Review: introspective paranormal action suspense
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 6, 2014
FBI agent Caitlin Diggs is an intriguing mix of paranormal investigator and analytic follower of clues in Gary Sarta’s Extreme Liquidation. Aided by a pleasingly enigmatic cat, a former ally on the force, and her partner at the agency, Deondra, she finds herself investigating crimes that might suddenly seem a lot too personal.Lots of backstory and thoughtful character analysis—appropriate in an investigator I suppose—brings readers up to speed on earlier events and relationships, leaving them ready to learn more (especially about the cat). Meanwhile nicely changing viewpoints offer a chance to see what’s behind the scenes (again, especially with the cat—I love the chapter told from the cat's point of view).When Caitlin’s visions start, the story simultaneously speeds up and slows down, allowing space for intriguing self-analysis, and lots of suspicion of evil in high places. Meanwhile evil from an ancient place stalks the protagonist, casting doubt on everything she knows, and suspicion on friends and foes.A “red thread of destiny” offers protection, while a mysterious robe brings threat. Long passages of complex introspection offer a way through both deceits. And a slightly odd mathematics “weaves ethereal and material dimensions together.” Some strange word-choices combined with careful self-analysis to slow the story down. But fast action speed it up again, while hints of Stargate’s ancients blend with higher consciousness and “fourth dimensional” ascent, and the fate of the world might hang on the distinction between vision and dream.Extreme Liquidation was a slower read than I expected, but it blends great characters with lots of intriguing ideas, and it tells a nicely complete story, making it a good introduction to the author’s Caitlin Diggs series.Disclosure: I met the author online and was pleased to find a free ecopy of this book.