Blood in the Water

July 29, 2019
Set in Boston, the pseudonymous Flynn’s propulsive debut, a series launch, introduces FBI special agent Kit Steel, who’s nicknamed the Hunter for her intense sleuthing skills. Kit is laser-focused on Vincente Carpio, a psychopath who wants the police to know he’s murdering Americans as revenge against U.S. soldiers who stormed his native village in El Salvador when he was a child. Vincente also has the backing of MS-13, an uber-dangerous international criminal gang; his older brother is one of its high-ranking captains. Kit’s investigation also spins on revenge—MS-13 killed her husband and six-year-old son. To expand its reach, MS-13 turns its attention to Boston harbormaster and union chief Cormack O’Connell, who, legally and illegally, controls the city’s waterfront. To reach Cormack, MS-13 targets his 19-year-old daughter. The action-packed plot quickly escalates as international intrigue and personal betrayals intersect. Kit is a solid heroine, but the complicated Cormack emerges as the most intriguing character. Thriller fans will eagerly await the sequel. Agent: Aaron Priest, Aaron M. Priest Literary.

Narrator Dion Graham uses his full breadth of talent in delivering an action-packed thriller that weaves together several plotlines. Listeners are hooked from the start as a maniacal serial killer is being tracked down by Homeland Security agent Kit Steele. The story then shifts to Boston Harbor chief Cormack O'Connell and his battle to maintain control of the harbor and his independent teenaged daughter, Diamond. Graham successfully voices the diverse characters of Steele, MS13 gang leaders, the Southie crew of O'Connell, and Diamond. He also maintains the intensity of the drama with a strategic use of pace and varying timbre. Note: The "blood" in the title suggests the level of violence in this audiobook. E.Q. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine