Assault on Sugar Island: Suicide by Jihad

Jack's Justice #2

by Michael Carrier

In Assault on Sugar Island, Suicide by Jihad, Jack and Kate must deal not only with Jack’s incarceration (for a crime he most certainly did commit), but they must also navigate the most treacherous waters of a crazed writer of fiction who is hell bent on drawing down upon himself the wrath of fundamental Islam and Jihad.
As the story begins, retired Chicago detective Jack Handler finds himself in a federal prison camp. He just learns that his federal case has been overturned. Unfortunately, his enemies also learn of the news and plot to kill him. This is where Henry comes in. Henry, AKA Chuchip Kalyesveh, a very big Native American (Hopi tribe), who is known for his pugilistic skills, comes to Jack’s rescue. Henry and Jack immediately become best friends. So when Jack’s client (the writer) is attacked by machete-wielding Jihadists, Jack calls on Henry to help.
Jack’s challenge is immense.
When the battle follows Henry and the writer onboard the Sugar Island Ferry, everyone on the island feels the fury of angry Islamists. And, sadly, old enemies find a way to have Jack arrested again.

272 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2016

About the author

Michael has at different times in his life driven truck throughout the US, hustled pool from Texas to Montana, traveled the country hitchhiking, spent five years in Greenwich Village's East Side, delivered diamonds in New York's diamond district (disguised as a down-and-outer), tended bar at a New York nightclub, climbed dozens of water towers throughout the US, panned gold, skydived, and worked for over two decades in private security.

One of Mike's favorite hobbies is creating intricate puzzles. Since 1992 he has assumed the persona of "Mountain Mike." As this character, he hides a treasure (which is a ten dollar bill) somewhere around Grand Rapids, Michigan. He then every week publishes puzzles which contain clues as to the location of the treasure.
When a lucky sleuth finds the treasure, Mountain Mike buys it from him for $1000. So far, since 1992, Mike has rewarded seven such treasure hunters.
Currently Michael lives with his wife in a house on Lake Superior. His mailing address is Paradise, MI.

Reviews

[Mary Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second half of this novel makes it action-packed and I enjoyed that. I was disappointed by the use of a couple of sentences in the Qur’an to promote the idea that all Muslims are ready to kill others who criticize their faith. I feel readers needed context and information about how political and social media disinformation and misinformation influences our fear and hatred that sometimes leads to violence. The move to nationalism and targeting groups started to grow before and after 9/11 when this was published.

I have many friends among Muslims in Detroit who are loving, caring people who work hard to help the homeless, donate to and work in soup kitchens, and provide education and information about Muslims. They are respected and have been American citizens for many years. They believe in free speech and are not planning a holy war against those who criticize them publicly. But conspiracy theories and outright lies on the internet have supported that false view. I hope some of your readers visit a Mosque and get to know some Muslims personally.

I have a masters in journalism and have worked as a reporter/editor in newspapers, developed a certificate in social media at a university, recruited physicians and directed public relations at a hospital, was a director of communications at a university, and taught news and public relations courses on campus and online until I retired. I am still active on social media. I am a member of a Christian church and a Jewish congregation. I also was an active member of social justice and interfaith groups in the Detroit area until I moved.