In the latest continuation of Robert Parker’s series, Reed Farrel Coleman turns in a compelling, action-packed story of deceit, mystery, and a whole lot of payback.
Jesse Stone, a former LAPD officer, lost his job when his drinking became more than just a habit and turned into a serious problem. Now, though, he seems to have rebounded nicely. Currently, Stone is working in Paradise, Massachusets and enjoying sobriety, albeit a new state of mind and rather untested achievement.
While Jesse is busy trying to figure out exactly what his relationship status is with Diana Evans, Jen, his ex-wife, is about to get married. Jen’s commitment to someone else causes a plethora of emotions to course through Jesse’s body. On one hand, there are some feelings left for her, buried way down in the basement of his soul. On the other hand, Jesse looks forward to the closure that her new marriage will bring.
But as he prepares to let her go once and for all, Jen’s life is threatened by a mysterious assassin and terrorist known as “Mr. Peppers,” forcing Jesse to investigate a man who is equal parts lethal and ghostly.
Jesse first suspected Peppers while investigating another crime entirely, when his gut told him one thing and the physical evidence another. In fact, the physical evidence suggests someone else entirely, but Jesse knows that sometimes evidence can be manipulated to paint an inaccurate picture of what really happened.
The fact that Peppers is in town means neither Jesse nor anyone he loves is safe, as the assassin seeks revenge for something that went down in the past. It’s not just Jen who Jesse has to worry about, or his own life for that matter, but anyone who is close to him. This revelation forces a boulder-sized burden of guilt onto Stone’s shoulders, and the only way to clear his conscience and keep those he cares about safe is to terminate Peppers once and for all.
Mr. Peppers is a worthy adversary to the hard-nosed Stone. As the story unravels, a game of cat and mouse develops between the two that is beautifully crafted and written. The height of the climax brings out a swirl of heart-pumping suspense and tension so palpable, it requires a steak knife to cut through.
Book Details
Author: Reed Farrel Coleman
Series: Jesse Stone #15
Pages: 352 (Hardcover)
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
ISBN: 0399171436
Release Date: September 13, 2016 (Order now!)