What do you think?
Rate this book
Seattle Red: The Fourth Boss MacTavin Action Mystery
Boss agrees to what should be a a pro bono case in Seattle. A security guard had been killed after work at a convenience store. Two or three days ought to do it, Boss thinks. But the trail leads soon to ORC, Organized Retail Crime. Faced with a brutal ring of thieves and a cop who may be bad, Boss is also forbidden to carry a gun. Or anything seen as a weapon. He turns to allies, old and new...and the world of alternative "toys."
166 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2017
2 people want to read
About the author
Reb MacRath
14 books136 followersPlease see my Amazon Author Page at
amazon.com/author/rebmacrath
I had a long apprenticeship as a freelance journalist and reviewer before publishing my first novel, The Suiting, with Tor in 1988. Because of the supernatural twist, I was pegged as a horror writer and contractually bound to write one more. And those two led to still two more, these published with Dell Abyss. In 1993 I retired from the genre and went to The Desert to learn how to write the sort of books I love to read: thrillers as strong on style and wit as they are on suspense.
From 1993-2012 I completed eight books that fell into three camps: short Christmas chillers; crime tales starring Boss MacTavin, a Southern Scot, and inspired by Have Gun Will Travel; and, finally, a pair of books about writing and trad publishing. From now through the end of 2013, I'll release the lot as ebooks while completing a new tale starring Big Bad Boss.
amazon.com/author/rebmacrath
I had a long apprenticeship as a freelance journalist and reviewer before publishing my first novel, The Suiting, with Tor in 1988. Because of the supernatural twist, I was pegged as a horror writer and contractually bound to write one more. And those two led to still two more, these published with Dell Abyss. In 1993 I retired from the genre and went to The Desert to learn how to write the sort of books I love to read: thrillers as strong on style and wit as they are on suspense.
From 1993-2012 I completed eight books that fell into three camps: short Christmas chillers; crime tales starring Boss MacTavin, a Southern Scot, and inspired by Have Gun Will Travel; and, finally, a pair of books about writing and trad publishing. From now through the end of 2013, I'll release the lot as ebooks while completing a new tale starring Big Bad Boss.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 16, 2019
What comes to mind when the term “hard-boiled crime fiction” is uttered? Perhaps visions of Sam Spade, Philip Marlowe or Mike Hammer come alive. Tough, hard-nosed private investigators who will solve a case no matter what. Bound by a personal code of honor which others may neither appreciate nor understand. A unique sense of morality backed up by an acid wit. This will all definitely ring a bell if you have had the good fortune to meet Boss MacTavin in Seattle Red by author Reb MacRath. For lovers of top-notch, hard-boiled crime fiction and gritty detectives, get ready to add the “Boss” to your list of perennial favorites!
Seattle Red is actually the fourth book in the Boss MacTavin Action Mystery series. In this tale, Boss travels to Seattle to take on what should be a quick and easy case. A lone security guard has been slain and Boss has been hired by the guard’s widow to find the killer. However, in typical Reb MacRath style, we soon discover that there is absolutely nothing “simple” about this case!
Upon his arrival Boss MacTavin quickly finds himself up against a ruthless Organized Retail Crime outfit. Their tentacles are everywhere and they are both clever and cold-blooded. Their trademark is also all over this murder case. On a virtual collision course with this syndicate, Boss realizes that the rules of the game have changed. He proceeds to form his own crack team to help him tackle these seemingly overwhelming odds. However, the real question is …which side will ultimately come out on top? Could the fourth book in the Boss MacTavin series inevitably be his last?
There are many aspects to this novel which make it quite exceptional in my opinion. The plot is certainly relentless and there is just non-stop action. Indeed, twists and turns appear around every corner and keep the reader continually guessing about what will come next. Nevertheless, while the exciting and engaging nature of the book is wonderful- it is so much more than that. It is a very intelligently written story as well. For instance, as part of his deal with local law enforcement, Boss is forbidden to carry a gun or weapons and must turn to the world of “alternate toys.” The research that went into this by the author is clearly apparent. Further, this can be seen in the world-building which is done. Real world knowledge is used to create a fantastical setting. It all matches beautifully and sets the stage for the story events. In fact, that seems to be an overriding characteristic of his book. The author knows his stuff and has supported a thrilling novel with the factual knowledge to back it all up!
While the tale is fast-paced and intricate, it also relies upon its various characters a great deal. Trust me, that is not a bad thing as the players in this story are dynamic, believable and full of color to say the least. Written in the first person perspective, we get to know Boss MacTavin quite intimately. His innermost thoughts and motivations are quite clearly laid out. However, it is his interaction with the other characters which allow us to understand them and further appreciate the author’s storytelling ability. Through crisp and snappy dialogue, the acid wit comes out and punches the reader right in the face. The characters are all flawed…which makes them so believable in such a truly escapist novel. Quite the mix! I truly see this series as a perfect fit for the big screen. It has a definite Quentin Tarantino or Guy Ritchie feel to it. Wild and avant garde.
I typically have a few points in all of my book reviews suggesting next steps for a novel. I would not touch this one however. To do so would wipe away the magic. There are many mature themes in it and as such I would recommend it solely to an adult audience.
5 out of 5 Hard-Boiled Stars for this one! *****
Seattle Red is actually the fourth book in the Boss MacTavin Action Mystery series. In this tale, Boss travels to Seattle to take on what should be a quick and easy case. A lone security guard has been slain and Boss has been hired by the guard’s widow to find the killer. However, in typical Reb MacRath style, we soon discover that there is absolutely nothing “simple” about this case!
Upon his arrival Boss MacTavin quickly finds himself up against a ruthless Organized Retail Crime outfit. Their tentacles are everywhere and they are both clever and cold-blooded. Their trademark is also all over this murder case. On a virtual collision course with this syndicate, Boss realizes that the rules of the game have changed. He proceeds to form his own crack team to help him tackle these seemingly overwhelming odds. However, the real question is …which side will ultimately come out on top? Could the fourth book in the Boss MacTavin series inevitably be his last?
There are many aspects to this novel which make it quite exceptional in my opinion. The plot is certainly relentless and there is just non-stop action. Indeed, twists and turns appear around every corner and keep the reader continually guessing about what will come next. Nevertheless, while the exciting and engaging nature of the book is wonderful- it is so much more than that. It is a very intelligently written story as well. For instance, as part of his deal with local law enforcement, Boss is forbidden to carry a gun or weapons and must turn to the world of “alternate toys.” The research that went into this by the author is clearly apparent. Further, this can be seen in the world-building which is done. Real world knowledge is used to create a fantastical setting. It all matches beautifully and sets the stage for the story events. In fact, that seems to be an overriding characteristic of his book. The author knows his stuff and has supported a thrilling novel with the factual knowledge to back it all up!
While the tale is fast-paced and intricate, it also relies upon its various characters a great deal. Trust me, that is not a bad thing as the players in this story are dynamic, believable and full of color to say the least. Written in the first person perspective, we get to know Boss MacTavin quite intimately. His innermost thoughts and motivations are quite clearly laid out. However, it is his interaction with the other characters which allow us to understand them and further appreciate the author’s storytelling ability. Through crisp and snappy dialogue, the acid wit comes out and punches the reader right in the face. The characters are all flawed…which makes them so believable in such a truly escapist novel. Quite the mix! I truly see this series as a perfect fit for the big screen. It has a definite Quentin Tarantino or Guy Ritchie feel to it. Wild and avant garde.
I typically have a few points in all of my book reviews suggesting next steps for a novel. I would not touch this one however. To do so would wipe away the magic. There are many mature themes in it and as such I would recommend it solely to an adult audience.
5 out of 5 Hard-Boiled Stars for this one! *****
April 11, 2017
Seattle Red by Reb MacRath
A Boss MacTavin Mystery #4
Boss MacTavin has evolved through the series to become what to me is a renaissance man - one who rose much as a phoenix from the ashes of the adversity he faced in book one. He is focused, witty, pithy, strong, a true friend and a man who feels compelled to “correct” wrongs. At times he and his cohorts can be violent but when they are it is all just part of a well-earned “correction”. He is a planner, a lover, a hedonist, an athlete and oh so much more.
I applaud Reb MacRath for creating this character and series. I just reread my review of the first book in this series, Southern Scotch, and realize that everything I wrote then is still true today. The writing is tight, the plot concise, the characters flawed but still perfection, the dialogue impeccable and the stories a delight though at times they deal with murder and mayhem. Boss MacTavin is a hero that could easily star in a Tarantino movie and I sometimes wonder this series has not been picked up by a producer.
I am not sure if this is the last book in this series but am happy to hear there is a spin-off to look forward to that will star DB, an intriguing character that no doubt will call on some of Boss’s crew when needed.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
A Boss MacTavin Mystery #4
Boss MacTavin has evolved through the series to become what to me is a renaissance man - one who rose much as a phoenix from the ashes of the adversity he faced in book one. He is focused, witty, pithy, strong, a true friend and a man who feels compelled to “correct” wrongs. At times he and his cohorts can be violent but when they are it is all just part of a well-earned “correction”. He is a planner, a lover, a hedonist, an athlete and oh so much more.
I applaud Reb MacRath for creating this character and series. I just reread my review of the first book in this series, Southern Scotch, and realize that everything I wrote then is still true today. The writing is tight, the plot concise, the characters flawed but still perfection, the dialogue impeccable and the stories a delight though at times they deal with murder and mayhem. Boss MacTavin is a hero that could easily star in a Tarantino movie and I sometimes wonder this series has not been picked up by a producer.
I am not sure if this is the last book in this series but am happy to hear there is a spin-off to look forward to that will star DB, an intriguing character that no doubt will call on some of Boss’s crew when needed.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
May 7, 2017
In this fourth book in the series, Boss heads to Seattle to take on Organized Retail Crime (ORC). Heavily researched, and highly detailed, we’re treated to firsthand descriptions of the seedier side of the Emerald City, and delve deeply into the world of ORC. Also heavily researched are the “Armless Arms” —weapons disguised as ordinary everyday objects. “Toyless is Joyless.”
Grounded firmly in the heavily researched word MacRath has created, we can gleefully enjoy a pulp romp with Boss and his colorful team as they go from one wild situation to the next. Boss tends to play the jester, but he never plays the fool. Rounding out the MacRathian trinity of tricksters is a an old geisha—or is she?—and the spirit of Mae West appearing in the most unexpected of locations.
As an aside, I have to comment on the Glenfiddich 21 Boss quaffs. I thought the author had inverted the numbers—but no! Boss drinks some really high-end stuff. And why shouldn’t he? Not only because he’s rich, but because we get to live vicariously through his good taste, and in so doing, we’re not even set back the price of a bottle!
MacRath never writes down to his audience, bringing in both pop culture and literary allusions. Authentic Seattle-speak also included! It is rare to find an action thriller/mystery this smart and also this fun.
If you like the snappy dialog of Elmore Leonard, and enjoy Quentin Tarantino’s brand of film making, you are going to go gaga over Boss MacTavin. Highly recommended.
Grounded firmly in the heavily researched word MacRath has created, we can gleefully enjoy a pulp romp with Boss and his colorful team as they go from one wild situation to the next. Boss tends to play the jester, but he never plays the fool. Rounding out the MacRathian trinity of tricksters is a an old geisha—or is she?—and the spirit of Mae West appearing in the most unexpected of locations.
As an aside, I have to comment on the Glenfiddich 21 Boss quaffs. I thought the author had inverted the numbers—but no! Boss drinks some really high-end stuff. And why shouldn’t he? Not only because he’s rich, but because we get to live vicariously through his good taste, and in so doing, we’re not even set back the price of a bottle!
MacRath never writes down to his audience, bringing in both pop culture and literary allusions. Authentic Seattle-speak also included! It is rare to find an action thriller/mystery this smart and also this fun.
If you like the snappy dialog of Elmore Leonard, and enjoy Quentin Tarantino’s brand of film making, you are going to go gaga over Boss MacTavin. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews