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A Ghostly Shade of Pale (The Michael Parker Series Book 3): Under Contract with X-G Productions
The divergent elements of a Southern Gothic nightmare converge and occupy the same stage in A Ghostly Shade of Pale where all the history files on a bygone era are ripped open and rewritten. The violent and dark conflicts of a Mississippi in transition in the 1970s unfold as the players find themselves trapped in games of murder, betrayal, the macabre, and the supernatural. Michael Parker comes of age as the tranquility of the old South is shattered by the Vietnam War, civil unrest, assassinations, political corruption, and a wave of drug abuse that brings the first war on drugs to his front door. A chain of events leads him to become an unlikely player in a game of international intrigue and a clandestine struggle for the soul of America. He leaves Ole Miss to enter a world he does not understand as an agent for the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics where he encounters Fredrick Hammel, a ghostly pale sadist and Satanist who suffers from albinism and psychosis. With eyes so red they appear to bleed, Hammel becomes Michael's obsession and tormentor as he quotes the Satanic Bible and leaves a trail of bodies across the South. Mississippi’s crop duster airfields become launching pads for smugglers hired by rogue elements of intelligence agencies to smuggle guns into Central America and to return with drugs to finance black operations, shaping what they call the "Real America." They employ Fredrick to manipulate protests against the war and as a contract assassin. They realize too late that his loyalties are not to them or to the communists he also manipulates as a double agent but to the voices in his head that speak to him incessantly. An uneasy and complex alliance between these shadowy figures, organized crime bosses and corrupt politicians form a matrix where Fredrick indulges his madness, slimy Mississippi politicians nurture their deviancy, and snipers ambush Michael and his agents on frozen fields of regret. A deadly game of cat and mouse threatens the life of the woman Michael loves, loses, and finds again as she washes down black beauties with champagne in the seamy Memphis nightclubs of the Dixie Mafia. Parker, a modern paladin in search of just causes and dragons to slay, is a cop-philosopher commenting on the world in which he travels as he awakens at the age of twenty-six to find that the whole of his life—his notion of right and wrong and of good and evil—was all a lie. The plan to alter America filters down to and corrupts the system at all levels and claims the lives of those who could never know or imagine the origin of their demise. It all comes unraveled in the madness of Fredrick and the conflicted state police agent who unwittingly becomes the fly in the ointment to machinations he cannot begin to grasp until he is forced to fight for his life and the lives of those he loves against enemies seen and unseen.
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
32 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
About the author
Merle Temple
14 books34 followersMerle Temple, a native of Tupelo, Mississippi, came of age in the South in the wake of Elvis, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War. He worked for the FBI in Washington before returning to Mississippi to earn two degrees at the University of Mississippi where he would later receive the Distinguished Alumni award.
One of the first "New Centurions," as they dubbed the first wave of college criminal justice graduates, he signed on with a new agency, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics which was created to mirror the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) when Nixon declared his “War on Drugs.”
A graduate of the DEA academy and the New England Institute of Management as class president, he went deep undercover and infiltrated drug distribution cells as and was held hostage by dealers who planned to kill him. As an investigator, he uncovered a conspiracy to use drug profits to corrupt local officials, and in the aftermath of a raid on the headquarters of a Dixie Mafia syndicate, a conspiracy emerged to assassinate him, and he was lured out by two contract killers in a standoff near Memphis.
He eventually became the first Captain in the Bureau and at the forefront of holding the line against a plan by politicians and organized crime to undermine the MBN, the nation's top state drug agency.
Striking at organized crime elements who were distributing high grade heroin to college students, he and his agents were ambushed by a sniper protecting a heroin deal. A pitched gun battle ensued with the dealers whose syndicate had local police protection.
He was appointed Special Internal Affairs investigator of the plan to infiltrate the MBN with agents loyal to a political order sympathetic to organized crime. He left the MBN as retribution became intense against him as a result of the investigation, even as extralegal wiretap specialists began to tap his phones.
He was appointed as Bell System Security Manager in Mississippi, and advised to refuse all interview requests by the media. He became active in political campaigns as State Criminal Justice Chairman for Ronald Reagan, hosted the White House Deputy Drug Czar at his home, and crossed paths with U.S. Presidents, members of Congress, ambassadors and heads of state.
He was promoted to Business Manager, Long Range Planning Manager and eventually to District Manager for External Affairs where he coordinated public relations and lobbied for telecom legislation and economic development.
