[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
Dex has retired to California. He plays in bar bands when he finds one he clicks with. And he did. That’s how he got the comped room at the Hotel Tremaine. It was supposed to be a relaxed night in a luxury room. But then he spotted the sniper.
Thwarting the kidnapping plot is almost easy compared to what’s next. The near-victim is a hugely influential person in a multi-national corporation. And she’s been investigating some questionable things at her company. But that just means she’s angered people who are willing to do anything to see their scheme come to fruition.
Review
Fans of Baldacci and Hurwitz should not miss The Gatekeeper. I got a kick out of Dex as the hero. He’s tough and smart and makes do much of the time with whatever’s at hand. And he makes hash of the bad guy plans along the way. It was enjoyable to read!
The scheme is contemporary – the author anchors the story so it could happen today. He mentions American politics from the last 6 years as well as making a passing reference to the pandemic. The scheme is also intricate, making for a meaty story. The pacing is well done. I never felt like things were dragging or being drawn out or that the plot points were unnecessarily convoluted. This is more violent and gruesome at times – along the lines of Jack Reacher or Orphan X – than what I usually read. But fans of thrillers like those I mentioned should find a lot here to enjoy. (Language, references to sex, references to sexual assault, violence, suicide)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥*
*♥♥♥♥ = Great!