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.