One of our favorite friends is back with a new guest author review! Sue Rovens shares her thoughts on FOUR by M.J. Preston with us this week!
Enjoy and be sure to grab it from your favorite bookstore and check out Sue's work at the links following the review!!
Four by M.J. Preston
Book Review
By Sue Rovens
Four, the second and final book following the fictional serial killer, Lance Belanger, was quite a wild ride. For those who have read the first book, Highwayman (also by M. J. Preston), it will come as no surprise that the search continues for this evildoer, not only across the U.S. but also internationally as well. Connections to the dark web and underground illegal activity are highlighted.
Any serial killer, regardless of name or deed, is going to be a pathetic waste of skin. However, M.J.’s characterization of Lance takes it up a few notches. Not only does this guy kill, but he goes out of his way to inflict pain, terror, and threats on his unsuspecting victims. He ups the ante by partnering with others of the same ilk in this book, but not all goes as planned. (Note: there are mentions of child and animal killing. I skipped over the ‘animal parts’).
As the manhunt grows and the cast of police/FBI/agents increases, it’s still very plausible that finding one man (or even four) in a world as large as ours can be an almost impossible task, regardless of how well-trained and skilled the good guys are. It’s truly a wonder that anyone can be caught if they know how to cover their tracks.
Four is a strong thriller which leans heavy with police procedurals and communication channels. M.J. throws a ton of names at the reader (people in various departments, different agencies, etc.), but if you can keep your mind around a handful of the main lead officers, you’ll do fine. I don’t know one military/police tactic from another, but I didn’t get lost as far as the central story was concerned. The best parts for me were the chapters that featured Lance (and his motley crew). The illogical reasoning and personal attributes of a serial killer are quite compelling, and even though Lance is a fictional character, his motives and drive felt very true and real. M. J. certainly did his research.
Four is a definite recommendation from me. Anyone who digs stories that revolve around crime, true crime, serial killers, police, military, as well as tactical discussions should pick this up. If you haven’t first read Highwayman, do yourself a solid and check that out first. Then, finish up with a bang by reading Four.
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