Book Review: ‘Killer, Come Hither’ – An Action-Filled Mystery by Louis Begley

The decisions we make at the crossroads we face in our life shape the portrait of who we become. They help us develop and grow. The reasons for those decisions are often necessary. Yet, at times, enough thought doesn’t go into our choices. How those resolves shape us is different for everyone. In Killer, Come Hither by Louis Begley we are introduced to Jack Dana, an avid student from Yale with an amazing future ahead of him.

After 9/11 he decides to join the military in the hopes of bringing safety back to his country. Injured by a sniper’s bullet, he begins writing as he heals at the Walter Reed Hospital. His uncle is an attorney, and with his connections, Jack’s work is published. A surrogate father figure, he means a great deal to Jack. With Jack’s work becoming successful, he has much to be grateful for.

During a three-month sojourn to South America, Jack learns that his beloved uncle is dead, clearly suicide by hanging. Jack does not believe the verdict, and begins digging into it with the help of his uncle’s associate Kerry Black, and a college friend, Scott Prentice, who now works with the CIA. When Jack discovers the truth, he realizes that the truth may not prevail, for a great deal of money and power are involved. Can he bring the killers to justice as they deserve, or must he go rogue in order to maintain his integrity.

Begley develops a great persona for Jack. He is sharp, vulnerable, and bold — an eclectic mix of differences that make him at once flawed, honest, and courageous. Kerry is a great addition to the mix; she brings out his softer side and adds a gripping tension to the plot. Added to the mix are the knowledge and power of Jack’s friend Scott Prentice, which brings the plot’s elements together into an intriguing yet painful mystery.

The novel is a deep look at morality and morals, posing the question: “Can money create that feeling of being above the law?” There is a certain incredulity of feeling as you wonder if politics and wealth could really create such a horrifying ending for a man who did so many things right. Begley does a great job of making you feel as though you are looking at true occurrences.

If you enjoy mystery and suspense you will want this the work for your library. Begley takes you to a place that is uncomfortable. Be prepared to spend some time on this work for you will have difficulty putting it down. His characters stay with you in the end.