Eight stars
Joseph Flynn keeps impressing me with this writing, with the political thrillers of Jim McGill to the investigative stories of Ron Ketchum. With John Tall Wolf, Flynn straddles the middle, using some of his great wit and storytelling to push the series along. John Tall Wolf is an essential part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and has been sent to New Orleans, where a bank robbery appears to have been committed by a number of men with Native American features. As Tall Wolf delves into the case, he learns that not all is as it seems, though the case has some truly political aspects. When numerous robberies occur in various parts of the country, Tall Wolf is sent to follow-up, at the direction of the US vice-president and in conjunction with the FBI. This is sure to pave the way to future successes, should Tall Wolf garner the needed answers. Flynn does well to keep the reader in the middle of the action once more.
Special Agent John Tall Wolf enjoys his work with the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs), though his supervisor is a little too much for him at times. When Tall Wolf finds himself in New Orleans, it is not to scout out a potential vacation with his new love interest, but rather to investigate a bank robbery. It would seem a group of eight men fled the scene on motorcycles are were donning various Native American warpaint and feathers in their hair. This could help shed some light on the backgrounds of the perpetrators, though Tall Wolf will need some outside assistance to make an educated guess.
Tall Wolf works alongside the FBI on the case, turning over any rock that might garner results. When the robbers claim to be part of the Red Nation Rising, this is another attempt to misdirect the authorities. The case, which seems to be more than simply a robbery, has created quite the stir in Washington, where both the US vice-president and Deputy Director of the FBI seek his insights, which can only work in his favour.
When evidence points to foreign cyberattacks by an American enemy, Tall Wolf realises that he is out of his depth. He promises to locate the robbers and bring them to justice, while Washington handles the international elements of the case. Whatever’s going on, it is used to cause chaos and John Tall Wolf is ready, as long as he can make it home before too long. Flynn is once more treating his readers to a stellar experience.
I cannot recommend the writing of Joseph Flynn enough, especially the reader who has a penchant for devouring thrillers and political novels. There are elements of both, as well as some strong connections to come of Flynn’s other work. A narrative base that flows with ease is sure to keep the reader hooked as they devour the story. Momentum humming, the reader will be full of curiosity and this leads to some stunning reveals. Strong characters, some of whom come from Flynn’s two other main series, are peppered throughout the book and add a certain excitement to the storeys delivery. These are great cross-over moments and handled with aplomb.
I rely on the plot development to pique my interest, something that Joseph Flynn has never struggled with in the past. This series, while only two novels in, has all the elements I need to want more and keeps impressing me with the twists that end up taking over the narrative. Flynn weaves things together well and pays tribute to many aspects that could get thorny. I love this series and the larger McGill/Tall Wolf/Ketchum collections, making this an easy read that I can devour in a few short hours. I am eager to delve deeper and see what else John Tall Wolf has in store for readers.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for another great reading experience.
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