Review: Add to your reading bucket list
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 13, 2013
A cold-blooded, heartless, psychopathic assassin is loose on the streets of Amsterdam leaving bodies behind in the pursuit of fulfilling contracts...and we love her.Reprobate - A Katla Novel opens with Katla Sieltjes, being surprised by an intruder at her most recent contract. For some reason, unknown even to her, she allows the witness to live. Throughout the rest of the novel her fascination for the blind musician turns into a developing relationship.She is then hired to perform, shall we say, a removal that is intended to foil the CIA's latest endeavor in the area. What should have been a simple, clean hit turns into a blood bath and an injured, but incensed Katla begins the search to find whomever it was that betrayed her.Author Martyn V. Halm has written an authentic feeling novel set in the Netherlands. It comes complete with a glossary to help the reader with words and phrases that are used to retain that authenticity.His knowledge of the human anatomy and ability to portray fights, killing methods and confrontational body language cause the reader a visceral response. The settings, circumstances and situations are intriguing and believable.The literal descriptions of each murder are complete to the point of feeling like you are there watching it unfold...without becoming grotesque or obscene. Well done Martyn.He apparently possesses a strong knowledge of what is required for the assassin to remain undetected and private. This is either from research, imagination or experience. Whichever it is, it is exciting to read.There is a nice separation of voices for each of the unique and eclectic mix of characters.The story arc brought questions to mind as I read - questions that I was pleased to see answered as the plot unfolded; again, showing the depth of research and accuracy of Halm's work.There was very little in the way of typos and/or formatting issues. I was curious about the repetitive use of Katla Sieltjes' name to begin chapters, but certainly there was nothing to detract from the continuous flow of the story.I'm not often prompted to give 5 stars, but I am in this case For anyone who enjoys Crime Fiction, the Katla Series is a series to put on your reading bucket list. For those who normally don't read Crime Fiction, this would be a good place to start.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."