Review: A challenge for Manny's team in the rainforest
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 22, 2012
When it comes to serial killers, I didn't think they came any worse than Argyle, but in this fourth installment of the Manny Williams series by Rick Murcer, "Caribbean Rain", the villain tops even Argyle. Manny and team are no longer with the Lansing PD, but have accepted positions with the FBI and have joined the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). Josh Corner is in Quantico, and he will be finishing up the paperwork to make them special agents.  Sophie, Alex, Chloe and a few new faces are present in this novel.Manny and his team think that now that Argyle is dead, the crimes can't get any worse than the ones he committed, but they are very wrong.  This killer is driven, stealthy and swift and there is no escaping his wrath.  There is a purpose to his crimes, but it isn't evident to the team until later in the story.  A subplot that deals with a drug kingpin takes the story to a more complex level and introduces characters new to the series.  The story takes place in the beautiful El Yunque National Rainforest in Puerto Rico.  Like the other Manny Williams thrillers, the setting is beautiful and the descriptions make for wonderful armchair travel while being an armchair detective.  The novel is fast-paced and very hard to put down.This reader is in agreement with a few others concerning the sexual innuendos and scenes that are more frequent and give a bit more information than I care for in Mr. Murcer's newest book.  It didn't detract from the plot or story, but the increase in this book was noticeable.  I think the lack of it in the first three books made it stand out all the more in "Caribbean Rain."  Personally, I don't remember foul language at all in "Caribbean Rain."The best thing about this book, besides its intended purpose of meeting the thriller genre, is the improvement in the complexity of the plot and giving the characters the power to solve these horrendous crimes with almost no information that Manny and his team have at the beginning.  I think the author is evolving his skills nicely with each book and although the crimes are very gruesome, I doubt that they are anything that a deranged and ill person hasn't done in real life at some point in time.I enjoyed the book and as usual, I am anxious for the next one to be released.I am also very appreciative of this author's efforts to keep in touch with his readers with news of new books and publication dates, and also at the holidays.  It is nice to know that he is mindful of our buying his books, but also appreciates us as fans and loyal readers.If readers plan to go for the Manny Williams Thriller series, it's best to start with #1, "Caribbean Moon" then #2, "Deceitful Moon" and #3, "Emerald Moon."  There is a lot of backstory that won't be known if you start with "Caribbean Rain."  They all keep you on the edge of your seat.Highly recommended.