endless waters of the Pacific Ocean. The central character is no angel, and is fleeing from his past when he gets himself well and truly tied up with a powerful drug tsar with a penchant for mind games.At the heart of the book is the concept of the "Prisoner's Dilemma", where two players in a game can choose between two moves, either to "cooperate" or to "defect". Each player gains when both cooperate, but if only one of them cooperates, the one who defects will gain more. If both defect, both lose, but not as much as the cooperator in the second scenario.The "dilemma" sections of the book can get a bit complicated, and may cause you to stop and think it out, but the action resumes soon enough. The author also obviously knows his sailboats and yachts, and I got a little tangled in the nautical jargon whilst on my way to the final chapters.The main section of the book motors along with a few choppy moments, but the ending makes up for this in a big way. I wish however that the Epilogue had revealed more of the aftermath, instead of the quick half-page wrap up.Overall, a unique perspective on a drug-smuggling scenario with intriguing leading characters and a cast of walk-ons. It would make a great screenplay and movie.Amanda Richards, October 5, 2011