The One

by Réal Laplaine

When the body of a young woman shows up in the Soo Locks, it is soon discovered that she is the niece of the Prime Minister of Canada. Keeno McCole and Jake Williams, the RCMP's Anti-Terrorist crime-fighters, are dispatched to Winnipeg to investigate a suspected cult, when they are suddenly faced with a hostage crisis and attack on the nation's largest news network. The case soon becomes much more than what it appeared to be. Up against a brilliant sociopath, the investigation goes terribly wrong and Keeno and his team find themselves under attack in ways they never thought possible. A twisted thriller to the last page.

"If you are familiar with and enjoyed Louise Penny's Three Pines mysteries, you'll love The One." - Russell Warnberg, author of 2064

"There is no doubt that Réal Laplaine can create a nail-biting mystery." - Red City Review

"I enjoyed this novel very much. I love Keeno, his awesome personality, his guts, integrity and abilities."

228 pages, Paperback

First published July 18, 2017

About the author

I have always been inspired by the under-dog; stories about the average man or woman who refuses to be "normal", who refuses to give up on their dream, who doesn't seem to fit into any square hole, or simply, who steps up and does what others, particularly those in positions of power, will not do.

​​I think we all possess incredible potential and how that manifests can differ greatly person to person; and I am a passionate believer that people should not be marginalized by ideology - whether religious or political, nor should people be viewed as simply cogs in a wheel, or squeezed into someone's concept of normality - a one-size-shoe that fits all.

​​I have never met two people who were identical in nature or ability, but I have certainly crossed paths with enough narcissistic and power-driven ones, those who hide behind a veil of lies and corruption in order to forward their own agendas.

​​In my books, thrillers ranging from crime, geopolitical, speculative fiction as well as literary fiction, I love telling a story where the most unexpected person is suddenly tasked to do the impossible; whether they are an engineer from Sweden, a graphic designer from Minneapolis, a teenage girl living in Ireland, a journalist from the Netherlands, or a lone astronaut on Mars. 

​You may even glimpse a little of yourself in my books.

Réal Laplaine
Author of high-concept thrillers
www.reallaplaine.com

Reviews

[Gabriel Ducate · Rating 3 out of 5]

The One was a hell of a ride, very well written. It's been close to a month since I finished this and I still think about it. The characters were well developed and the writing style painted a picture in my mind. Well done.

[Elaine Milks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful Keeno McCole thriller, my favorite hero. Reminds me of someone I know. Highly intelligent, clever and fearless when it comes to getting the job done, always putting the safety of others first. This sometimes gets him in trouble but he always does what he believe to be right. So fast moving impossible to put down. Full of surprises and non stop action-awesome read.

[William Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Réal LaPlaine’s latest crime novel, The One, readers will find themselves swept up in a page turner pulsating with conflict and tension. LaPlaine’s talent at setting the hook with skillful writing and engaging storylines keeps fans entertained and turning pages in their attempt to discover the mastermind behind a sinister murder. The author’s talent for weaving a clever tale is on par with literary greats such as Michael Connelly’s, Harry Bosch and James Patterson’s, Alex Cross.

While a team of characters from the RCMP’s Anti-Terror Unit blend well into LaPlaine’s tale, Keeno McCole is the central figure. In the opening, the body of a young woman is discovered in the St. Marys River along the Soo Locks. Meanwhile, McCole and Jake Williams find themselves at odds with a kidnapper set upon killing his victim as well as the two men from the ATU. Quick thinking and a bit of luck are the only things that save McCole, Williams, and the kidnapped woman as the bomb detonates. Not long after the harrowing encounter, McCole receives a disturbing phone call and the unit is tasked with a special assignment. The young woman found in the cold waters of the St. Marys River along Lake Superior was the Canadian Prime Minister’s niece. As clues unravel, they point to the peccant leader of a mysterious religious cult. Leonardo Milovich is a ruthless and unforgiving sociopath whose evil is boundless. McCole’s interference unleashes the ire of Milovich getting McCole’s team removed from the case by the upper echelon at RCMP headquarters. McCole cannot let The One’s leader’s deed go unpunished. Ultimately the two meet in a final deadly showdown.

Réal LaPlaine’s fans are once again treated to well-written novel, and one newcomers to his work will thoroughly enjoy. The author’s ability to move the narrative along at a rapid pace while maintaining a smooth writing style speaks highly of LaPlaine’s proficiency. The perfect blend of characters, mayhem, and intrigue seamlessly round out this latest installment leaving readers of The One craving more of Keeno McCole.

William Beck
Author of the new Jess Colton novel – The Judas Coin
Author of the Bryson McGann adventure thriller novel series
www.booksbybeck.com
williambeck@booksbybeck.com

[Ana Danel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel very much. I love Keeno, his awesome personality, his guts, integrity and abilities. This was a shorter read which suited me well because once I picked it up and started it I just could not put it down until I was done, forget about sleeping or working, so I do recommend you read it during the weekend! :)
I would hate to give out any spoilers, so I will just say that if you are the kind of reader who enjoys thrilling good-guy-versus-horrible-villains fast paced action, intelligently plotted and wonderfully narrated you MUST read this one.
You'll be happy you did.

[Noelle Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a well-written Canadian crime story that proved to be really gripping. The beginning may seem a little bit slow but it is worth pushing through to get to the good parts. I enjoyed the characters as they were well developed, I liked the plot which I found easy to follow and I liked how it held my attention, and I think the story was overall good. I think this book is an enjoyable read if you like crime thrillers, especially Canadian crime thrillers. In my opinion it is worth giving a try.


*won as a GoodReads Giveaway*

[Natalia Bojanic · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are seeking a thrilling novel, you'll certainly find it in Réal Laplaine's The One. Starting with what appears to be another murder investigation, Keeno and his team have to face a dangerous cult run by a psychopatic leader, as well as the perils of domestic terrorism. The novel keeps the reader on the edge all the way to the last page: quick dialogues, an exciting setting in wintry Canada, and a cat and mouse game which really is a page turner.

[William Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A "must-read" crime novel

Once you read this fast-paced novel that keeps you on the edge-of-your-seat, you will be addicted to Real LaPlaine's character, Keeno McCole. Tension and high stakes drama fill the pages of this crime thriller. Two words for everyone. Read it!