The Rook

Starred review from June 2, 2008
Sophomore slump? Fuhgeddaboutit. In his second thriller about FBI criminologist Patrick Bowers, James delivers the caffeinated plot twists and intriguing characterizations that made The Pawn
a welcome addition to the suspense genre. In this installment, Bowers is called to San Diego to investigate a rash of fires, but he begins to suspect that a seemingly random kidnapping and suicide may be related to the arson attacks. As Bowers digs deeper, he uncovers a chilling biotech conspiracy. Fans of CSI
and Law & Order
will enjoy the police work and forensics, but this jacked-up read feels more like an explosive episode of 24
; it’s a wild ride with a shocking conclusion.

FBI criminologist Dr. Patrick Bowers returns in this action-packed follow-up to THE PAWN. Teamed with a profiler, Bowers investigates a series of San Diego-based fires, which lead to a hired arsonist, a secret government project, and a serial killer who films his victims as they die. Narrator Richard Ferrone delivers an engrossing, pulse-pounding performance that effectively delivers suspenseful moments. His rich, gravelly timbre brings realism to layered plot twists, and his vocal inflections distinguish the multiple characters. Listeners will find themselves catapulted into Bowers's world. Ferrone's dynamic performance is sure to please. A.L.B. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine