LAST SHOT is part of Gregg Hurwitz’s Tim Rackley series, but don’t let that stop you if you have not read the others. I hadn’t, and now I’m ready for more. This book can easily be summed up as a balls-out revenge tale – we’re talking ’70s-type revenge, like Charles Bronson on a bad day revenge – as well as a story of total corruption in the world of pharmaceuticals.

We’re introduced to Walker Jameson, who is quietly serving time in jail. One day, even with short time in front of him, he escapes in a manner that perplexes all (including the reader – it’s totally ingenious). Being a former marine, Jameson has the training to pull it off, so he can embark on the search for his sister’s killer and anyone else remotely involved. He is a can’t-stop/won’t-stop type, obsessed with seeing it through until all is said and done. The way he disposes of people is such cold-blooded payback – brutal killings that made all those revenge flicks of yesteryear so great.

U.S. Marshal Rackley and his partner are on his trail as soon as the escape occurs, and Rackley realizes there must be some reason Jameson escaped with so little time left. As they investigate, a bloody trail of conspirators turn up. Nevertheless, Rackely has genuine respect for Jameson throughout.

I can’t go further into details without ruining some great stuff. In LAST SHOT, Hurwitz has written a total page-turner, to the point where I finished the book the same day I started it. Hurwitz never tips his hand in advance of what’s going to happen until it absolutely needs to be shown. For that, I’m so grateful; finally, a writer who can keep a tight pace and great surprises. –Bruce Grossman

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