U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell named him Drug Free Georgia Chairman, and Merle became a high profile fundraiser and board chairman for many nonprofits, Chairman of the Quality Council, a business league in Georgia, and the subject of a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
He received numerous awards from BellSouth and the nonprofits he chaired, and was a sought after speaker and writer, an adjunct criminal justice instructor, and was appointed to a national panel setting education standards for schools across the nation.
Always at the eye of the storm, Merle managed a reformer’s campaign against an incumbent state representative in what was called "the biggest political upset in Georgia in fifty years." After many threats related to that campaign from politicians, media moguls angry at the defeat of their ally, and executives within BellSouth, he chose to retire early.
He was nominated for a Federal appointment as U.S. Marshall. That fell through with the sudden death of his friend, Senator Coverdell, and he accepted an appointment as Georgia Deputy Superintendent of Education for Legal, Public Relations, Transportation, Buildings, and the Constituent Call Center.
This led to a confrontation with both political parties and the White House as they conspired to divert millions of federal dollars to illegal uses--a time that would change his life.
His life has provided endless fodder for books. A Ghostly Shade of Pale is based on hi
One of the first "New Centurions," as they dubbed the first wave of college criminal justice graduates, he signed on with a new agency, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics which was created to mirror the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) when Nixon declared his “War on Drugs.”
A graduate of the DEA academy and the New England Institute of Management as class president, he went deep undercover and infiltrated drug distribution cells as and was held hostage by dealers who planned to kill him. As an investigator, he uncovered a conspiracy to use drug profits to corrupt local officials, and in the aftermath of a raid on the headquarters of a Dixie Mafia syndicate, a conspiracy emerged to assassinate him, and he was lured out by two contract killers in a standoff near Memphis.
He eventually became the first Captain in the Bureau and at the forefront of holding the line against a plan by politicians and organized crime to undermine the MBN, the nation's top state drug agency.
Striking at organized crime elements who were distributing high grade heroin to college students, he and his agents were ambushed by a sniper protecting a heroin deal. A pitched gun battle ensued with the dealers whose syndicate had local police protection.
He was appointed Special Internal Affairs investigator of the plan to infiltrate the MBN with agents loyal to a political order sympathetic to organized crime. He left the MBN as retribution became intense against him as a result of the investigation, even as extralegal wiretap specialists began to tap his phones.
He was appointed as Bell System Security Manager in Mississippi, and advised to refuse all interview requests by the media. He became active in political campaigns as State Criminal Justice Chairman for Ronald Reagan, hosted the White House Deputy Drug Czar at his home, and crossed paths with U.S. Presidents, members of Congress, ambassadors and heads of state.
He was promoted to Business Manager, Long Range Planning Manager and eventually to District Manager for External Affairs where he coordinated public relations and lobbied for telecom legislation and economic development.
U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell named him Drug Free Georgia Chairman, and Merle became a high profile fundraiser and board chairman for many nonprofits, Chairman of the Quality Council, a business league in Georgia, and the subject of a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
He received numerous awards from BellSouth and the nonprofits he chaired, and was a sought after speaker and writer, an adjunct criminal justice instructor, and was appointed to a national panel setting education standards for schools across the nation.
Always at the eye of the storm, Merle managed a reformer’s campaign against an incumbent state representative in what was called "the biggest political upset in Georgia in fifty years." After many threats related to that campaign from politicians, media moguls angry at the defeat of their ally, and executives within BellSouth, he chose to retire early.
He was nominated for a Federal appointment as U.S. Marshall. That fell through with the sudden death of his friend, Senator Coverdell, and he accepted an appointment as Georgia Deputy Superintendent of Education for Legal, Public Relations, Transportation, Buildings, and the Constituent Call Center.
This led to a confrontation with both political parties and the White House as they conspired to divert millions of federal dollars to illegal uses--a time that would change his life.
His life has provided endless fodder for books. A Ghostly Shade of Pale is based on hi
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 14, 2013
I have just begun this book but it pulled me in from the start. I'm intrigued & can already tell it is going to be a most enjoyable read.
June 13, 2013
A fast paced, succinct thriller. Set in the Halcyon days of the late 60's - of Vietnam; free love and deadly mind altering substances. It chronicles the rise of Michael Parker, from young, earnest Drug Enforcement Agent, and his journey through the subterranean world of the drug culture; to a wiser, more cynical captain of his own team of dedicated soldiers in the war on Drugs. Temple had a long and distinguished career in this field, which no doubt provided him with ample anecdotal material for the story. His prose is fluid and engaging. This is a first novel to be proud of. Barbra-Lee.
June 19, 2013
Great book ! The descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was there in person.
Very interesting.
I just didn't realize all the under -the- table deals existed.
Looking forward to the next two books !
Merle, you did good !
Very interesting.
I just didn't realize all the under -the- table deals existed.
Looking forward to the next two books !
Merle, you did good !
October 3, 2014
Oh my! I'm at a loss as to how to describe this book. The words that come to mind are "hot mess," but almost everyone else who read it gave it 4 or 5 stars. I'm trying to figure out why they liked the book.
An older friend in Memphis is a friend of the author's mother. Several months ago my friend, who is originally from Tupelo, invited me to go to Tupelo with her to the author's book signing. She told me that he was a better writer than John Grisham, who lives nearby in Oxford, MS.
The event was enjoyable and the author seemed to be a nice man so I was rooting for his book. The author is retired from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. He said that this book recounted some of his experiences. I'm not sure how true to life it is since the author was happily married for many years before his first wife died following an illness and the main character in this book is not married, partly because he devotes his life to his job.
Temple makes the mistakes that many new authors make--using way too many adjectives and long words when a short word would do. This is the introduction for the main character of the book: "Michael Parker, a young adventurer roaming the lush green woods and limpid streams of Parker Grove. . ." Temple describes Michael's relationship with Dixie Lee: "She brought the music that his temporal ears couldn't chart and stirred in him an emotional conflict that clouded his mind and confused his language. He was in love."
The first chapter of the book begins with the violent murder of Reggie Morris. The rest of the book takes us through Michael's life and we learn why Reggie was killed. The first chapter got my attention, but as I read the next two or three chapters, I quickly lost interest in the book and decided not to finish it. I started to write my review when I saw that everyone else liked it so I decided to give it another chance and I finished it.
The book got better as it went on, but the author couldn't seem to decide if he was writing a drug enforcement mystery thriller or a religious tract. We read about drug deals, murders, and all kinds of other illegal activities while the main character is trying to find religion. The two themes didn't mesh together well for me.
By the time I got through the convoluted story to Reggie's murder at the end of the book, I had to go back to read the first chapter again to remind myself how the book started.
I think I'll stick to John Grisham's books. Thankfully, my friend has not asked what I thought of the book.
An older friend in Memphis is a friend of the author's mother. Several months ago my friend, who is originally from Tupelo, invited me to go to Tupelo with her to the author's book signing. She told me that he was a better writer than John Grisham, who lives nearby in Oxford, MS.
The event was enjoyable and the author seemed to be a nice man so I was rooting for his book. The author is retired from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. He said that this book recounted some of his experiences. I'm not sure how true to life it is since the author was happily married for many years before his first wife died following an illness and the main character in this book is not married, partly because he devotes his life to his job.
Temple makes the mistakes that many new authors make--using way too many adjectives and long words when a short word would do. This is the introduction for the main character of the book: "Michael Parker, a young adventurer roaming the lush green woods and limpid streams of Parker Grove. . ." Temple describes Michael's relationship with Dixie Lee: "She brought the music that his temporal ears couldn't chart and stirred in him an emotional conflict that clouded his mind and confused his language. He was in love."
The first chapter of the book begins with the violent murder of Reggie Morris. The rest of the book takes us through Michael's life and we learn why Reggie was killed. The first chapter got my attention, but as I read the next two or three chapters, I quickly lost interest in the book and decided not to finish it. I started to write my review when I saw that everyone else liked it so I decided to give it another chance and I finished it.
The book got better as it went on, but the author couldn't seem to decide if he was writing a drug enforcement mystery thriller or a religious tract. We read about drug deals, murders, and all kinds of other illegal activities while the main character is trying to find religion. The two themes didn't mesh together well for me.
By the time I got through the convoluted story to Reggie's murder at the end of the book, I had to go back to read the first chapter again to remind myself how the book started.
I think I'll stick to John Grisham's books. Thankfully, my friend has not asked what I thought of the book.
January 24, 2015
I was anxious to read this book, first of all, because Merle hails from my home state, and second because the book sounded like one I would enjoy.
I read, with relish, every word, wanting to learn the ending, yet not wanting it to end.
A Ghostly Shade of Pale easily garnered my five star rating, and I look forward to reading more compelling stories written by Merle Temple. Read it....you will not be disappointed! !
I read, with relish, every word, wanting to learn the ending, yet not wanting it to end.
A Ghostly Shade of Pale easily garnered my five star rating, and I look forward to reading more compelling stories written by Merle Temple. Read it....you will not be disappointed! !
January 27, 2015
This book is a MUST read!! I could not put it down. The author's descriptive language is what draws you in. The book is thrilling and full of suspense. I can't wait to read the sequel, "A Rented World."
June 20, 2013
Wonderful, thrilling read! You won't want to put it down.
June 22, 2013
This is a great summer read, heck it's a great all year read. I grabs you and sucks you in and you can't put it down.
September 7, 2014
This book really surprised me. Not at all what I normally enjoy to read but was extremely difficult to put down. Looking forward to Rented World.
September 14, 2014
Fabulous book! It grabs you and you're in for a wild ride! Can't put it down. Can't wait for Merle Temple's next book!
February 17, 2015
In the end, I did enjoy the book. Looking at my timeline of reading it would seem as if I didn't. To be fair to the author it was personal time frame that kept me from reading. Once I truly got into reading it I enjoyed it. Very vivid descriptions. Truly felt as if you were in the scenes. Based on events from the authors service in the Bureau of Narcotics. I actually met the author at a book signing in Tupelo. He was setting up his booth. I had not heard of him yet and he spent time telling me more of his life and writing. He touches on many aspects in his writing: love, loss, good, evil, effect of your past or current life, life searching, reflection, friendships good and bad. He details the drug life and the destruction that life causes in this thriller. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Temples novels. As a side note, it's always fun to be able to visualize the setting when you've been there.
January 22, 2015
Merle Temple's first book took the South by storm. The Barnes and Noble store that serves Northeast MS., Western Alabama, and Southwest Tennessee, certified A Ghostly Shade of Pale as their all time bestselling novel. A local college just announced that they had selected it as required reading for all English students. This is a history of Mississippi and the drug wars of the 1970's. So many threads in the book dealing with the times, good intentions gone awry, corrupt politicians, the end of the war, what ifs, and a tragic love story as backdrop. Michael Parker is searching for truth and for love, and finds that to be a daunting task in what he calls a rented world in his second book. Waiting lists in libraries are long to read this book. It is one to read and read again to mine all the pearls of literature along the way.
December 15, 2014
If you are looking for a great read filled with crime-fighting, danger, corruption, organized crime, a glimpse of the supernatural - and NO vile language or sexually explicit content, then you NEED to read this book!!! It is the story of one man's journey as an agent for the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics in the 70s. Although it is fictional, it is heavily based on Merle Temple's actual experiences. The author's descriptive language will give you all you need to visualize every scene as if you were a spectator. Take a few hours and invest it in a true reading adventure - A Ghostly Shade of Pale. And then move on to the second book in the proposed trilogy, A Rented World.
December 15, 2014
If you are looking for a great read filled with crime-fighting, danger, corruption, organized crime, a glimpse of the supernatural - and NO vile language or sexually explicit content, then you NEED to read this book!!! It is the story of one man's journey as an agent for the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics in the 70s. Although it is fictional, it is heavily based on Merle Temple's actual experiences. The author's descriptive language will give you all you need to visualize every scene as if you were a spectator. Take a few hours and invest it in a true reading adventure - A Ghostly Shade of Pale. Then move on to A Rented World, the next installment in the author's proposed trilogy.
January 26, 2015
This book is written as literature. It is one to keep in your library after you've read it more than once. You will want to return to quote some of the passages and use quotes that Temple employs from some of the great classics. It is so vivid, and he is so descriptive in his writing and proves that the use of profanity and explicit sex is never necessary to paint images that will stay with you. His near death experiences as a drug agent will haunt you and the villain will scare you. I attended his signing in Memphis at Barnes and Noble where he set records for number of books signed, and this book is a favorite in the library of the 20,000 member Bellevue Baptist in Memphis.
November 8, 2014
I have read a lot of books, but this is the BEST book I've ever read. It helps that he is from Tupelo. I know a lot of the places he mentions, but the best part is that the story is based on things that really happened to him. It is an exciting book--filled with suspense and romance--with even a little ELVIS thrown in. You can't beat that. Merle is a master of crafting words. He is also a great guy. I have met him. You can't go wrong with this book!
May 27, 2015
This book received a 5 star rating from me; even though I could say I would have given it 10 stars if possible. It is a must read. The book was difficult to put down after I got into it. Merle Temple writes a splendid book. It kept me guessing a few times and I hoped for a great outcome. You will enjoy reading this thriller.
I received this book through the Good Reads Giveaway. I was glad that I was a winner.
Please pick this book up and add it to your list of must reads.
I received this book through the Good Reads Giveaway. I was glad that I was a winner.
Please pick this book up and add it to your list of must reads.
November 14, 2014
This was a great book for me. Having followed the author on social media for a while now it is easy to see that much of the plot is taken from events in the author's life. This book was refreshing to me as it didn't follow the usual pattern of graphic violence and language. I personally am ready for the next book from Merle Temple:)
January 24, 2015
A novel that takes you back in time to the '70s. A story of good and evil; love and relationships. An incredible read that reveals the life of a man dedicated to justice, law enforcement and the desire to work "underground" to remove the bad guys. A Ghostly Shade Of Pale is a story of valor.
Jan Lea Bertrand
Jan Lea Bertrand
October 11, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Temple's riveting tale. Unlike typical novels from this genre the prose is a carefully crafted tapestry of lush and rich expression. Mr. Temple's refreshing attention to detail in his language makes for a very rare treat I heartily recommend to anyone.
December 28, 2014
A true Southern classic - so visual I did not want to put it down! Mr. Temple has such a way with words through interesting characters and the message he wants us to absorb! So very detailed that you could almost feel Capt. Michael Parker's heart beating! A must read!
January 20, 2015
Great book , great read.It will keep you intrigued ,you won't want to put it down until you have read the entire book !
October 7, 2017
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED A COPY OF This Book FROM THE AUTHOR. RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
Michael Parker, now the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Captain, seems an unlikely player in the battle for the souls of America. But, as he goes undercover to try to stop the heavy narcotics trade, he attracts the attention of the human embodiment of pure evil. As his ghostly pale tormentor leaves a trail of bodies across the south, Michael becomes obsessed with stopping him and winds up putting himself and the woman he loves in extreme danger. Snipers ambush him and his fellow agents while the woman he loves is stalked by his evil tormentor. Michael realizes that he's not just fighting the enemy he can see, but also those in the spiritual realm that he can't see.
Once again, Merle Temple has written an amazing novel that incorporates the historical events of the time with the spiritual battles that were also being fought, that shows the eternal consequences that can be faced. Merle has such a talent for description that he makes you feel as if you're experiencing everything along with Michael and the rest of his cast of characters. There were a few times that I realized that I was holding my breath during some of the more intense scenes. I'd say more if I could do so without spoilers!! You honestly need to read this amazing series and I'm so thankful that Merle gave me the opportunity to read and review his work. I'm also eternally grateful that God has brought this compassionate friend into my life.
Michael Parker, now the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Captain, seems an unlikely player in the battle for the souls of America. But, as he goes undercover to try to stop the heavy narcotics trade, he attracts the attention of the human embodiment of pure evil. As his ghostly pale tormentor leaves a trail of bodies across the south, Michael becomes obsessed with stopping him and winds up putting himself and the woman he loves in extreme danger. Snipers ambush him and his fellow agents while the woman he loves is stalked by his evil tormentor. Michael realizes that he's not just fighting the enemy he can see, but also those in the spiritual realm that he can't see.
Once again, Merle Temple has written an amazing novel that incorporates the historical events of the time with the spiritual battles that were also being fought, that shows the eternal consequences that can be faced. Merle has such a talent for description that he makes you feel as if you're experiencing everything along with Michael and the rest of his cast of characters. There were a few times that I realized that I was holding my breath during some of the more intense scenes. I'd say more if I could do so without spoilers!! You honestly need to read this amazing series and I'm so thankful that Merle gave me the opportunity to read and review his work. I'm also eternally grateful that God has brought this compassionate friend into my life.
June 30, 2019
While I enjoyed the book, I really lost steam in the second half and felt that it was anti-climatic. There were plenty of really exciting parts throughout the book, but the pacing in between these events just felt off. And I reached the end wondering, so what happens now?
Merle Temple's writing style was unique and I enjoyed it at times, at other times it felt heavy handed and cliche. The book really did feel true to the time period, which in some ways made certain statements feel a little cringe worthy given todays culture. But that is something I like, I think it helps shine a light on how quickly fads or popular opinion can pass. While we view ourselves right now as so much more enlightened and moral than our previous generation, we are really no different than them and will cringe at our ideals of today in another 30 years.
All in all, this book probably deserved a 2.5 stars. I wouldn't read it again, but someone who enjoyed this genre more than me might really like it.
Merle Temple's writing style was unique and I enjoyed it at times, at other times it felt heavy handed and cliche. The book really did feel true to the time period, which in some ways made certain statements feel a little cringe worthy given todays culture. But that is something I like, I think it helps shine a light on how quickly fads or popular opinion can pass. While we view ourselves right now as so much more enlightened and moral than our previous generation, we are really no different than them and will cringe at our ideals of today in another 30 years.
All in all, this book probably deserved a 2.5 stars. I wouldn't read it again, but someone who enjoyed this genre more than me might really like it.
May 31, 2017
Jam packed with action, suspense, romance and drama. A high-octane, compelling plot with complex, multi-layered characters. A peek into the side of law enforcement that most never get the privilege to see. I quickly became engrossed in the story and understand, now, why so many find the Michal Parker series so satisfying and addicting.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
February 28, 2020
Great book thank you for not using profanity
Thank you for your reference to being led by
GOD.
JAMES BLISSARD
Thank you for your reference to being led by
GOD.
JAMES BLISSARD
February 23, 2022
It took me a while to get into but it got infinitely better. Not sure if I'll read the remaining books in the series but it was a good read overall.
July 20, 2019
The 1st book in Merle temples series of his true life as a DEA agent in Mississippi.
May 12, 2015
In his first novel, Merle Temple introduces the world to Michael Parker, a Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics officer with a sacred mission and a steel resolve.(SPOILERS) Michael Parker is a noble hero of old thrust into the changing cultural landscape of Mississippi in the age of free love and freer drugs. With his wholesome upbringing to shore up his courage, Parker fights the good fight. He meets truly despicable characters who are more than willing to sell their soul for the next hit or snort. Undercover, Parker mingles with these people mining them for information for the Bureau. He quickly makes a name for himself, and with it, he becomes a target for a particular ruthless contract killer. As he feigns and jabs in this epic match of good and evil, Parker's fiancé falls victim to the darkness that she worked hard to leave behind. Questioning his own fortitude, the victim becomes the hunter as Parker tracks his love's killer. In the end, it is not Parker that seeks final justice but evil that ultimately finds Michael. With an angel on his shoulder and resolve of Gabriel in his heart, Michael must use all his wit and rectitude to triumph.
While Michael Parker may be the steely eyed hero reminiscent of an old western, his cast of characters is anything but static. Temple delivers a truly diverse cast of arresting supporting characters who bring life in the South to light. There is an incredible subplot of redemption and forgiveness with Michael's fiancé. Michael's fellow officers range from antiquated and tired to quirky and macho. There are politicians and crime bosses that are one and the same. Temple mixes up the good and bad guys while establishing a firm difference between right under the law and just plain right. And, you never know who Michael is going to run into whether it's a grieving figure on a hilltop or a big hearted game runner on Beale Street. This is the joy of Temple's writing. It is lyrical and intoned with the lulling melodies of the South. He settles the reader into anticipating his next move only to deliver a wild uppercut that upsets and surprises. By the end, the reader is suspicious of every person, even Michael, and second guessing every plot turn. Temple infuses Michael with an air of righteousness and resolve without shoving religion down your throat. As Michael survives this ordeal, you truly believe that he had an angel on his shoulder. As an author, Temple has truly graced us with inspiring story of heroism.
While Michael Parker may be the steely eyed hero reminiscent of an old western, his cast of characters is anything but static. Temple delivers a truly diverse cast of arresting supporting characters who bring life in the South to light. There is an incredible subplot of redemption and forgiveness with Michael's fiancé. Michael's fellow officers range from antiquated and tired to quirky and macho. There are politicians and crime bosses that are one and the same. Temple mixes up the good and bad guys while establishing a firm difference between right under the law and just plain right. And, you never know who Michael is going to run into whether it's a grieving figure on a hilltop or a big hearted game runner on Beale Street. This is the joy of Temple's writing. It is lyrical and intoned with the lulling melodies of the South. He settles the reader into anticipating his next move only to deliver a wild uppercut that upsets and surprises. By the end, the reader is suspicious of every person, even Michael, and second guessing every plot turn. Temple infuses Michael with an air of righteousness and resolve without shoving religion down your throat. As Michael survives this ordeal, you truly believe that he had an angel on his shoulder. As an author, Temple has truly graced us with inspiring story of heroism.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews