One fiery redhead in the family can be a caution. When the redhead comes in a pair it means double trouble for anyone who bets against them.
Mandy Doucette is a by-the-book corporate lawyer whose work includes vetting acquisitions. Her twin sister, Reggie, is an FBI pathologist. Both are happy in their respective comfort zones.
But things are about to change. First, Mandy senses something is wrong with a proposed acquisition. She spots a mystery behind why a major corporation made a whistleblower’s complaint disappear—along with the whistleblower.
Soon Mandy’s up to her eyeballs in trouble. She’s risking her life to stop moles from stealing American defense technology and trying to figure out who is trying to frame, then kill her. At the same time, Reggie is investigating corpses dug up in cornfields and forests. Could they be the key to what Mandy is investigating? Suddenly, Reggie’s life is also at risk.
As the sisters dig deeper and come out of their comfort zones, one thing is for certain—you don’t want to get these redheads mad. If they can stay out of the assassin’s crosshairs, they might just bring down your international conspiracy.
Ladies and gentlemen, place your bets. The twists and turns are about to begin.
Thomas Roehlk is a retired corporate attorney from St. Charles, Illinois. He worked at a variety of major international corporations, including companies in the defense sector, and businesses in consumer products, transportation equipment and financial services. He spent more than 20 years as a general counsel of a public company, and as a chief compliance officer.
Roehlk is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and John Marshall Law School, and received a Master in Management degree from Northwestern University. A devoted long-distance athlete, Roehlk has completed more than 100 marathons and ultramarathons around the world, including marathons in every U.S. state and Canadian province. In addition, he has completed ten Ironman triathlons. After 46 years in the Chicago metropolitan area, Thomas and his wife now split their time between Florida and New York.
Just finished reading. Hard to put down. Makes you wonder what is really happening in corporate america with infiltration by agents from other countries.
Thomas Roehlk's The Red Deuce thrusts protagonist Mandy Doucette into the treacherous waters of international espionage. Working as a compliance lawyer for LaSalle Enterprises, Mandy's life spirals into chaos when her job intertwines with shadowy international plots, thanks in part to her twin sister Reggie, an FBI agent. As the narrative unfolds, the sisters find themselves ensnared in a conspiracy that not only endangers their lives but also threatens to destabilize global intelligence networks and international relations.
Roehlk deftly manages the novel’s complex web of events with strategic summaries that clarify the unfolding mystery. This narrative technique proves essential as the story diverges between the sisters’ perspectives—Reggie in the field and Mandy navigating the corporate world—introducing a broad cast of characters early on. The dynamic between Mandy and Reggie adds a lighter, often humorous dimension to the narrative.
The novel skillfully incorporates business jargon to enhance its themes of corporate espionage, providing an authentic experience. While the jargon adds to the realism, it also presents an opportunity for readers to expand their vocabulary, though it may initially seem challenging to some.
The story’s pacing is one of its strengths. Roehlk skillfully maintains tension and suspense throughout. The plot, grounded in a believable mystery, advances steadily, revealing just enough to keep the reader engaged and guessing without becoming predictable. Interestingly, the reader often knows slightly more than the characters, adding an engaging layer of anticipation.
The Red Deuce is a compelling political thriller of intrigue and familial bonds, weaving a thoughtful exploration of trust and deception across the backdrop of high-stakes espionage.
Red Deuce is a very fast paced mystery novel involving two red headed twins trying to solve complicated problems with twists and turns that challenge one's imagination. Red Deuce has been my favorite 2024 read; it was a fun read leaving me wanting more. I'm hopeful Mr. Roehlk will make this a series so I can continue my journey with the twins.
I highly recommend Red Deuce for anyone who would enjoy a well written and compelling mystery novel.
Get ready for unexpected twists and turns in RED DEUCE by Thomas Roehlk, where the Doucette sisters helm an addictive new thriller series by the propulsively readable master of corporate intrigue.
In his first novel. Tom Roehlk has succeeded in turning the mundane life of a corporate attorney/compliance officer into spy thriller. Look forward to future adventures of the Red Deuce.