A fast moving modern thriller that kept me entertained from the outset.
Henry Keen is unfortunately the epitome of modern day America- he goes on a rampage, shooting several innocent bystanders in a shopping mall just because he feels wronged by one of the shop assistants an ex girlfriend who had dumped him.
Sean is by chance shopping at the time and uses his skill and concealed weapon to take Henry down and save the situation from being much worse. He is a hero and his face is plastered all over the news although he leaves before the police can speak to him.
However it is not just the police that want to find him: Sean is being pursued by an old friend’s brother, Jimmy, who blames Sean for his brother, Cole’s death. He believes in an eye for an eye: he a small time gangster and will stop at nothing to get even. Sean has been hiding for 6 years but it now seems like matters are coming to a head.
Sean and Molly, his girlfriend, also stole from a crooked art dealer and he wants to have “his property” returned. He sends two ex cops in pursuit once he realises what has happened and he sees Sean on TV.
Sean’s good deed turns into a nightmare as he and Molly are pursued across America by Jimmy and Adam Khadduri the crooked art dealer.
The narrative is told from different viewpoints- Sean’s, Molly’s Jimmy’s and the police detective’s.
This is a compelling read that examines motivations and also how people change. Sean is basically a good person although he has made a few mistakes in his life. The reader gradually learns Sean’s back story through a series of flashbacks.
He has saved people in the army and is still haunted by Cole, his best friend who died. He sees him everywhere and speaks to him throughout the novel. It is almost as if Cole is living on through Sean, he is his conscience and advisor, particularly when Sean is in difficulty.
This is a great read which kept me on the edge of my seat. I certainly didn’t guess how it was going to end!
This was my first Harry Dolan novel but it certainly won’t be my last!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.