Bestseller Gilstrap (Nathan’s Run) launches a thriller series following PI Jonathan Grave. Much like Bruce Wayne, Grave is single and rich, uses expensive gadgets and has a vigilante alter ego. Hokey dialogue (“I respect anyone willing to die for a cause…. My goal is to help [terrorists] die for their cause. But I still respect them”) hampers an otherwise entertaining read as Grave investigates the disappearance of investigative reporter Tibor Rothman, husband of Grave’s ex-wife, Ellen. Sheriff Gail Bonneville of Samson, Ind., is chasing Grave in turn, since a hostage rescue mission he fronted turned into a shootout. Thriller fans may not mind the cheesiness or flat characters like brutish pilot Boxers and sassy computer specialist Venice (“pronounced Ven-EE-chay, by the way”), as this fast-paced tale of violence and revenge is all about plot, of which there is plenty.

For a limited time VJ Books is offering No Mercy at no cost, when either Even Steven or At All Costs (both hardcover, signed 1st editions) is ordered. See  John Gilstrap’s author page for details.  You can’t go wrong with this deal!

(Publisher’s Weekly, May 25)