Book Review: The Tourist Killer by FCEtier

Some things in this world are very dangerous. Near the top of the list is agreeing to read (or worse--review) a friend's manuscript that he’s lovingly worked on, with all of the hovering, worried phone calls, the “did you like that part?”, or worse “Why didn’t you like that part?

I was recently laid up in a medical facility for three months with two broken wrists, a broken right elbow, and a destroyed left elbow. Holding a book, much less controlling the pages was out of the question, until a nurse--knowing full well that I can’t resist a good novel--suggested the e-book version.

Let’s put it this way… I liked it enough to "hunt & peck" this out with two numb fingers.

In his exhilarating debut thriller, author FCEtier introduces readers to a memorable cast of characters, some of whom surprisingly actually make it to the last page. The Tourist Killer is populated by an aging gun-for-hire considering retirement, two ultra-rich, politically powerful men who despise each other, a grizzled “mountain man,” a group of senior citizens who hang out in an “old man’s bar,” a paranoid tailor who speaks in song lyrics, and a mix of eccentrics and everyday folk.

The Tourist Killer opens with a bang as the assassin takes aim at a serial killer who has eluded police for years. Then on to the next assignment, which takes place largely in North Carolina and Tennessee. Part of the charm of The Tourist Killer (yes, a political thriller can have charm) is that the author incorporates authentic locations and what may be favorite restaurants and shops, providing the reader with a travelogue of sorts.

The novel is divided into seven parts, each beginning with a flashback from the life of professional assassin Claudia Barry, establishing her connection to events and action even when she is not present. Barry is a baby-boomer (as are most of the central characters) who chose a path far from the one traveled by her contemporaries—hippies, activists, revolutionaries, and yuppies. Through her introspection, readers discover the influences that led to the choice of her unusual—and unsavory—career, and it is left to the reader to decide if she is a do-gooder ridding society of undesirables or a psychopath taking out the trash.

Continued on the next page Page 1 — Page 2

Article tags

Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for jet-gardner

Article Author: Jet Gardner

Jet likes to collect books, music, chess sets, and friends. He runs a Gay Worldwide Headline service that is updated constantly, and runs an A-store called Jet's General Store

Visit Jet Gardner's author pageJet Gardner's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own
  • No image found

Article comments

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.

blogcritics lists for May 22, 2013

fresh articles Most recent articles site-wide

fresh comments Most recent comments site-wide

most comments Most comments in 24hrs

top writers Most prolific Blogcritics for April

top commenters Most prolific Commenters in 24 hrs