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John Q #2
The Contract
In New Orleans, Texas Ranger John Q is out of his jurisdiction, and possibly out of his depth. It seems everyone in Louisiana wants to send him home, and every time he asks questions there's trouble: from the pharmacist to the detective running scared to the pimp who turned to him as a last resort. Before John Q knows it, he looks the only link between a series of murders.
So who could be trying to set him up, and why, and who can he turn to in a city where Southern tradition and family ties rule?
Infused with the rhythms of its iconic setting, The Contract is a thriller to keep even the most seasoned crime readers gripped and guessing all the way to its endgame.
So who could be trying to set him up, and why, and who can he turn to in a city where Southern tradition and family ties rule?
Infused with the rhythms of its iconic setting, The Contract is a thriller to keep even the most seasoned crime readers gripped and guessing all the way to its endgame.
Paperback
First published April 4, 2017
2 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Gulvin
2 books19 followersAKA Jeff Gulvin.
Born in the UK, JM Gulvin divides his time between Wales and the western United States. He is the author of many previous novels, as well as Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's bestselling travel book Long Way Down. He is married and has two daughters.
Born in the UK, JM Gulvin divides his time between Wales and the western United States. He is the author of many previous novels, as well as Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's bestselling travel book Long Way Down. He is married and has two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 24, 2017
This is the first in the John Q series that I have read and it works perfectly well as a standalone. It took me awhile to get into the story but once I did, I was completely and utterly hooked. It is 1967 and John Quarrie, Texas Ranger, shoots Wiley dead and arrests Henderson, after they assault a gun store owner and take much of his stock. This leads him to an apparent natural death at Roosevelt Hotel which turns out to be murder committed earlier by Wiley. John's only clue is a chemist who issued the fatal prescription drugs to a patient in New Orleans.
John finds himself pursuing the lead to New Orleans only to find he is not a welcome sight for anyone in the city. Everywhere he goes he finds the same taxi driver which makes him suspicious. The pharmacist refuses to divulge any information and then goes missing, and the cops are looking at him as a suspect. He finds Gigi, a singer, and the patient for whom the prescription drugs were for. He find himself being set up for a number of murders and his only ally is Lieutenant Colback with whom he has history in the Korean War. He encounters an old ruthless Southern family lawyer, arrogant and certain in his white privilege, Rosslyn F Tobie, and other shady characters. This is a story of numerous twists and turns, and rooted in American political history. In a case where he faces betrayal and finds himself in extreme danger, John Q slowly begins to piece together a deadly conspiracy that goes right to the heart of the American political establishment.
This is an exceedingly well plotted story created out of real events and people in American history. The repugnant attitudes regarding race, class and women prevalent in that time are well captured. There is a strong atmospheric sense of location in New Orleans and the corruption that runs rife in the city. John Q is a disarming central character, he is determined and tenacious, and a man who should not be underestimated. If you like intelligent fast paced conspiracy thrillers, then this is likely to appeal. I very much enjoyed reading this and recommend it highly. Thanks to Faber and Faber for an ARC.
John finds himself pursuing the lead to New Orleans only to find he is not a welcome sight for anyone in the city. Everywhere he goes he finds the same taxi driver which makes him suspicious. The pharmacist refuses to divulge any information and then goes missing, and the cops are looking at him as a suspect. He finds Gigi, a singer, and the patient for whom the prescription drugs were for. He find himself being set up for a number of murders and his only ally is Lieutenant Colback with whom he has history in the Korean War. He encounters an old ruthless Southern family lawyer, arrogant and certain in his white privilege, Rosslyn F Tobie, and other shady characters. This is a story of numerous twists and turns, and rooted in American political history. In a case where he faces betrayal and finds himself in extreme danger, John Q slowly begins to piece together a deadly conspiracy that goes right to the heart of the American political establishment.
This is an exceedingly well plotted story created out of real events and people in American history. The repugnant attitudes regarding race, class and women prevalent in that time are well captured. There is a strong atmospheric sense of location in New Orleans and the corruption that runs rife in the city. John Q is a disarming central character, he is determined and tenacious, and a man who should not be underestimated. If you like intelligent fast paced conspiracy thrillers, then this is likely to appeal. I very much enjoyed reading this and recommend it highly. Thanks to Faber and Faber for an ARC.
April 9, 2017
Visit the locations in the novel - : The Contract
A landscape and an adventure that’s as every bit as good as The Last Count. Second in the John Q series, this is a trail of a Texas Ranger and those on his trail. A race of a read from one dark street to another, to street corners in downtown New Orleans which have so much ornate buildings and heritage but tie back the luxury curtains and shutters and there are some dark dealings to be found.
The heat of the chase as well as the landscape buzzes and blurs the words on the page as you read. The idea of a Texas Ranger trying to solve a crime in Louisiana puts more than a few barriers in his way but this makes his ways of investigating even more clever and inventive than in The Lost Count.
There is a lot of historical context to this novel – outlawed groups and civil war which bleeds into the city’s identity and present day events. When a case is reopened that people who believe in the use of guns and contract killings, then revenge becomes the only currency which will open doors. Guns are the only language people here seem to speak.
The landscape is deeply intertwined with the action and the setting is evoked with style and bullseye precision. The writing is raw and the plot unravels with the rope still tightly drawn around your neck.
The Contract is a hot and humid trail and chase for the truth and you always feel one step behind the truth which drives you on to keep going. There’s a third in this series and I am going to be putting the date of release in my stetson and my reading finger cocked ready for action on that one!
A landscape and an adventure that’s as every bit as good as The Last Count. Second in the John Q series, this is a trail of a Texas Ranger and those on his trail. A race of a read from one dark street to another, to street corners in downtown New Orleans which have so much ornate buildings and heritage but tie back the luxury curtains and shutters and there are some dark dealings to be found.
The heat of the chase as well as the landscape buzzes and blurs the words on the page as you read. The idea of a Texas Ranger trying to solve a crime in Louisiana puts more than a few barriers in his way but this makes his ways of investigating even more clever and inventive than in The Lost Count.
There is a lot of historical context to this novel – outlawed groups and civil war which bleeds into the city’s identity and present day events. When a case is reopened that people who believe in the use of guns and contract killings, then revenge becomes the only currency which will open doors. Guns are the only language people here seem to speak.
The landscape is deeply intertwined with the action and the setting is evoked with style and bullseye precision. The writing is raw and the plot unravels with the rope still tightly drawn around your neck.
The Contract is a hot and humid trail and chase for the truth and you always feel one step behind the truth which drives you on to keep going. There’s a third in this series and I am going to be putting the date of release in my stetson and my reading finger cocked ready for action on that one!
September 26, 2017
Having read and loved JM Gulvin’s first book, The Long Count (review HERE), I was eagerly awaiting the next John Q installment and I was delighted to have my wish granted on Netgalley for The Contract.
The Contract is a slow burning thriller set against the heady backdrop of New Orleans with plenty of shady characters thrown in for good measure. John Q is sent to investigate some goings-on in the wake of a shooting in Texas. In New Orleans though, he is out of his jurisdiction and acting alone.
What follows is a tense story packed with plenty of action and mystery. While I enjoyed The Contract, it didn’t match the pace of The Long Count in terms of the way the plot developed. I did enjoy the new mix of characters in this one though, and there were a couple of old favourites in there too.
The Contract is steeped in 1960’s American history, and I enjoyed the references the author put in there as they were a nice addition to the storyline. With John Q being framed for crimes he didn’t commit, it becomes a race against time to clear his name. It took me a while to settle into the book, but once I did I enjoyed puzzling it out alongside John Q.
If you like Deep South thrillers, with a great main character, then The Contract should definitely go on your list. Tense, rich in location and with a great mix of characters, I would recommend it!
The Contract is a slow burning thriller set against the heady backdrop of New Orleans with plenty of shady characters thrown in for good measure. John Q is sent to investigate some goings-on in the wake of a shooting in Texas. In New Orleans though, he is out of his jurisdiction and acting alone.
What follows is a tense story packed with plenty of action and mystery. While I enjoyed The Contract, it didn’t match the pace of The Long Count in terms of the way the plot developed. I did enjoy the new mix of characters in this one though, and there were a couple of old favourites in there too.
The Contract is steeped in 1960’s American history, and I enjoyed the references the author put in there as they were a nice addition to the storyline. With John Q being framed for crimes he didn’t commit, it becomes a race against time to clear his name. It took me a while to settle into the book, but once I did I enjoyed puzzling it out alongside John Q.
If you like Deep South thrillers, with a great main character, then The Contract should definitely go on your list. Tense, rich in location and with a great mix of characters, I would recommend it!
April 16, 2017
Last year I had the pleasure of reviewing J. M. Gulvin’s debut thriller, The Long Count featuring Texas Ranger John Quarrie- a tough guy who could out-tough Jack Reacher. The Contract sees John Q uprooted from his native Texas to the pulsing heart of New Orleans in this tale of corruption and exploitation echoing the reverberations of the Kennedy assassination…
John Q is a brilliant construct, oozing masculinity and toughness in a highly self-contained way, and like the heroes of the American Western tradition, imbued with a rigid core of morality and decency that permeates his dealing with those that have sinned and are sinned against. In comparison to other tough guy figures of modern crime thriller writing, he doesn’t go in for mawkish naval gazing, having found himself a sole parent, does not get drawn into unbelievable love entanglements, and when he does occasionally get his butt kicked we know that it does actually smart a bit. Gulvin has characterised him with a laconic speech pattern that also plays into this hero tradition, and the brooding quality of the moral avenger. It works incredibly well, as Quarrie proves a menacing opponent for the cast of amateur hitmen and corrupt society figures that his jaunt to New Orleans uncovers.
The absolute stand out feature for me of the two books to date is the exceptionally visual nature of Gulvin’s writing. As he transports the reader between the two disparate locales of Texas and New Orleans, the depiction of both is beautifully realised. The stretching, arid and barren landscape of Texas where Quarrie dwells with his young son is the extreme opposite of the sultry, sensual New Orleans where violence always seems to dwell just beneath the surface. As Quarrie takes up temporary residence in New Orleans, Gulvin moves us effortlessly around the thoroughfares, taking snapshots of the architectural heritage, and immersing us in the culture, politics and spiritual traditions of this unique city. There’s racial tension, sexual exploitation, corruption, and the shadow of the Vietnam War. Coupled with the use of Jim Garrison- a lead figure in the investigation into the Kennedy assassination- and other cultural and social references that firmly fix this book in a period of space and time, Gulvin’s research and attention to detail raises this book above the simple tag of thriller into a richly rewarding read. In common with Tim Baker’s Fever City, Gulvin provides little teasing references to future seismic events, that the modern reader quickly recognises, again adding another layer of interest into the story. It’s neatly done, but not to the point that it feels contrived.
Tapping firmly into my affection for the more literary, less overtly bish-bash-bosh crime thriller, and replete with period detail and sense of place, Gulvin has confidently matched the success of The Long Count for this reader. On tenterhooks to see what John Q will become entangled in next… Highly recommended.
John Q is a brilliant construct, oozing masculinity and toughness in a highly self-contained way, and like the heroes of the American Western tradition, imbued with a rigid core of morality and decency that permeates his dealing with those that have sinned and are sinned against. In comparison to other tough guy figures of modern crime thriller writing, he doesn’t go in for mawkish naval gazing, having found himself a sole parent, does not get drawn into unbelievable love entanglements, and when he does occasionally get his butt kicked we know that it does actually smart a bit. Gulvin has characterised him with a laconic speech pattern that also plays into this hero tradition, and the brooding quality of the moral avenger. It works incredibly well, as Quarrie proves a menacing opponent for the cast of amateur hitmen and corrupt society figures that his jaunt to New Orleans uncovers.
The absolute stand out feature for me of the two books to date is the exceptionally visual nature of Gulvin’s writing. As he transports the reader between the two disparate locales of Texas and New Orleans, the depiction of both is beautifully realised. The stretching, arid and barren landscape of Texas where Quarrie dwells with his young son is the extreme opposite of the sultry, sensual New Orleans where violence always seems to dwell just beneath the surface. As Quarrie takes up temporary residence in New Orleans, Gulvin moves us effortlessly around the thoroughfares, taking snapshots of the architectural heritage, and immersing us in the culture, politics and spiritual traditions of this unique city. There’s racial tension, sexual exploitation, corruption, and the shadow of the Vietnam War. Coupled with the use of Jim Garrison- a lead figure in the investigation into the Kennedy assassination- and other cultural and social references that firmly fix this book in a period of space and time, Gulvin’s research and attention to detail raises this book above the simple tag of thriller into a richly rewarding read. In common with Tim Baker’s Fever City, Gulvin provides little teasing references to future seismic events, that the modern reader quickly recognises, again adding another layer of interest into the story. It’s neatly done, but not to the point that it feels contrived.
Tapping firmly into my affection for the more literary, less overtly bish-bash-bosh crime thriller, and replete with period detail and sense of place, Gulvin has confidently matched the success of The Long Count for this reader. On tenterhooks to see what John Q will become entangled in next… Highly recommended.
January 29, 2021
The contract by j.m. Gulvin.
#2 John q series.
In New Orleans, Texas Ranger John Q is out of his jurisdiction, and possibly out of his depth. It seems everyone in Louisiana wants to send him home, and every time he asks questions there's trouble: from the pharmacist to the detective running scared to the pimp who turned to him as a last resort. Before John Q knows it, he looks the only link between a series of murders.
A slow but readable. Good story and some good characters. I didn't have a favourite character. I just read it. It might be that I haven't read book 1 which I will when I'm able to. 3*.
#2 John q series.
In New Orleans, Texas Ranger John Q is out of his jurisdiction, and possibly out of his depth. It seems everyone in Louisiana wants to send him home, and every time he asks questions there's trouble: from the pharmacist to the detective running scared to the pimp who turned to him as a last resort. Before John Q knows it, he looks the only link between a series of murders.
A slow but readable. Good story and some good characters. I didn't have a favourite character. I just read it. It might be that I haven't read book 1 which I will when I'm able to. 3*.
April 11, 2021
The Contract by JM Gulvin- well, turned out I’d read this before....I was about 40 pages in when something made me think this seemed familiar. By page 100, I was sure I’d read it before. But I couldn’t really remember what happened so I carried on! This is the second book by this author featuring John Q, or Texas Ranger John Quarrie. It’s set in 1960s Texas and New Orleans, as he’s on the hunt for answers to a suspicious death, a gun store robbery went bad, and what led to him shooting one of the bad guys. Good story, and I really like the character. He reminds me a bit of Jack Reacher but without the lonely nomadic lifestyle. If anyone knows of other stories where a Texas Ranger is the main character, please let me know!
August 13, 2018
This is an outstanding thriller. It's as much a history lesson as a what-if tale as much as it is a mystery thriller. Once I got into the "boy howdy, things were different back in the 60s", I really enjoyed my time with this book. It's tough, grim, no holds barred, no lightness or laughter. John Q is a Texas Ranger who's been marked during his time in Vietnam. He has a job to do and a code. He will do what he needs to do to get the job done. The conspiracy in New Orleans is trying to keep him from doing that.
I can definitely recommend this book and author and I plan on looking up the first in the series and anything else Gulvin writes.
I can definitely recommend this book and author and I plan on looking up the first in the series and anything else Gulvin writes.
January 29, 2021
The contract by j.m. Gulvin.
#2 John q series.
In New Orleans, Texas Ranger John Q is out of his jurisdiction, and possibly out of his depth. It seems everyone in Louisiana wants to send him home, and every time he asks questions there's trouble: from the pharmacist to the detective running scared to the pimp who turned to him as a last resort. Before John Q knows it, he looks the only link between a series of murders.
A slow but readable. Good story and some good characters. I didn't have a favourite character. I just read it. It might be that I haven't read book 1 which I will when I'm able to. 3*.
#2 John q series.
In New Orleans, Texas Ranger John Q is out of his jurisdiction, and possibly out of his depth. It seems everyone in Louisiana wants to send him home, and every time he asks questions there's trouble: from the pharmacist to the detective running scared to the pimp who turned to him as a last resort. Before John Q knows it, he looks the only link between a series of murders.
A slow but readable. Good story and some good characters. I didn't have a favourite character. I just read it. It might be that I haven't read book 1 which I will when I'm able to. 3*.
August 28, 2018
The second book in the John Q series and just as much as exciting as the first one. John Q is a Texas Ranger in 1960’s Texas, but this case leads him to New Orleans which where he is not wanted. It all begins with a break-in at a gun store, where a dead suspect has links to New Orleans. John Q follows the trail, but finds it harder to get his answers as he is being set up as the fall guy at the same time. Brilliant characters, intense plot set in a political climate with actual history meshed into it. I loved it all!
September 21, 2018
I received this book as part of LibraryThing’s early reviewer program.
I enjoyed The Contract I liked John Q. And his old school ways and the setting in the tumultuous ‘60s. I liked the western feel and the secondary characters.
I would have liked more characterization and description of the scenes but I’m sure it will all be fleshed out for the finished publication.
In all a satisfying read.
I will look for book 3 when it comes out and plan to read book 1.
I enjoyed The Contract I liked John Q. And his old school ways and the setting in the tumultuous ‘60s. I liked the western feel and the secondary characters.
I would have liked more characterization and description of the scenes but I’m sure it will all be fleshed out for the finished publication.
In all a satisfying read.
I will look for book 3 when it comes out and plan to read book 1.
June 17, 2018
Loved it! Already read the sequel. It was also a page turner!
Loved as I did the sequel. Both real page turners. Willard more from him! Texas Rangers is usually not my style but these were great reads!
Loved as I did the sequel. Both real page turners. Willard more from him! Texas Rangers is usually not my style but these were great reads!
December 24, 2021
This book was right up my alley. It has what I like in a mystery. Hard-boiled and filled with historical figures and dark puppet masters who ruthlessly control the world from the shadows. This was the first book in the series I read but I will read more.
September 4, 2018
I read the Contract as a standalone. Its a little confusing but smart and suspenseful. All comes to light in the end.
February 18, 2019
The second John Q. (Texas Ranger sergeant) takes a deep look at a chain of conspiracy involving mass murder and organized hate. It is compelling.
December 27, 2019
JOHN Q is back
Man what a second installment this was. I thoroughly was looking forward to getting around to this one after reading The Long Count. The author catches your attention from the begin as John Q chases down 2 thieves who have robbed an gun store - and John Q dispatches his revolver with such precision - you cant help but feel you are right there in some sort of western John Wayne movie.
John Q's investigation leads him to New Orleans - a city that is out of his comfort zone compared to Texas. Right from the off - John Q is not wanted in New Orleans and there are many residents of this fine city who would like to wish him on his merry way back to Texas. This is John Q thrives in this setting - up against the law in New Orleans and the criminals he is trying to chase.
Really really enjoyed this installment - long may they continue.
Man what a second installment this was. I thoroughly was looking forward to getting around to this one after reading The Long Count. The author catches your attention from the begin as John Q chases down 2 thieves who have robbed an gun store - and John Q dispatches his revolver with such precision - you cant help but feel you are right there in some sort of western John Wayne movie.
John Q's investigation leads him to New Orleans - a city that is out of his comfort zone compared to Texas. Right from the off - John Q is not wanted in New Orleans and there are many residents of this fine city who would like to wish him on his merry way back to Texas. This is John Q thrives in this setting - up against the law in New Orleans and the criminals he is trying to chase.
Really really enjoyed this installment - long may they continue.
January 29, 2023
Pretty linear and unsurprising for a crime thriller kinda book. That said, I read it in a few days and it was ok.
I think i missed much of the point of this book due to my non-existent knowledge of American politics from the 60s too.
I think i missed much of the point of this book due to my non-existent knowledge of American politics from the 60s too.
April 9, 2017
I haven't read the previous John Q thriller, but this one works fine as a standalone.
Excellent read, with a brilliant, complex plot to draw you in and keep you riveted to the end. John Quarrie is a Texas Ranger who attends a break-in at a gun store and in the aftermath shoots one of the perpetrators. Seems simple but the investigation into events leads John Q on a trail of more murders and across to New Orleans. Set in 1967, don't want to say much about the plot for fear of taking away this thrilling journey for you, but there are political and racial issues at play with something for conspiracy theorists as well.
Enjoy !
Excellent read, with a brilliant, complex plot to draw you in and keep you riveted to the end. John Quarrie is a Texas Ranger who attends a break-in at a gun store and in the aftermath shoots one of the perpetrators. Seems simple but the investigation into events leads John Q on a trail of more murders and across to New Orleans. Set in 1967, don't want to say much about the plot for fear of taking away this thrilling journey for you, but there are political and racial issues at play with something for conspiracy theorists as well.
Enjoy !
April 13, 2017
The Contract, by JM Gulvin, is the second book in the author’s John Q series of crime thrillers. Set in 1960s America, the protagonist, John Quarrie, is a fearless and determined Texas Ranger. He is a modern day cowboy with a strong sense of justice for all, in a country still divided by race.
The book opens with a robbery at a gunstore in small town Texas. This leads to a shoot out and car chase. To save his own life, Quarrie takes down an assailant. When he investigates the perpetrators he finds another dead body with links to New Orleans. Flying there to follow up on one of his few leads, Quarrie becomes embroiled in a secretive plan that involves many in the state’s law enforcement agencies. He struggles to work out what is going on and why. His presence and the methods he employs while out of his juridiction are resented by many. Quarrie suspects he is being manipulated but does not know by whom. There is nobody he can trust.
Although the reader is offered snapshots of all those involved, the extent and reasons are only slowly revealed. There is a large cast of characters with a variety of links. I struggled at times to follow the numerous threads.
Having said that, this is a compelling read. The action remains tense throughout and is rarely predictable. The story is written in a voice that is original and engaging. There are links to historical events of the time and to a variety of conspiracy theories. Given today’s political situation, the attitudes of many of the characters is chilling.
The reveals at the end provide a good mix of the unexpected, some satisfying if a tad dodgy come-uppances, and a few loose ends in keeping with the story arc created. Quarrie gets things done the old style Texas way, which is not always appreciated. His methods do, however, provide an entertaining read.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Faber and Faber.
The book opens with a robbery at a gunstore in small town Texas. This leads to a shoot out and car chase. To save his own life, Quarrie takes down an assailant. When he investigates the perpetrators he finds another dead body with links to New Orleans. Flying there to follow up on one of his few leads, Quarrie becomes embroiled in a secretive plan that involves many in the state’s law enforcement agencies. He struggles to work out what is going on and why. His presence and the methods he employs while out of his juridiction are resented by many. Quarrie suspects he is being manipulated but does not know by whom. There is nobody he can trust.
Although the reader is offered snapshots of all those involved, the extent and reasons are only slowly revealed. There is a large cast of characters with a variety of links. I struggled at times to follow the numerous threads.
Having said that, this is a compelling read. The action remains tense throughout and is rarely predictable. The story is written in a voice that is original and engaging. There are links to historical events of the time and to a variety of conspiracy theories. Given today’s political situation, the attitudes of many of the characters is chilling.
The reveals at the end provide a good mix of the unexpected, some satisfying if a tad dodgy come-uppances, and a few loose ends in keeping with the story arc created. Quarrie gets things done the old style Texas way, which is not always appreciated. His methods do, however, provide an entertaining read.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Faber and Faber.
April 13, 2017
What an amazing read! Full review at https://crimeworm.wordpress.com/2017/...
April 15, 2017
The Contract, by JM Gulvin, is the second book in the author’s John Q series of crime thrillers. Set in 1960s America, the protagonist, John Quarrie, is a fearless and determined Texas Ranger. He is a modern day cowboy with a strong sense of justice for all, in a country still divided by race.
The book opens with a robbery at a gunstore in small town Texas. This leads to a shoot out and car chase. To save his own life, Quarrie takes down an assailant. When he investigates the perpetrators he finds another dead body with links to New Orleans. Flying there to follow up on one of his few leads, Quarrie becomes embroiled in a secretive plan that involves many in the state’s law enforcement agencies. He struggles to work out what is going on and why. His presence and the methods he employs while out of his juridiction are resented by many. Quarrie suspects he is being manipulated but does not know by whom. There is nobody he can trust.
Although the reader is offered snapshots of all those involved, the extent and reasons are only slowly revealed. There is a large cast of characters with a variety of links. I struggled at times to follow the numerous threads.
Having said that, this is a compelling read. The action remains tense throughout and is rarely predictable. The story is written in a voice that is original and engaging. There are links to historical events of the time and to a variety of conspiracy theories. Given today’s political situation, the attitudes of many of the characters is chilling.
The reveals at the end provide a good mix of the unexpected, some satisfying if a tad dodgy come-uppances, and a few loose ends in keeping with the story arc created. Quarrie gets things done the old style Texas way, which is not always appreciated. His methods do, however, provide an entertaining read.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Faber and Faber.
The book opens with a robbery at a gunstore in small town Texas. This leads to a shoot out and car chase. To save his own life, Quarrie takes down an assailant. When he investigates the perpetrators he finds another dead body with links to New Orleans. Flying there to follow up on one of his few leads, Quarrie becomes embroiled in a secretive plan that involves many in the state’s law enforcement agencies. He struggles to work out what is going on and why. His presence and the methods he employs while out of his juridiction are resented by many. Quarrie suspects he is being manipulated but does not know by whom. There is nobody he can trust.
Although the reader is offered snapshots of all those involved, the extent and reasons are only slowly revealed. There is a large cast of characters with a variety of links. I struggled at times to follow the numerous threads.
Having said that, this is a compelling read. The action remains tense throughout and is rarely predictable. The story is written in a voice that is original and engaging. There are links to historical events of the time and to a variety of conspiracy theories. Given today’s political situation, the attitudes of many of the characters is chilling.
The reveals at the end provide a good mix of the unexpected, some satisfying if a tad dodgy come-uppances, and a few loose ends in keeping with the story arc created. Quarrie gets things done the old style Texas way, which is not always appreciated. His methods do, however, provide an entertaining read.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Faber and Faber.
April 17, 2017
America in the latter half of the 1960’s is the setting for JM Gulvin’s second John Q thriller. Texas Ranger, John Quarrie, is a great lead character – cool under pressure, a sharp shooter and displays a logical and rational intelligence where we see him puzzling out the evidence he finds to unveil the bigger mysteries.
Evidence? Well, The Contract opens with an armed robber. John Q is not far from where the incident takes place and gives chase. Being a Texas Ranger, John Q knows the area well and he manages to pin down the robbers – a confrontation is inevitable and the reader gets to see early-on the unflappable nature of John Q as a gun fight ensues.
In the aftermath of the chase (and the subsequent arrest) John Q tries to uncover the motive behind the robbery and his investigations take him to New Orleans. I love reading about New Orleans, a seemingly sleepy town where old families run things behind the scenes and there is always the feeling that there is sinister undertone to every conversation.
Quarrie tracks down Gigi, a singer who is oblivious to the events back in Texas but is unwittingly linked to the death of a man. If Gigi is to be of any help to Quarrie in his investigations he needs to keep her safe but in a town where John Q is a stranger who does he trust?
The Contract is written with perfect pacing and tone for the deep South setting and the author has perfectly captured that feeling of 1960’s life. Reading The Contract it is so very easy to slip into the story and ignore everything else which is going on around you. JM Gulvin has penned a wonderful tale with conspiracy, murder and corruption and I heartily recommend it.
Evidence? Well, The Contract opens with an armed robber. John Q is not far from where the incident takes place and gives chase. Being a Texas Ranger, John Q knows the area well and he manages to pin down the robbers – a confrontation is inevitable and the reader gets to see early-on the unflappable nature of John Q as a gun fight ensues.
In the aftermath of the chase (and the subsequent arrest) John Q tries to uncover the motive behind the robbery and his investigations take him to New Orleans. I love reading about New Orleans, a seemingly sleepy town where old families run things behind the scenes and there is always the feeling that there is sinister undertone to every conversation.
Quarrie tracks down Gigi, a singer who is oblivious to the events back in Texas but is unwittingly linked to the death of a man. If Gigi is to be of any help to Quarrie in his investigations he needs to keep her safe but in a town where John Q is a stranger who does he trust?
The Contract is written with perfect pacing and tone for the deep South setting and the author has perfectly captured that feeling of 1960’s life. Reading The Contract it is so very easy to slip into the story and ignore everything else which is going on around you. JM Gulvin has penned a wonderful tale with conspiracy, murder and corruption and I heartily recommend it.
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