The Bricklayer

Michael McConnohie's sturdy, self-confident voice is well suited to this thriller about a former FBI agent who is brought into a complex case because of his ability to understand the criminal mind--and his willingness to work outside the rules. Steve Vail left the bureaucracy of the FBI in favor of the independence of bricklaying. But he reluctantly agrees to track down the dangerous gang that is extorting money from the FBI and killing high-profile civilians. McConnohie's consistently masculine narration adds credibility to Vail's personal moral code, but his almost-completely straight delivery renders some of the dialogue confusing. Vail's impressive ability to overcome a series of twisted traps is somewhat implausible, but entertaining. N.M.C. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

November 2, 2009
The pseudonymous Boyd, a former FBI agent, fails to bring much convincing insider information to his debut, a routine thriller. FBI deputy assistant director Kate Bannon tracks down Steve Vail, a maverick FBI agent who left the bureau for a new life as a Chicago bricklayer, because she needs Vail's help in apprehending a criminal gang, the Rubaco Pentad, with a grudge against the FBI. The Pentad follows up the murder of L.A. reporter Connie Lysander, who wrote a story critical of the FBI, with ever-increasing demands for money from the bureau to forestall future killings and the setting of sophisticated death traps. When an agent disappears while making a payoff to the gang, he becomes a prime suspect, despite Vail's reservations. Predictable plot elements include the hero's incredible escapes from peril and the growing romantic bond between the laconic Vail and the attractive Bannon. The identity of the person behind the Pentad will surprise few.