Purgatory

Starred review from September 2, 2013
Edgar-finalist Bruen’s excellent 10th Jack Taylor novel (after 2011’s Headstone) finds the Irish PI looking upon the sights of Galway with now-sober if ever-wistful eyes—but a serial killer wants him to come out and play. Signing invitations to Jack as “C33,” the mysterious figure inflicts vigilante justice on other murderers and scumbags. “A Dexter with an Irish lilt... C33 had honed the art of reprisal in the States, an equal killer land of opportunity.” For once, with a possible new woman in his life, Jack isn’t interested, and stays aloof from the crimes, much like a soul lost in purgatory. But when his former drug-dealer friend, Stewart, picks up the challenge, all hell breaks loose. Bruen maintains his trademark hip references and highly poetic style, but fans expecting the usual are in for some shock therapy, as he busts out one series-changing surprise after another. Agent: Lukas Ortiz, Philip G. Spitzer Literary Agency.