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The Bowers Files: The New York Years #3
Every Wicked Man
A criminal mastermind's chilling terrorist plot forces FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers to the brink in the latest thriller from bestselling novelist Steven James.
When a senator's son takes his own life and posts the video live online, Agent Bowers is drawn into a complex web of lies that begins to threaten the people he loves the most. As he races to unravel the mystery behind the suicide and a centuries-old code that might help shed light on the case, he finds a dark pathway laced with twists and deadly secrets that touch a little too close to home.
A fast-paced, intelligent thriller, Every Wicked Man will have readers racing through the pages to its thundering conclusion.
When a senator's son takes his own life and posts the video live online, Agent Bowers is drawn into a complex web of lies that begins to threaten the people he loves the most. As he races to unravel the mystery behind the suicide and a centuries-old code that might help shed light on the case, he finds a dark pathway laced with twists and deadly secrets that touch a little too close to home.
A fast-paced, intelligent thriller, Every Wicked Man will have readers racing through the pages to its thundering conclusion.
556 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2018
106 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
About the author
Steven James
135 books1,753 followersSteven James is the award-winning, critically acclaimed author of twenty novels and numerous books on the craft of novel writing, including the new release, DELVE, PIVOT, PROPEL, which explores revolutionary new approaches to fiction writing. With a master's degree in storytelling, James teaches writing worldwide and has appeared on five continents telling stories and teaching storytelling at over 2000 appearances.
His latest Young Adult horror novel, RIFT, is the first in a new trilogy that takes place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. James lives in Eastern Tennessee and loves watching sci-fi movies, playing basketball, and eating chicken fajitas—although not all at the same time.
James has been penning smart, taut thrillers that actually thrill, since 2007, when his acclaimed psychological suspense novel, THE PAWN, released.
If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers.
His latest Young Adult horror novel, RIFT, is the first in a new trilogy that takes place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. James lives in Eastern Tennessee and loves watching sci-fi movies, playing basketball, and eating chicken fajitas—although not all at the same time.
James has been penning smart, taut thrillers that actually thrill, since 2007, when his acclaimed psychological suspense novel, THE PAWN, released.
If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 28, 2018
I started reading Every Wicked Man on 9/10/2018 and finished it on 9/20/2018. This book is a fantastic read! I jump in straight at book 11 from not reading the previous 10 books (not because I don’t want to but because I didn’t know) and it’s wow! I like that this book starts out with a bang.. a victim found at the bottom of the pool while being live streamed. It sure got my attention and kept me hooked. The characters are all unique and their stories all put me at the edge of my seats! Some parts of the book are disturbing especially with the suicides and what Julianne likes to photograph. I like the mystery person announcing himself/herself about putting in the hidden camera and unexpectedly witnessing a secret conversation between two characters. I like Agent Bowers, he seems knowledgeable and thorough for a relatively young guy.
This book is told in the third person point of view following Timothy Sabian, a novelist who doesn’t know if he truly commits murder or if it was just his overactive imagination that he uses for writing his thrillers. Another view is of an FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers, 35, told in the first person point of view, as he works on solving the case regarding the senator’s son who drowned while someone stand by to watch. The third view is Blake Neeson, an undercover police who turned criminal. The fourth view is Christie Ellis, wife of Agent Bowers who has a secret she hasn’t shared with her husband of two months and daughter yet. The fifth view is Julianne Springman, a former police officer who now works in photography. Her new job is definitely a drastic change from being a CSI tech. The sixth view is Tessa Ellis, step-daughter of Agent Bowers. The seventh and eighth views are Sasha Daye and Jake Reese. This book is organized into different stages with a short hint of what will come and every stage is equally intriguing.
Every Wicked Man is very well written and provided an interesting read. I like almost everyone’s views except Christie and Tessa. Tessa has this dry humor that is a bit irritating to read. This is the longest thriller I have ever read and the happenings are extensive. I lost interest many times because it seems the police are nowhere nearer to solving the crimes. I do like being updated to what is going on in each person’s view without waiting for the next chapter to start. It’s definitely interesting to read about cops breaking the law. Although this book comes from a series, it can be read as a standalone. Despite a few setbacks on this book, I do recommend readers who are seeking a thrill to read this book!
Pro: fast paced, page turner, mystery, investigations, suspense, unique plot, edge of my seats, adrenaline rush,
Con: too extensive for my liking; suicides are a bit too graphic for me to read
I rate it 4.5 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to Berkley Publishing for inviting me to host a blog tour. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
This book is told in the third person point of view following Timothy Sabian, a novelist who doesn’t know if he truly commits murder or if it was just his overactive imagination that he uses for writing his thrillers. Another view is of an FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers, 35, told in the first person point of view, as he works on solving the case regarding the senator’s son who drowned while someone stand by to watch. The third view is Blake Neeson, an undercover police who turned criminal. The fourth view is Christie Ellis, wife of Agent Bowers who has a secret she hasn’t shared with her husband of two months and daughter yet. The fifth view is Julianne Springman, a former police officer who now works in photography. Her new job is definitely a drastic change from being a CSI tech. The sixth view is Tessa Ellis, step-daughter of Agent Bowers. The seventh and eighth views are Sasha Daye and Jake Reese. This book is organized into different stages with a short hint of what will come and every stage is equally intriguing.
Every Wicked Man is very well written and provided an interesting read. I like almost everyone’s views except Christie and Tessa. Tessa has this dry humor that is a bit irritating to read. This is the longest thriller I have ever read and the happenings are extensive. I lost interest many times because it seems the police are nowhere nearer to solving the crimes. I do like being updated to what is going on in each person’s view without waiting for the next chapter to start. It’s definitely interesting to read about cops breaking the law. Although this book comes from a series, it can be read as a standalone. Despite a few setbacks on this book, I do recommend readers who are seeking a thrill to read this book!
Pro: fast paced, page turner, mystery, investigations, suspense, unique plot, edge of my seats, adrenaline rush,
Con: too extensive for my liking; suicides are a bit too graphic for me to read
I rate it 4.5 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to Berkley Publishing for inviting me to host a blog tour. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
September 13, 2018
I had to read this book slower than I normally would because of life obligations, but it was exactly the rollercoaster, intense ride I've come to expect from the Patrick Bower series. I HATE to see this series end. In this installment, Patrick is newly married and adjusting to life with a stepdaughter as he is also thrust into a mind twisting case. It's intense. Psychological. Lisa Gardner-esque. This is not for those who like a sweet mystery, but man, if you love deep thrillers that keep you guessing, this is the book for you. Now I want two weeks to sit down and read this series in order!
March 11, 2021
“Memento mori. Remember death.”
“Even casting our cares onto Jesus doesn’t mean we won’t feel pain. This is a fractured planet. Too much grief. Too much death.”
“Nothing can separate us from the love of God.”
The Patrick Bowers’ series is one of my all time favorite series. Steven James has created book after book that is intellectual, suspenseful, and thought provoking. This is no easy accomplishment for an author, but he is masterfully adept at it. And Every Wicked Man is no exception.
Admittedly, I got this book well over two years ago but couldn’t bring myself to read it. This was the final book and I didn’t want it to end. I still hold onto hope that I can read more about Pat, Tessa, Ralph, all the great secondary characters, and the chilling villains. But if not, Steven James has ended this well with this set of prequel books that lead up to his chess series that came out first.
This book had a lot of depth, a ton of red herrings, great faith and philosophical ponderings, and action scenes. I never knew what was going to happen next but I couldn’t wait to find out. It had a great emotional ending. A perfect read from start to finish for a perfect series.
If you have not read any books from the Patrick Bowers’ series, do so immediately!
For more reviews, please check out my blog!
https://wadeurspider01.wixsite.com/we...
“Even casting our cares onto Jesus doesn’t mean we won’t feel pain. This is a fractured planet. Too much grief. Too much death.”
“Nothing can separate us from the love of God.”
The Patrick Bowers’ series is one of my all time favorite series. Steven James has created book after book that is intellectual, suspenseful, and thought provoking. This is no easy accomplishment for an author, but he is masterfully adept at it. And Every Wicked Man is no exception.
Admittedly, I got this book well over two years ago but couldn’t bring myself to read it. This was the final book and I didn’t want it to end. I still hold onto hope that I can read more about Pat, Tessa, Ralph, all the great secondary characters, and the chilling villains. But if not, Steven James has ended this well with this set of prequel books that lead up to his chess series that came out first.
This book had a lot of depth, a ton of red herrings, great faith and philosophical ponderings, and action scenes. I never knew what was going to happen next but I couldn’t wait to find out. It had a great emotional ending. A perfect read from start to finish for a perfect series.
If you have not read any books from the Patrick Bowers’ series, do so immediately!
For more reviews, please check out my blog!
https://wadeurspider01.wixsite.com/we...
December 25, 2018
Every Wicked Man surpassed my expectations, which were incredibly high, and was a thrilling ride. You may already know this, but the Bowers Files is my favorite series and I have loved all eleven books. When I heard about this new release, I instantly added it to my "must read" list. I heard that this is the final Bowers book, but I'm holding out hope for more someday as I absolutely love these characters and am not ready to say goodbye forever.
The suspense in Every Wicked Man was heart-pounding. There were scenes that had me so nervous about what was to come; but, what surprised me the most was how emotional I got while reading this story. It actually brought tears to my eyes at one point.
I loved getting this glimpse of Patrick while he was married to his wife and seeing his relationship with his stepdaughter, Tessa, during the "early years".
I could list several other things that I loved, but I will end with this: Every Wicked Man was a phenomenal read and, if you enjoy thrillers, I highly recommend it. This is my favorite read of 2018 by far.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The suspense in Every Wicked Man was heart-pounding. There were scenes that had me so nervous about what was to come; but, what surprised me the most was how emotional I got while reading this story. It actually brought tears to my eyes at one point.
I loved getting this glimpse of Patrick while he was married to his wife and seeing his relationship with his stepdaughter, Tessa, during the "early years".
I could list several other things that I loved, but I will end with this: Every Wicked Man was a phenomenal read and, if you enjoy thrillers, I highly recommend it. This is my favorite read of 2018 by far.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
November 1, 2019
I’m sad to have reached the end of this series! Well written psychological thriller.
December 20, 2022
I LOVE this author!! My favorite of all times. I’m sad as I finish this book cause it’s the ending of my favorite series of all time. I wish he would write faster like James Patterson lol. I wonder what is next for this writer and if he had another series as good kicking around in his head. If you love mystery and suspense this is the the author for you. I don’t know if another author I’ve found on par with him. There are others I like and are really good but there is just something about his books.
Loved it again 2022
Loved it again 2022
September 25, 2018
Ok, so my mistake as it has been a while since I have read a book from this author. Yet, when I read over my reviews form prior novels and having finishing this book, I can remember why I had a strong, good feelings about the books I read from Mr. James. Patrick Bower is great. He is intelligent with leads to him being quick on his feet and ready for anything. This is a good thing as there is plenty of action to be had in this book.
I was moving from place to place and with different people. While, there were other characters, they were easy to keep straight. Additionally, I like the fact that the other characters were not just "fluff" but did play major roles within the storyline. With the action there was not a lot of down time. Finally, there is the ending. I am happy to report that it was good. Nothing worse then a weak ending.
I was moving from place to place and with different people. While, there were other characters, they were easy to keep straight. Additionally, I like the fact that the other characters were not just "fluff" but did play major roles within the storyline. With the action there was not a lot of down time. Finally, there is the ending. I am happy to report that it was good. Nothing worse then a weak ending.
July 31, 2020
4.5
Great writing, fast paced thriller. I enjoy all the different points of view. I liked the dialogue and questions about truth. For a Christian writer I was a bit disappointed in the few times he felt the need to add language...
Great writing, fast paced thriller. I enjoy all the different points of view. I liked the dialogue and questions about truth. For a Christian writer I was a bit disappointed in the few times he felt the need to add language...
December 24, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m reading this series in chronological order and I can’t put them down!! It’s all I want to do with my time.
June 29, 2021
“If you don’t get angry about injustice, you won’t act, and if you don’t act, evil will win. Don’t be a coward, treat people with honor, and do what’s right regardless of whose feelings get hurt. The road to enlightenment is paved with well-directed anger, not denial.”
What surprised me by the end of this book, was that even though I knew how a certain plot would end because I’ve read The Pawn first, the author did a great job with leaving me with hope for the characters for a different ending, and had tears forming in my eyes at the end (this doen’t happen a lot anymore).
On top of the above mentioned plot, we have Patrick who is still searching for Blake, one twisted bad guy, his sidekick, Mannie (and I was quite surprised at a few twists here). The action was great, the fighting scenes even better and all the hints dropped here and there had me totally confused a few times and surprised me when the events/bad guys were revealed.
I loved loved Pat and Tessa’s relationship! Such great step-father-daughter interactions and banter.
“Sometimes doubt is simply a stepping-stone on the journey toward a deeper faith. You don’t need to understand God to love him. In fact, if you make understanding him a prerequisite for loving him, you’ll always be disappointed.”
I also loved how the author brought in all the scripture and the characters struggles with faith (to trust God or even to believe in God).
This author is great at psychological thrillers and bring everything together at the end, even though you wonder at one point how everything will fit.
There was simply a moment when you realized that the person you were talking with or looking at needed to die.
There was just one thing I either missed or wasn’t wrapped up. I might go back to reread some parts to see if I just missed something.
A great series for readers who enjoy thrillers.
What surprised me by the end of this book, was that even though I knew how a certain plot would end because I’ve read The Pawn first, the author did a great job with leaving me with hope for the characters for a different ending, and had tears forming in my eyes at the end (this doen’t happen a lot anymore).
On top of the above mentioned plot, we have Patrick who is still searching for Blake, one twisted bad guy, his sidekick, Mannie (and I was quite surprised at a few twists here). The action was great, the fighting scenes even better and all the hints dropped here and there had me totally confused a few times and surprised me when the events/bad guys were revealed.
I loved loved Pat and Tessa’s relationship! Such great step-father-daughter interactions and banter.
“Sometimes doubt is simply a stepping-stone on the journey toward a deeper faith. You don’t need to understand God to love him. In fact, if you make understanding him a prerequisite for loving him, you’ll always be disappointed.”
I also loved how the author brought in all the scripture and the characters struggles with faith (to trust God or even to believe in God).
This author is great at psychological thrillers and bring everything together at the end, even though you wonder at one point how everything will fit.
There was simply a moment when you realized that the person you were talking with or looking at needed to die.
There was just one thing I either missed or wasn’t wrapped up. I might go back to reread some parts to see if I just missed something.
A great series for readers who enjoy thrillers.
August 22, 2021
I love Patrick Bowers but this was definitely not one of my favourites. The plot seemed weak and did not seem to have a clarity on evolution of characters especially Bashir and ibrahim ! Sebastian seemed like a meek character with very little value add ! Just disappointed at the end of trilogy …
February 17, 2019
[RECENSIE] Harteloos van Steven James
EEN MOORDEND ‘SPEL’ ROND LEVEN EN DOOD
++ ‘In de jaren zestig beschreef Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in haar boek On Death and Dying vijf fases van verdriet: ontkenning, boosheid, onderhandelen, depressie en acceptatie’ ++
Oorspronkelijke titel: Every Wicked Man
ISBN: 978 90 435 3062 0
Uitgegeven door: KokBoekencentrum Uitgevers
Pagina’s: 494
Beoordeling: ⭐️⭐️⭐️, ½ ⭐️
Plannen zijn er doorgaans om bijgesteld te worden. Voor de Amerikaanse auteur Stevens James gold dat evenzo. Maar bijstellen omdat het plan niet haalbaar bleek te zijn was hier niet aan de orde. Zijn plan om een trilogie met FBI-agent Patrick Bowers in de hoofdrol te schrijven, moest bijgesteld worden omdat het succes onverwacht groot bleek te zijn. Het eerste boek De pion werd in Amerika direct een bestseller. Dus kunnen de Nederlandse fans inmiddels ook het elfde deel, Harteloos, met Bowers in de hoofdrol lezen.
Op internet wordt een filmpje gesignaleerd waarop een jongeman zichzelf op een bureaustoel verankerd met handboeien en zich achteruit het zwembad in laat rollen. Het lijkt veel op een vrijwillig gekozen zelfmoordactie, ook omdat de laatste woorden van de jongen ‘Dit is voor jou’, insinueren dat zijn daad voor iemand persoonlijk is bedoeld. Het filmpje komt onder aandacht van de FBI en agent Bowers ontdekt na bestudering ervan dat een persoon als toeschouwer de actie van de jongen gadeslaat. De jongen blijkt Jon te zijn, zoon van senator Murray.
In een tweede verhaallijn krijgt Bowers vrouw de diagnose onbehandelbare borstkanker en omdat bericht een plaatsje te kunnen geven gaat ze deelnemen aan een retraite in een klooster.
Een derde verhaallijn brengt het leven van de zelfdestructieve auteur Timothy Sabian onder de aandacht. Hij lijdt aan de ziekte van Morgellon en snijdt en verminkt zichzelf.
++ ‘Ze klauwde naar zijn gezicht, maar hij duwde haar terug, hard. De krakende klap van haar hoofd tegen het plaveisel klonk dik en vochtig en misselijkmakend’ ++
Het accent van het verhaal is op Bowers onderzoek naar de gefilmde zelfmoord gericht omdat al snel blijkt dat er meer vergelijkbare beelden opduiken. Er blijkt zelfs enige structuur waarneembaar in de uitvoeringen waardoor het lijkt dat de gebeurtenissen vooraf georganiseerd worden. Het onderzoek brengt hem echter in andere tentakels van de georganiseerde misdaad waarin collega’s van de DEA zijn geïnfiltreerd.
Voor de opbouw van het verhaal gebruikt James de vijf fasen die in de jaren zestig door Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in haar boek On Death and Dying zijn beschreven. Enkele thema’s van de diverse verhaallijnen passen, qua ontwikkeling, dan ook naadloos in deze fasen. Het heeft te maken met de diepere persoonlijke betekenissen die de auteur aan zijn karakters meegeeft. Want naast een langzaam groeiend spannend verhaal, schroomt hij niet om de menselijke problemen zich zo te laten ontwikkelen dat daarbij religieuze hulp of minstens toch de overweging ervan wordt gemaakt.
++ ‘Ik probeerde naar voren te duwen om bij de trein vandaan te komen, maar hij bleef staan waar hij stond. Terwijl ik wegdraaide om mijn arm vrij te krijgen, trok hij een pistool, maar in plaats van op me te vuren, haalde hij met de kolf uit naar mijn hoofd. Raak. Een sterrenregen’ ++
Met deze religieuze en christelijke overwegingen die James in zijn verhaal integreert vallen zijn geschreven avonturen volledig binnen de kaders die de uitgever stelt. Spiritualiteit, christelijke en religieuze tradities zijn zaken die de uitgever al tientallen jaren overeind houdt. Met Harteloos toont de auteur dat er in zijn beleving meer op aarde is dan elkaar naar het leven staande mensen. Nooit storend maar subtiel ingebracht en wel om even bij stil te staan.
Eindoordeel: 3,5 sterren
Spanning: 3 sterren
Plot: 4 sterren
Leesplezier: 3 sterren
Schrijfstijl: 4 sterren
Originaliteit: 3 sterren
Psychologie: 4 sterren
EEN MOORDEND ‘SPEL’ ROND LEVEN EN DOOD
++ ‘In de jaren zestig beschreef Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in haar boek On Death and Dying vijf fases van verdriet: ontkenning, boosheid, onderhandelen, depressie en acceptatie’ ++
Oorspronkelijke titel: Every Wicked Man
ISBN: 978 90 435 3062 0
Uitgegeven door: KokBoekencentrum Uitgevers
Pagina’s: 494
Beoordeling: ⭐️⭐️⭐️, ½ ⭐️
Plannen zijn er doorgaans om bijgesteld te worden. Voor de Amerikaanse auteur Stevens James gold dat evenzo. Maar bijstellen omdat het plan niet haalbaar bleek te zijn was hier niet aan de orde. Zijn plan om een trilogie met FBI-agent Patrick Bowers in de hoofdrol te schrijven, moest bijgesteld worden omdat het succes onverwacht groot bleek te zijn. Het eerste boek De pion werd in Amerika direct een bestseller. Dus kunnen de Nederlandse fans inmiddels ook het elfde deel, Harteloos, met Bowers in de hoofdrol lezen.
Op internet wordt een filmpje gesignaleerd waarop een jongeman zichzelf op een bureaustoel verankerd met handboeien en zich achteruit het zwembad in laat rollen. Het lijkt veel op een vrijwillig gekozen zelfmoordactie, ook omdat de laatste woorden van de jongen ‘Dit is voor jou’, insinueren dat zijn daad voor iemand persoonlijk is bedoeld. Het filmpje komt onder aandacht van de FBI en agent Bowers ontdekt na bestudering ervan dat een persoon als toeschouwer de actie van de jongen gadeslaat. De jongen blijkt Jon te zijn, zoon van senator Murray.
In een tweede verhaallijn krijgt Bowers vrouw de diagnose onbehandelbare borstkanker en omdat bericht een plaatsje te kunnen geven gaat ze deelnemen aan een retraite in een klooster.
Een derde verhaallijn brengt het leven van de zelfdestructieve auteur Timothy Sabian onder de aandacht. Hij lijdt aan de ziekte van Morgellon en snijdt en verminkt zichzelf.
++ ‘Ze klauwde naar zijn gezicht, maar hij duwde haar terug, hard. De krakende klap van haar hoofd tegen het plaveisel klonk dik en vochtig en misselijkmakend’ ++
Het accent van het verhaal is op Bowers onderzoek naar de gefilmde zelfmoord gericht omdat al snel blijkt dat er meer vergelijkbare beelden opduiken. Er blijkt zelfs enige structuur waarneembaar in de uitvoeringen waardoor het lijkt dat de gebeurtenissen vooraf georganiseerd worden. Het onderzoek brengt hem echter in andere tentakels van de georganiseerde misdaad waarin collega’s van de DEA zijn geïnfiltreerd.
Voor de opbouw van het verhaal gebruikt James de vijf fasen die in de jaren zestig door Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in haar boek On Death and Dying zijn beschreven. Enkele thema’s van de diverse verhaallijnen passen, qua ontwikkeling, dan ook naadloos in deze fasen. Het heeft te maken met de diepere persoonlijke betekenissen die de auteur aan zijn karakters meegeeft. Want naast een langzaam groeiend spannend verhaal, schroomt hij niet om de menselijke problemen zich zo te laten ontwikkelen dat daarbij religieuze hulp of minstens toch de overweging ervan wordt gemaakt.
++ ‘Ik probeerde naar voren te duwen om bij de trein vandaan te komen, maar hij bleef staan waar hij stond. Terwijl ik wegdraaide om mijn arm vrij te krijgen, trok hij een pistool, maar in plaats van op me te vuren, haalde hij met de kolf uit naar mijn hoofd. Raak. Een sterrenregen’ ++
Met deze religieuze en christelijke overwegingen die James in zijn verhaal integreert vallen zijn geschreven avonturen volledig binnen de kaders die de uitgever stelt. Spiritualiteit, christelijke en religieuze tradities zijn zaken die de uitgever al tientallen jaren overeind houdt. Met Harteloos toont de auteur dat er in zijn beleving meer op aarde is dan elkaar naar het leven staande mensen. Nooit storend maar subtiel ingebracht en wel om even bij stil te staan.
Eindoordeel: 3,5 sterren
Spanning: 3 sterren
Plot: 4 sterren
Leesplezier: 3 sterren
Schrijfstijl: 4 sterren
Originaliteit: 3 sterren
Psychologie: 4 sterren
September 18, 2018
There was promise in this story and it all fell apart.
I could get past the peachiness of the book. I am a god fearing christian. And though I can enjoy christian theme'd books, I found this one rammed those points down my throat to the point of notice. I haven't found that as much in previous books.
That point aside, my real problem with the book was the action of two female characters toward the end. I don't mind stupid characters if that is how they were constructed. However, that's not what we have here. Yet their actions were as if they had no IQ at all.
Really, the wife is on the phone with her fed husband. They get off. Not two minutes after or some very relative short time, a guy shows up and says her husband wants him to take him to her. Ummmm, let me think. Said husband didn't mention that when we were on the phone not long before. Hmmmm. Guy allows her to call her husband and confirm. Instead, she believes the guy and text the husband instead with a lame mental excuse. Really??? Don't you think the husband would have mentioned he was sending someone. IDK....
Then you have the way too smart for her own good teenager gets in the car with someone she suspects as a potential bad guy???? Really??? Someone called him a murder and you get into his car willingly and hide like he asks.
Clearly these two incidents hinge on the plot conflict coming next. And thus are armature plot devices and insult my intelligence. Come on SJ. You are a seasoned author and you couldn't come up with plausible reasons to get those two women where you needed them to be outside of massacring the character development you created.
It annoyed me so much, it stole all my joy of reading this installment. I must also mention while reading, I had a bad case of feeling like I've read this story before. I'm not a re-reader, so this stands out to me when something sounds the same. It's been many many books in between my last installment, so I can't put my finger on it. And yes, I know this book comes before the others I've read and those books might have had references to the events that occur in this one. But it's more than that.
I'm going to rate this one 2.5. But because I enjoyed most of the book, I'm going to give this one a break and round up.
The narrator was good, but I had a hard time distinguishing character especially when there were no dialogue tags. One instance that comes to mind is toward the end with Manning and the other big guy. Something was said about who was stronger and I have no idea who said it. Their both big guys, so it could have been either. No dialogue tag in the narration.
I could get past the peachiness of the book. I am a god fearing christian. And though I can enjoy christian theme'd books, I found this one rammed those points down my throat to the point of notice. I haven't found that as much in previous books.
That point aside, my real problem with the book was the action of two female characters toward the end. I don't mind stupid characters if that is how they were constructed. However, that's not what we have here. Yet their actions were as if they had no IQ at all.
Really, the wife is on the phone with her fed husband. They get off. Not two minutes after or some very relative short time, a guy shows up and says her husband wants him to take him to her. Ummmm, let me think. Said husband didn't mention that when we were on the phone not long before. Hmmmm. Guy allows her to call her husband and confirm. Instead, she believes the guy and text the husband instead with a lame mental excuse. Really??? Don't you think the husband would have mentioned he was sending someone. IDK....
Then you have the way too smart for her own good teenager gets in the car with someone she suspects as a potential bad guy???? Really??? Someone called him a murder and you get into his car willingly and hide like he asks.
Clearly these two incidents hinge on the plot conflict coming next. And thus are armature plot devices and insult my intelligence. Come on SJ. You are a seasoned author and you couldn't come up with plausible reasons to get those two women where you needed them to be outside of massacring the character development you created.
It annoyed me so much, it stole all my joy of reading this installment. I must also mention while reading, I had a bad case of feeling like I've read this story before. I'm not a re-reader, so this stands out to me when something sounds the same. It's been many many books in between my last installment, so I can't put my finger on it. And yes, I know this book comes before the others I've read and those books might have had references to the events that occur in this one. But it's more than that.
I'm going to rate this one 2.5. But because I enjoyed most of the book, I'm going to give this one a break and round up.
The narrator was good, but I had a hard time distinguishing character especially when there were no dialogue tags. One instance that comes to mind is toward the end with Manning and the other big guy. Something was said about who was stronger and I have no idea who said it. Their both big guys, so it could have been either. No dialogue tag in the narration.
September 12, 2018
Every Wicked Man blew me away with it's tension, fast pace, and and depth of characters. This book was simply amazing!
Bowers is investigating the death of a senator's son, only it quickly becomes more complicated than a suicide. James brings multiple points of view together in this layered crime. Even the story lines that don't seem to have any affect on the investigation end up crossing into it.
There is so much going on, each character is well written, and the tension and puzzle keeps the pages turning. But it's truly the characters and their struggles that hit you square in the chest. Bowers has his new wife and 16 year old step daughter, watching their interactions is sweet and laughable. His wife is struggling with a heavy issue that sadly many people will be able to relate to. The quirky novelist has his own demons and Mannie the bodyguard is surprisingly noble. So, so much to love!
Even though this is book three in The New York Years series it can be read stand-alone. If you're in the mood for a gripping thriller that will leave you pondering regret and forgiveness, pick this one up!
*copy courtesy of the publisher in return for an honest review. Alternate review posted at: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
Bowers is investigating the death of a senator's son, only it quickly becomes more complicated than a suicide. James brings multiple points of view together in this layered crime. Even the story lines that don't seem to have any affect on the investigation end up crossing into it.
There is so much going on, each character is well written, and the tension and puzzle keeps the pages turning. But it's truly the characters and their struggles that hit you square in the chest. Bowers has his new wife and 16 year old step daughter, watching their interactions is sweet and laughable. His wife is struggling with a heavy issue that sadly many people will be able to relate to. The quirky novelist has his own demons and Mannie the bodyguard is surprisingly noble. So, so much to love!
Even though this is book three in The New York Years series it can be read stand-alone. If you're in the mood for a gripping thriller that will leave you pondering regret and forgiveness, pick this one up!
*copy courtesy of the publisher in return for an honest review. Alternate review posted at: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
October 15, 2022
Usually, I wouldn't purchase a book that is mid-series without having read the earlier ones, but this book was a bargain on so many levels. I'd just had the double blessing of being able to hear the author in person, AND I'd won a lucky prize to purchase a book from the conference bookshop at a discount. Every Wicked Man was right in the doorway when I entered the room, so my eyes were drawn immediately to it. I made a quick decision, and then rushed out to get my newly purchased copy autographed by the author.
I knew from the conference sessions that Steven James was a master storyteller, and I wasn't disappointed. Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down. Highly recommended if you like a twisty story where anyone could be the bad guy, where the characters seem real and you want to jump into the story and warn them about what you think is coming, and then you sit back with wide eyes and watch the outcome unfold. I guessed correctly for a couple of the reveals, but totally missed the carefully laid clues that would have ruined the surprise. There were more than a few shocks, and then the author gently set me free from the story with an ending that was both memorable and satisfied my need for closure.
I knew from the conference sessions that Steven James was a master storyteller, and I wasn't disappointed. Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down. Highly recommended if you like a twisty story where anyone could be the bad guy, where the characters seem real and you want to jump into the story and warn them about what you think is coming, and then you sit back with wide eyes and watch the outcome unfold. I guessed correctly for a couple of the reveals, but totally missed the carefully laid clues that would have ruined the surprise. There were more than a few shocks, and then the author gently set me free from the story with an ending that was both memorable and satisfied my need for closure.
April 2, 2020
I'm
finished
Patrick
Bowers
forever.
WOW. What a twist in the gut. What genius. What heart-pounding moments. What a ride. What an emotional punch to the gut.
How does Steven James give us so much at once? He makes us consider the demons inside ourselves while delivering an entertaining story that feels like real life and not just a suspense book written for the sake of a mystery -- it's so much for than that.
*Goes to cry sad and happy tears*
finished
Patrick
Bowers
forever.
WOW. What a twist in the gut. What genius. What heart-pounding moments. What a ride. What an emotional punch to the gut.
How does Steven James give us so much at once? He makes us consider the demons inside ourselves while delivering an entertaining story that feels like real life and not just a suspense book written for the sake of a mystery -- it's so much for than that.
*Goes to cry sad and happy tears*
November 27, 2018
Great prequel to the original series and, best of all, you don't need to have read any of the other books in the series to follow. Edge of your seat action, heart touching moments, mystery and it is resolved by the end of the book. :)
July 12, 2019
I have read all of the books in the series and they are all awesome. Patrick Bowers is a fantastic character and Tessa is amazing. If you enjoy suspense, intrigue and action you will love these books. Highly recommend!
May 22, 2024
My mom gave me the first book in this series from the library, and then the first prequel for my birthday. I started listening to them all again on audiobook on a whim. This is the first time I read the final prequel and I am suddenly very sad that this story is over and I have to shelve all these characters again 10years after I read the first book
May 27, 2020
Interesting. Excellent mystery.
June 25, 2018
I didn't expect to read this book, but when it arrived on my doorstep I thought, "Oh, I'll just try a chapter or two." I was hooked. I'd read James's The Pawn and knew he was a great wordsmith, but some of the violence had turned me off. I'm not the most sensitive reader around, but I can't handle gratuitous blood and guts or sexual situations. I was pleasantly surprised at how James handled the violence in this book and getting into the mind of some seriously bad dudes. I felt like he was very aware of his readers and their sensitivities. Thanks, Mr. James. This slightly sensitive reader of thrillers appreciated your care. There is one scene involving an escort where she's encouraged to make out with a mannequin by her "employer", but this isn't graphic and is meant to show just how depraved this man is.
Every Wicked Man is the latest offering in the popular Bowers Files series. You do not have to read the others to read this one. I'd only read The Pawn and could easily follow along as James gives you tidbits on the life of Agent Bowers. He's a family man now, and that storyline threads through in a strong way. I loved his interactions with his stepdaughter, Tessa.
But there's a killer on the loose, and Agent Bowers is hot on his/her trail. Who's coercing and then WATCHING the suicides of these innocent folks? And where in the world does is-he-crazy-or-is-he-not novelist Timothy Sabian fit into the picture?
Towards the end I did feel a little confused what all was happening, and one plot element did seem a bit coincidental (though I saw early on how James was planting it). Still, Every Wicked Man is a true page-turner, and it's a novel that all thriller lovers can pick up and enjoy. If you tend to read inspirational novels, then you'll especially enjoy some of the theological/Christian themes James weaves through the tale. But readers of a more secular leaning shouldn't find those parts intrusive.
Every Wicked Man is the latest offering in the popular Bowers Files series. You do not have to read the others to read this one. I'd only read The Pawn and could easily follow along as James gives you tidbits on the life of Agent Bowers. He's a family man now, and that storyline threads through in a strong way. I loved his interactions with his stepdaughter, Tessa.
But there's a killer on the loose, and Agent Bowers is hot on his/her trail. Who's coercing and then WATCHING the suicides of these innocent folks? And where in the world does is-he-crazy-or-is-he-not novelist Timothy Sabian fit into the picture?
Towards the end I did feel a little confused what all was happening, and one plot element did seem a bit coincidental (though I saw early on how James was planting it). Still, Every Wicked Man is a true page-turner, and it's a novel that all thriller lovers can pick up and enjoy. If you tend to read inspirational novels, then you'll especially enjoy some of the theological/Christian themes James weaves through the tale. But readers of a more secular leaning shouldn't find those parts intrusive.
August 10, 2018
This is the first book of the Bowers Files that I have read after The Pawn series, which kind of threw me off a bit. I thought this would be a continuation of Patrick Bowers after The King, but apparently these are prequels to that series. Sigh...I missed Every Crooked Path and Every Deadly Kiss, the first two books in this prequel set. BUT, that being said, I was able to follow the story well and I also was able to enjoy it very much.
In EVERY WICKED MAN Patrick is hunting down whoever is causing people to commit suicide and posting the event live online. There are several suspects and several different directions that the case goes in to keep the reader guessing who is the bad guy. As for Patrick's personal life, he's just gotten married and is now step-father to Tessa who is a bit impetuous, but not nearly as much as in later books! At the beginning of the book his wife Christie is off on a soul-searching weekend, and has to ask herself the question of whether it is kinder to keep a secret from your family or to share with them and allow them to be a part of what is happening. The suspense of Patrick trying to keep someone else from dying, and the family drama that goes on keeps the reader turning the pages and hanging on every scene. A total emotional roller-coaster that had this reader slumping with relief and wiping a few tears away by the end.
If you are a fan of suspense/murder mysteries/crime novels then definitely give this series a try. I would recommend starting at the beginning though, but since it seems I always start in the middle of a series this worked for me!
In EVERY WICKED MAN Patrick is hunting down whoever is causing people to commit suicide and posting the event live online. There are several suspects and several different directions that the case goes in to keep the reader guessing who is the bad guy. As for Patrick's personal life, he's just gotten married and is now step-father to Tessa who is a bit impetuous, but not nearly as much as in later books! At the beginning of the book his wife Christie is off on a soul-searching weekend, and has to ask herself the question of whether it is kinder to keep a secret from your family or to share with them and allow them to be a part of what is happening. The suspense of Patrick trying to keep someone else from dying, and the family drama that goes on keeps the reader turning the pages and hanging on every scene. A total emotional roller-coaster that had this reader slumping with relief and wiping a few tears away by the end.
If you are a fan of suspense/murder mysteries/crime novels then definitely give this series a try. I would recommend starting at the beginning though, but since it seems I always start in the middle of a series this worked for me!
September 10, 2018
Steven James is my go-to writer when it comes to suspense novels. He does a fantastic job at creating stories that grip me from page one. With his final addition to the Patrick Bowers' series, Every Wicked Man, this novel is no exception. From the first chapter, it rang true to James' style. I was caught up in the tension and couldn't wait to see Bowers work his magic as he chased the bad guys and saught justice for the wicked. I learned more about Christi and Tessa as they rounded out Bowers' character. I watched him interact with both of them and saw how their relationship developed up to the moment of Christi's death, which if you have read any of his previous novels, you knew was coming. I really enjoyed this final book and am sad to see the series end, but now I can't wait to see what else James decides to write. I will be on a lookout for the next thing by James since he is my favorite suspense writer.
September 9, 2018
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ev...
Every Wicked Man
The Bowers Files: The New York Years #3
By Steven James
ISBN 9781101991598
www.stevenjames.net
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
A criminal mastermind’s chilling terrorist plot forces FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers to the brink in the latest thriller from bestselling novelist Steven James.
When a senator’s son takes his own life and posts the video live online, Agent Bowers is drawn into a complex web of lies that begins to threaten the people he loves the most. As he races to unravel the mystery behind the suicide and a centuries-old code that might help shed light on the case, he finds a dark pathway laced with twists and deadly secrets that touch a little too close to home.
A fast-paced, intelligent thriller, Every Wicked Man will have readers racing through the pages to its thundering conclusion. (From Goodreads)
Review:
This gripping, complex mystery is a compelling read as we follow Patrick Bowers with his current cases as well as his new bride and stepdaughter. Bowers has been an FBI special agent for several years, currently based in New York City. He and Christie have been married only a few short weeks, and he and stepdaughter Tessa, 16 and brilliant, are building a relationship. Without an explanation, Christie went away for a weekend-long silent retreat at a monastery in Kentucky. Christie has just received news that will affect this new family for many years to come.
Patrick has been sent on a special case, the suicide of a senator’s son who had been a college student living at his dad’s. Jon Murray had not only set up his phone to video most of his suicide, but the “event” had also been live-streamed online. Patrick goes to see Senator Murray, a friend of Assistant Director DeYoung, to look for anything that seemed “off”. Jon had not been a troubled, but rather a vibrant young man. If live-streaming his suicide isn’t terrible enough, it looks like there is a shadow of a person’s reflection from a window of the condo, watching Jon end his life. A new party drug is found in Jon’s system. Patrick learns there have been similar suicides in other states, also live-streamed online.
At Jon’s memorial service, Patrick sees a woman run away and gives chase. She doesn’t respond, even when he says he is with the FBI, and runs into the road. A surprised driver loses control and his car rolls down an embankment. Jon can’t get the driver out even as gas spills from the fuel tank. Out of nowhere comes a huge man, Mannie, bodyguard to Blake, both on the top ten wanted list. Mannie helps get the driver out just before the car explodes, Even though his charges could put him away for a long time, he couldn’t hide when a life was at stake.
Mannie does not reveal where Blake is. His huge size and enormous strength work to his benefit when he is ready to break out, pulling out the chains holding cuffed hands to the table and escaping FBI offices. Blake is into huge-dollar drug dealing, and not just any drugs. He is working on a lethal combination to be released in a few days. It is up to the FBI to find him and learn the ingenious way they are transported.
In another part of town is Timothy, best-selling author of thrillers. He does what he can to keep the pieces together since being in that awful hospital. He thinks he has Morgellon’s, with one of the symptoms being the feel of bugs crawling under his skin. He hears inner voices conversing, which isn’t be too unusual for someone with his family background. He fears that he may have killed some young women he knew who disappeared and wants to find out if he did hurt them.
With the exception of Patrick and his family, we are shown only what is needed about each character for each scene. We see enough about Bowers to have empathy for him and appreciate his thought processes regarding his cases. Christie and Tessa, also, are people with whom empathy can be had as each are going through many changes. Christie’s visits with Patrick’s mentor give her insight that the monastery did not. Her faith struggles and questions are very real, even to people not in her situation, and there are words of wisdom to be appreciated. I found that, for myself personally, the philosophies Patrick mulls over in early chapters to bring little wisdom or hope.
By the time all of these situations either balloon or converge into Special Agent Bower’s day, the links he has been looking for between the cases become visible but solutions few. As there is no talk of him being an athletic guy, I was quite surprised at some of the actions he accomplished. I was also surprised at, what I would assume is a trait inherent in FBI agents, how he could compartmentalize his concerns of imminent danger to his family and proceed with the challenges at hand. The author is very creative when detailing the crimes with each case, such as the unique use of the silent ladies. There are incredible plot twists bringing threats to Bowers’ new family members and to those in the Bureau. Discovering the identity of one of the bad guys was shocking. The author is a master at increasing suspense as he raises the heat on each situation simultaneously until this reader found it impossible to stop reading. There are surprises to be had, both good and not so good, and all loose ends are tied up. Honestly, I didn’t like parts of the end, but that is only my opinion, and doesn’t take away from how incredibly well-written and exciting this thriller is. I highly recommend it to fans of Patrick Bowers and of heart-racing thrillers.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Every Wicked Man
The Bowers Files: The New York Years #3
By Steven James
ISBN 9781101991598
www.stevenjames.net
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
A criminal mastermind’s chilling terrorist plot forces FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers to the brink in the latest thriller from bestselling novelist Steven James.
When a senator’s son takes his own life and posts the video live online, Agent Bowers is drawn into a complex web of lies that begins to threaten the people he loves the most. As he races to unravel the mystery behind the suicide and a centuries-old code that might help shed light on the case, he finds a dark pathway laced with twists and deadly secrets that touch a little too close to home.
A fast-paced, intelligent thriller, Every Wicked Man will have readers racing through the pages to its thundering conclusion. (From Goodreads)
Review:
This gripping, complex mystery is a compelling read as we follow Patrick Bowers with his current cases as well as his new bride and stepdaughter. Bowers has been an FBI special agent for several years, currently based in New York City. He and Christie have been married only a few short weeks, and he and stepdaughter Tessa, 16 and brilliant, are building a relationship. Without an explanation, Christie went away for a weekend-long silent retreat at a monastery in Kentucky. Christie has just received news that will affect this new family for many years to come.
Patrick has been sent on a special case, the suicide of a senator’s son who had been a college student living at his dad’s. Jon Murray had not only set up his phone to video most of his suicide, but the “event” had also been live-streamed online. Patrick goes to see Senator Murray, a friend of Assistant Director DeYoung, to look for anything that seemed “off”. Jon had not been a troubled, but rather a vibrant young man. If live-streaming his suicide isn’t terrible enough, it looks like there is a shadow of a person’s reflection from a window of the condo, watching Jon end his life. A new party drug is found in Jon’s system. Patrick learns there have been similar suicides in other states, also live-streamed online.
At Jon’s memorial service, Patrick sees a woman run away and gives chase. She doesn’t respond, even when he says he is with the FBI, and runs into the road. A surprised driver loses control and his car rolls down an embankment. Jon can’t get the driver out even as gas spills from the fuel tank. Out of nowhere comes a huge man, Mannie, bodyguard to Blake, both on the top ten wanted list. Mannie helps get the driver out just before the car explodes, Even though his charges could put him away for a long time, he couldn’t hide when a life was at stake.
Mannie does not reveal where Blake is. His huge size and enormous strength work to his benefit when he is ready to break out, pulling out the chains holding cuffed hands to the table and escaping FBI offices. Blake is into huge-dollar drug dealing, and not just any drugs. He is working on a lethal combination to be released in a few days. It is up to the FBI to find him and learn the ingenious way they are transported.
In another part of town is Timothy, best-selling author of thrillers. He does what he can to keep the pieces together since being in that awful hospital. He thinks he has Morgellon’s, with one of the symptoms being the feel of bugs crawling under his skin. He hears inner voices conversing, which isn’t be too unusual for someone with his family background. He fears that he may have killed some young women he knew who disappeared and wants to find out if he did hurt them.
With the exception of Patrick and his family, we are shown only what is needed about each character for each scene. We see enough about Bowers to have empathy for him and appreciate his thought processes regarding his cases. Christie and Tessa, also, are people with whom empathy can be had as each are going through many changes. Christie’s visits with Patrick’s mentor give her insight that the monastery did not. Her faith struggles and questions are very real, even to people not in her situation, and there are words of wisdom to be appreciated. I found that, for myself personally, the philosophies Patrick mulls over in early chapters to bring little wisdom or hope.
By the time all of these situations either balloon or converge into Special Agent Bower’s day, the links he has been looking for between the cases become visible but solutions few. As there is no talk of him being an athletic guy, I was quite surprised at some of the actions he accomplished. I was also surprised at, what I would assume is a trait inherent in FBI agents, how he could compartmentalize his concerns of imminent danger to his family and proceed with the challenges at hand. The author is very creative when detailing the crimes with each case, such as the unique use of the silent ladies. There are incredible plot twists bringing threats to Bowers’ new family members and to those in the Bureau. Discovering the identity of one of the bad guys was shocking. The author is a master at increasing suspense as he raises the heat on each situation simultaneously until this reader found it impossible to stop reading. There are surprises to be had, both good and not so good, and all loose ends are tied up. Honestly, I didn’t like parts of the end, but that is only my opinion, and doesn’t take away from how incredibly well-written and exciting this thriller is. I highly recommend it to fans of Patrick Bowers and of heart-racing thrillers.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
February 6, 2020
I really enjoyed the majority of the series. But I think the author ran out of ideas for the last few books. There are just so many things that happen that are so beyond the realm of possibility that I just didn't enjoy this book that much. For example, having a serial killer not only work for the FBI, but make it to assistant director was so ridiculous. Having a law enforcement officer as a bad guy is a common theme for these books, but this went a bit far. Like the last few books, there is so much going on that it takes a crazy ending to tie everything together. I'm looking forward to his future books, but it's time to move on from this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2018
My least favorite of the Bowers' Files books mostly because of the recurring dialogue between Patrick and Tessa. It was as if the author was prepping for a new series featuring Tessa (YA or not). I hope that is not the case. The storyline was actually pretty good but the segue to Bowers' home life was distracting and slowed down the pace considerably.
October 12, 2018
I would extremely recommend this book to any crime-intrigued readers. It continues with Patrick Bowers’ story after his and Christie’s marriage but has a whole new case with new twists and turns. Steven James creates a mental challenge of trying to keep up and anticipate what will happen in the story next while trying to solve the case yourself. You have to keep track of Bowers’ point of view, Timothy’s point of view, Blake’s point of view, Tessa’s point of view and more!
The case Bowers deals with this time is quite sensitive: suicides being broadcasted online. This includes the mayor’s son and DEA Agent Sasha. Steven James also addresses conditions that involve paranoia and hallucinations through Timothy. Steven James writes, “He didn’t want to show Dr. Percival the scars on his arms from the scratching and from trying to use the tweezers and razor blade to dig out the bugs that burrow into his skin” (3-4). I would make sure that is clear before diving into this book in case of any sensitivity or uninterest in the topic because Steven James isn’t afraid to steer away from the gory details. This case also leads into another less troublesome and sensitive topic of drug trafficking. Blake returns in this book and is on Bowers’ radar once again. This time he is even more determined. He even kidnaps a pharmacist’s son and keeps him in the desert for hours until the drugs are shipped.
This book will keep you interested the whole time with no dull moments, and you will be constantly thinking and trying to connect the dots between perspectives, cases, and all of Bowers’ life. On the side of fighting crime, Steven James keeps his religious elements of the book with Christie’s beliefs and Bowers’ uncertainty. This book also addresses familial issues and advances with Bowers, Christie, and Tessa. Steven James describes Bowers’ time with Christie, “Love is not just a gift of the heart; it also has a way of harnessing moments and allowing time to become subject to your lover’s smile. It made me feel like nothing could go wrong tonight and that nothing could ever sever the strong cord of love that held us together” (331). Through all the horror of killers and uncertainty of life and death, Steven James still includes moments where character relationships develop and where he lets some light into Bowers’ life. Probably one of the biggest turning points in Bowers’ story in this book is his relationship with Tessa. Within the first hundred pages, there is a scene where Tessa is upset but isn’t close enough to Bowers to share what is going on with her. Instead, she just screams at him through the door when he tries to help. This changes to the last pages of the book. Steven James writes, “I didn’t know if Tessa would pull away. I half expected her to, but she didn’t. Instead, she wrapped her arms around me, and I felt the warmth of her fingers as she squeezed my hand ever so slightly...Because I love her. And she’s my daughter now. And I’m her dad” (543-544).
Steven James is such a diverse writer. He is able to describe gory, homicidal scenes on one page and flip to beautifully phrased family moments. The book has a great balance between these two different tones and more views on life that are still connected through Bowers and the characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in crime, family, and whoever likes to try and figure out the case with the characters. If this is you, give the book a try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2023
The story begins with a bizarre suicide, recorded and released online for all to view: A senator's son straps himself to an office chair poised at the end of a swimming pool. He then tips himself over the edge into the pool. Before he goes for his permanent swim, he says, "I'm doing this for you." I knew he wasn't talking to me...but to whom was he talking? What did he mean? Why did he have to die?
Enter our hero, FBI agent Patrick Bowers. His specialty is the geography and the timing of crime. Rather than study things like motives or weapons, he examines crime scenes and wonders why it happened where it did, and when it did. Interesting hook. Bowers doesn't know this at the beginning of the story, but he is up against master criminal Blake Neeson. Neeson masquerades as a terrorist named Fayed Raabi'ah Bashir. His goal is to mobilize the world population against terrorist countries, so that he can get rich by selling weaponry. Neeson's game has everyone puzzled: He appears to be smuggling...mannequins. Even Bowers is baffled.
On the home front, other troubles lie in wat. Bowers' wife, Christie, has taken a weekend at a monastery. She has told Patrick and her sixteen year old daughter Tessa that she is in need of a spiritual retreat. But there's much more to it than that. Readers who want to know about the "much more to it" angle can read the book for themselves, but this is a good place to cite what I consider the weakness of the story: Everyone, at some point in their lives, will confront the question of their own mortality. Perhaps in conjunction, this confrontation will include questions about God, heaven and the afterlife. The book tries to represent each character's contemplation of these questions, perhaps in an attempt to help others reconcile their own beliefs. I am not sure that a murder mystery is the place to do this. To be sure, the issues raised in the text are profound, but that does not automatically mean that they are treated profoundly. Speaking generally, it's tough to ponder mortality when the lead character must suddenly dash off in pursuit of a tip.
Beyond that, author James has crafted a good yarn. James is one of the few authors who can succeed at a most interesting narrative technique: throughout the book, but especially as the climax of the story draws near, James offers short bursts of the thoughts and actions of one character, and then shifts to another, granting the reader multiple perspectives of the same moment. Other authors have tried this and the action slows to a snail's pace. James makes it work, and it heightens the tension, sometimes to unbearable levels. James' technique and characterizations make this a fun read. I can guarantee one thing: Readers will never look at mannequins the same way again.
Enter our hero, FBI agent Patrick Bowers. His specialty is the geography and the timing of crime. Rather than study things like motives or weapons, he examines crime scenes and wonders why it happened where it did, and when it did. Interesting hook. Bowers doesn't know this at the beginning of the story, but he is up against master criminal Blake Neeson. Neeson masquerades as a terrorist named Fayed Raabi'ah Bashir. His goal is to mobilize the world population against terrorist countries, so that he can get rich by selling weaponry. Neeson's game has everyone puzzled: He appears to be smuggling...mannequins. Even Bowers is baffled.
On the home front, other troubles lie in wat. Bowers' wife, Christie, has taken a weekend at a monastery. She has told Patrick and her sixteen year old daughter Tessa that she is in need of a spiritual retreat. But there's much more to it than that. Readers who want to know about the "much more to it" angle can read the book for themselves, but this is a good place to cite what I consider the weakness of the story: Everyone, at some point in their lives, will confront the question of their own mortality. Perhaps in conjunction, this confrontation will include questions about God, heaven and the afterlife. The book tries to represent each character's contemplation of these questions, perhaps in an attempt to help others reconcile their own beliefs. I am not sure that a murder mystery is the place to do this. To be sure, the issues raised in the text are profound, but that does not automatically mean that they are treated profoundly. Speaking generally, it's tough to ponder mortality when the lead character must suddenly dash off in pursuit of a tip.
Beyond that, author James has crafted a good yarn. James is one of the few authors who can succeed at a most interesting narrative technique: throughout the book, but especially as the climax of the story draws near, James offers short bursts of the thoughts and actions of one character, and then shifts to another, granting the reader multiple perspectives of the same moment. Other authors have tried this and the action slows to a snail's pace. James makes it work, and it heightens the tension, sometimes to unbearable levels. James' technique and characterizations make this a fun read. I can guarantee one thing: Readers will never look at mannequins the same way again.
September 5, 2018
For the first time, I found myself crying at the end of a Steven James book! Every Wicked Man is the final book in the Bowers files and I am sad to see this series end. Steven James has created one of the best series out there and fans will love the way things come to an end.
Patrick Bowers is called in on a case when a senator’s son commits suicide and the video is shown live online. It turns out this is not the first video shown online like this. As Patrick looks deeper into things, he discovers a mystery that ties into a centuries old code that might be the key to solving his case. Not only is Patrick having to deal with one of his most difficult cases ever, he is also having family issues. His new wife is off on a spiritual retreat and he feels she is keeping something from him. Tessa, his new stepdaughter, is as obstante as ever and he is doing his best to find a balance of being an FBI agent and a family man.
When it comes to finding a good book that is hard to put down and keeps the pages turning faster than you would have thought possible, there is on one better than Steven James. I have loved the Bowers Files since the very beginning and am sad to see it come to an end. I understand that all good things must come to an end and this is a very fitting end. We get to see the origin of how Patrick really becomes a father and what happens to his wife that shapes him into the agent he becomes in the later Bowers Files. Almost all of our favorite characters are back, Tessa, Christy, Calvin, and Ralph. These origin stories have been very enjoyable as a way to better understand the team we have grown to love. Steven James has a way of drawing readers in and making them connect with the story and characters like no other author I have ever read. It is such a rare occurrence to find a book series that spans eleven books and is still as good if not better than when it began. Some may look at the book being over five hundred pages and feel a little turned off but it reads faster than most half its size and with his writing style James moves the story along smoothly. I recommend this to readers that enjoy a great suspense read by one of the very best authors ever.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Patrick Bowers is called in on a case when a senator’s son commits suicide and the video is shown live online. It turns out this is not the first video shown online like this. As Patrick looks deeper into things, he discovers a mystery that ties into a centuries old code that might be the key to solving his case. Not only is Patrick having to deal with one of his most difficult cases ever, he is also having family issues. His new wife is off on a spiritual retreat and he feels she is keeping something from him. Tessa, his new stepdaughter, is as obstante as ever and he is doing his best to find a balance of being an FBI agent and a family man.
When it comes to finding a good book that is hard to put down and keeps the pages turning faster than you would have thought possible, there is on one better than Steven James. I have loved the Bowers Files since the very beginning and am sad to see it come to an end. I understand that all good things must come to an end and this is a very fitting end. We get to see the origin of how Patrick really becomes a father and what happens to his wife that shapes him into the agent he becomes in the later Bowers Files. Almost all of our favorite characters are back, Tessa, Christy, Calvin, and Ralph. These origin stories have been very enjoyable as a way to better understand the team we have grown to love. Steven James has a way of drawing readers in and making them connect with the story and characters like no other author I have ever read. It is such a rare occurrence to find a book series that spans eleven books and is still as good if not better than when it began. Some may look at the book being over five hundred pages and feel a little turned off but it reads faster than most half its size and with his writing style James moves the story along smoothly. I recommend this to readers that enjoy a great suspense read by one of the very best authors ever.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
April 14, 2022
I’ve read all the Patrick Bowers books by Steven James, and I love the series. Bowers does an excellent job of writing intense, fast-paced thrillers while taking the time to explore deep philosophical, theological, and moral questions. He doesn’t shy away from the darkest depths of human depravity, but he doesn’t glorify it or use it for shock value either.
This particular story felt like a fresh take on a Bowers novel for me. Rather than chasing a serial killer, as in most of his cases, Agent Bowers is investigating assisted, live-streamed suicides. This disturbing plot unfolds even as the subplot of Bowers’ relationship to his wife and daughter, an element throughout the entire series, is tied together. And there are major tie ins to larger criminal elements and terrorist activity from other novels within the series.
Chronologically, Every Wicked Man links the prequel books to the main series, which begins with The Pawn. Reaching the conclusion of this final installment in the Bowers Files made me want to reread the whole series, which I will likely do someday. Steven James is easily one of my favorite thriller authors. He has strong prose, good character work, a great grip on perspective, and a thoughtful and thought-provoking way of handling very dark material. All in all, though not my favorite Bowers book, Every Wicked Man is an excellent conclusion to an exclusive series.
This particular story felt like a fresh take on a Bowers novel for me. Rather than chasing a serial killer, as in most of his cases, Agent Bowers is investigating assisted, live-streamed suicides. This disturbing plot unfolds even as the subplot of Bowers’ relationship to his wife and daughter, an element throughout the entire series, is tied together. And there are major tie ins to larger criminal elements and terrorist activity from other novels within the series.
Chronologically, Every Wicked Man links the prequel books to the main series, which begins with The Pawn. Reaching the conclusion of this final installment in the Bowers Files made me want to reread the whole series, which I will likely do someday. Steven James is easily one of my favorite thriller authors. He has strong prose, good character work, a great grip on perspective, and a thoughtful and thought-provoking way of handling very dark material. All in all, though not my favorite Bowers book, Every Wicked Man is an excellent conclusion to an exclusive series.
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