4 and 1 / 2 stars
Someone is murdering the security employees of the Ocean Duchess. Security Chief Craig Richardson returns in this novel, number three in the Manny Williams series.
Dr. Frederick Argyle returns in this book too. He is back to creating his own brand of mayhem. He is in Galway, Ireland and up to his old tricks. Detective Steve Shannon and Sergeant Detective Paddie Harris are on the case there. Shannon and Harris are interested in Argyle, but they are not sure just why.
Eleven months after the death of his wife Louise in the last book, Detective Manny Williams and his daughter Jennifer are on their way to a Caribbean cruise. Going with them are Detective Sophie Lee and forensic chief Alex Downs. Not only are they going for fun (on Jennifer’s part), but to investigate the killings of the security people for the cruise lines. Just as they are ready to leave for their flight to Miami, FBI Special Agent Josh Corner and friend calls Manny to tell him of the murder of Richardson. It seems he has become a statistic just like his cohorts at cruise line security.
The team meets up with the FBI agents and some Miami detectives in Miami. They go about setting up their investigation. With four employees of the cruise line murdered, now the pressure is increasing and the tension mounts. After Manny and Chloe’s scrutinizing of the files, they come up with a possible suspect. When that ends with somewhat mixed results, it’s time for Manny, Jen, Sophie and Alex to head to the cruise liner for their vacation adventure.
When Maddie and his wife are mutilated and murdered, Shannon vows to nail the vicious killer of so many people, not just his friends.
Enjoying the start of their cruise, Manny is interrupted by Josh and Max. Argyle has been located in Ireland and is taunting them once more.
After a frantic chase around Galway and more killings, it comes to an end.
This is a very well written and plotted novel. It is both exciting and fast paced. The writing is taut and with no wasted words. The story has its surprises and disappointments. Very well done, Mr. Murcer! I can’t wait to dive into the next Manny Williams novel!