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Shadow Man
Detective Mike Wurzel may have just stumbled onto the biggest case of his small-time career. When the city of Los Angeles is set ablaze, both by scorching summer wildfires and an arsonist on the loose, Wurzel expects the criminal is anything but your average firebug. The deeper he digs the hotter things get, and his suspicions are confirmed when a group led by an enigmatic criminal mastermind called the Shadow Man surfaces to take responsibility for the fires. What starts as a misstep into mistaken identity quickly becomes a game of cat and mouse spurred by murder and mystery. The Shadow Man has plans for the people of Los Angeles. Big plans. Can Detective Wurzel stop him before the city burns to the ground?
460 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2014
261 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 25, 2014
Shadow Man is a complex though utterly brilliant story that follows the lives of two private detectives working a case in New Mexico. Something as simple as the discovery of a missing driver's license is the jumping off point for one hell of a thriller.
The plot takes the reader in a thousand unforeseen directions, with no lull in the action whatsoever. This is a lean, taut plot-driven story that is highly reminiscent of Carl Hiaasen, Linwood Barclay, and a little bit of James Ellroy/Raymond Chandler (especially when Ludwig writes the Los Angeles scenes).
Ludwig has a definite style that is pleasing to the reader. Not a lot of filler here. The heart of the story is in every page, from the opening lines until the end. Ludwig also crafts some great characters - especially the protagonist's wife, who is the source, albeit unintentionally, of some necessary comedic moments.
The story is as compelling as it is entertaining, with some poignant social commentary weaved in, shedding some light, and understanding, on the motives of the story's villains. A great book for anyone who enjoys the mystery/thriller genre.
The plot takes the reader in a thousand unforeseen directions, with no lull in the action whatsoever. This is a lean, taut plot-driven story that is highly reminiscent of Carl Hiaasen, Linwood Barclay, and a little bit of James Ellroy/Raymond Chandler (especially when Ludwig writes the Los Angeles scenes).
Ludwig has a definite style that is pleasing to the reader. Not a lot of filler here. The heart of the story is in every page, from the opening lines until the end. Ludwig also crafts some great characters - especially the protagonist's wife, who is the source, albeit unintentionally, of some necessary comedic moments.
The story is as compelling as it is entertaining, with some poignant social commentary weaved in, shedding some light, and understanding, on the motives of the story's villains. A great book for anyone who enjoys the mystery/thriller genre.
October 7, 2014
Shadow Man
Shadow Man, by James Ludwig is a complex, engrossing story about Mike Nurzel and James Fortune two “junior,” (read ‘junior” as divorce investigations, driving violations and small claims) private detectives working a complicated case that blows up to a “Big Case” in New Mexico.
Some great characters inhabit the tale - especially the protagonist's wife, Noriko, who is one hell of a resourceful woman. She’s worth a book all on her own if the author ever has the time and inclination.
The villain, who has a dark vision replete with mayhem, is a quick thinker and the story is loaded with complicated political and social discourse making for some interesting reading.
No shortage of plot twists and turns here either. Ludwig keeps you on your toes as his “Junior Detectives” reach maturity a lot faster than they bargained for. The story is compelling and complex with a dose of socio-political dogma thrown in, shedding light on motives of the story's villains.
A good book for anyone who enjoys the mystery/thriller genre. Reminded me a lot of Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; long, complicated, lots of description and atmosphere with a slam-bang ending.
Shadow Man, by James Ludwig is a complex, engrossing story about Mike Nurzel and James Fortune two “junior,” (read ‘junior” as divorce investigations, driving violations and small claims) private detectives working a complicated case that blows up to a “Big Case” in New Mexico.
Some great characters inhabit the tale - especially the protagonist's wife, Noriko, who is one hell of a resourceful woman. She’s worth a book all on her own if the author ever has the time and inclination.
The villain, who has a dark vision replete with mayhem, is a quick thinker and the story is loaded with complicated political and social discourse making for some interesting reading.
No shortage of plot twists and turns here either. Ludwig keeps you on your toes as his “Junior Detectives” reach maturity a lot faster than they bargained for. The story is compelling and complex with a dose of socio-political dogma thrown in, shedding light on motives of the story's villains.
A good book for anyone who enjoys the mystery/thriller genre. Reminded me a lot of Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; long, complicated, lots of description and atmosphere with a slam-bang ending.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews