Eight stars
With the intensity Joseph Flynn’s series has brought, I cannot see Jim McGill halting his impressive actions at any point in the near future. The political and social commentary is spot on, leaving me in awe with all that Flynn has been able to accomplish and predict about the American landscape. McGill remains at the centre of it all, even with the White House years behind him. This allows the private investigator to keep his own work ever-evolving in a busy world. When a newly sworn-in US senator faces some security concerns, McGill is eager to help, even when there is pushback. However, it is the missing boyfriend of his eldest daughter that has McGill most concerned, especially when there are political and espionage perspectives with which to contend. Flynn does a sensational job mixing politics, mystery, and timely explanations of all that is going on across America at the time.
Andrew Baxter ‘AB’ Lincoln has just been elected as the youngest senator in US history. Arriving in Washington for his swearing-in, Senator-elect Lincoln is able to bask in the moment, alongside former president Patricia Grant, who has known him since he was a lively eight-year-old paper delivery boy. Poised to enact change, Senator Lincoln seeks not only to learn the congressional ropes, but follow in the footsteps of another famous Illinoian who sought to use Washington to help others.
Senator Lincoln shares with Jim McGill that he’s in a bind that could create chaos for him. The deciding vote in an evenly-split US Senate, Lincoln is feeling the pressure from the GOP to caucus with them, though he feels more drawn to keeping his mind open on issues, letting his responsibility towards his constituents lead the way. Someone would surely love to capture his vote but it will take some serious maneuvering or pressure beyond what Senator Lincoln can imagine.
While McGill worries that there could be another political assassination attempt in the works, he is called away by his frantic eldest daughter. It seems Abbie McGill’s boyfriend has been kidnapped. The knowledge he has while having worked for the NSA could be invaluable, especially if it fell into the wrong hands. With a potential tie to China, this young genius could have fallen into their clutches to get to the secrets he possesses. As McGill Investigations International pumps up the pressure, the dire straights become even more troubling. McGill explores various means by which the Chinese might be getting Cale out of the country, seeking assistance from his northern colleagues int th icy waters of Canada. With time running out and Senator Lincoln still in trouble, Jim McGill will have to act swiftly and effectively to get answers and help yet another person that could make a lasting difference on the American political front. Flynn dazzles with this piece and keeps the reader hooked until the very end.
Flynn has remained highly attuned with the political and social temperaments across America with this thirteenth story in the series. He keeps things on point with a clear narrative and strong, complex characters who push many plot lines forward. Those who have followed the series understand the web of story arcs that fuel the narrative, offering great themes that develop and resolve, with fresh ones emerging to tease the reader. Flynn’s greatest storytelling comes as the reader loses themselves in this captivating series.
Flynn returns to his original format, offering short chapters to tease the reader into devouring large portions of the story at once. Former use of vignettes within the chapter is still present, but not as often. Flynn scatters his narratives within chapters, advancing key plot points of both a mystery and political nature. There are many surprises and twits in the story that can do little but impress the attentive reader.The reader must remember a great deal, both within the book and series in general, creating a need to pay close attention. Plots are rich and intense in their delivery, which creates an alluring read throughout the series.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for a great story that lays the groundwork for more to come.