Fault Line

March 2, 2009
Eisler fans may miss the sleek, moody tone that distinguished his John Rain thrillers (Requiem for an Assassin, etc.) in this highly readable first in a new series introducing another assassin hero. Ben Treven, who's been assigned to Turkey in the war on terror by his secretive U.S. military unit, returns home to Silicon Valley when his younger brother, Alex, a patent lawyer in Palo Alto, gets caught in the deadly tug-of-war between the inventor of a new software encryption device and the forces of national security. The plot moves sluggishly as the author establishes character, backstory and the bitter relationships in the Treven family, but the larger problem is the novel's predictability. The brothers tangle, reconcile, romance the same woman, then the threat is neutralized\x97all on schedule. As a leading man, Ben Treven lacks John Rain's personal panache and professional aloofness. Still, Ben's warmer side gives him potential. 10-city author tour.

Rob Shapiro narrates a mystery involving a conspiracy in Silicon Valley. His portrayal of attorney Alex Treven and his brother, Ben, a black-ops assassin, makes their seven-year estrangement fully believable. After a client of Alex's is murdered, he discovers that an innovative encryption program has been compromised. When a patent clerk involved with the product dies and Alex is attacked at home, he is forced to ask Ben for help. Shapiro fully portrays Alex's desperation as he is forced into hiding. Even his portrayal of Alex's legal associate, Sarah Hosseini, is gritty and realistic. But even though Shapiro's narration is excellent, it can't make up for a disappointing plot. The novel's combination of high action and portraits of family dysfunction distorts the story and confuses the listener. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine