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The Accident Man - Review

Well, I think I have alluded in a previous post that Lee Child blurbing your crime related thriller had reach epidemic proportions. The L.C. blurb that accompanies The Accident Man is "Audacious, authentic, full of tension and tradecraft... a great thriller read." Audacious, I guess, because of the too soon aspect of Diana, and possibly for the fact in the context of the book the author is asking you to root for the murderer of the most famous person ever.

So I approached this book with great trepidation, and early on I felt the sinking sensation of a thriller that starts with... at least a very interesting idea... and has absolutely no follow though. But once we are in the clear of the act the book turns into a very surprising read. I enjoyed the hell out of this book from about the 100 page mark. Cynically, I could say why even use the salaciousness of Diana being murdered, but it is a great hook.

Our Accident Man, Carver, and his Russian accomplice, Alix, are well developed characters with back stories that are teased out during the routine action of the book. As a fan of series characters I hope Mr. Cain brings them back (he is), but given how the book ends that is in some doubt. Indeed how he leaves our leads is the most surprising aspect of the book. One minor grip is the by now over used cliche of the vile Russian Mobster. This book is lousy with them and after while their generic menace just gets in the way.

I look forward his next book The House of War.
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