Another classic Alex King story
This is the sixth in the Alex King series, and on this occasion, Alex travels to the frozen north where Norway, Finland and Russia meet but where borders are blurred, and storms are always trying to wipe out what little life survives in the area.
King is a maverick; an outsider, but a guy you would want on your side and would trust with your life. We know his faults and weaknesses but, like family and close friends, love them nonetheless. King is hardly a lovable character but is someone who can be relied upon when your back is against the wall.
Alex King’s partner, Caroline, features heavily in this story and proves to be an excellent foil to his “action man” approach to getting things done. She is also no pushover as several who come up against her during the story find out to their cost.
The writing style in the early stages of this new novel was not to my taste as it featured short, sharp, almost staccato sentences but I quickly realised that it suited King’s mood. He knows that he is being used by his bosses at MI5 at the behest of MI6 who seem to be pulling strings. The mission is simple – find and bring home a defector who has vital information. But it’s never that simple, and there are those who have instructions to prevent him at all costs. And then there is the weather. Anything liquid freezes immediately in a temperature which has to be experienced to be believed. This is a very tough assignment which will test King and his team to the extreme.
I am a self-confessed A P Bateman fan who looks forward to reading any of his books with relish, so why only 4 stars? My expectations regarding characterisation and realistic dialogue were fully met, as always, but I found the plot flow slightly disjointed and confusing at times. It’s hard to be perfect 100% of the time. Don’t let my very slight reservation put you off though, as this is still a superbly well-crafted thriller. My strong recommendation is that, if you are new to this series, you start at the beginning of the series and work up to this one. I envy you as you are in for a literary treat.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.