BORELLI CONSULTING: Recreational Equipment Reviews

"Two-fer" Recreational Reading Review
28 January 2008

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Two of my favorite authors are Robert B. Parker – the man who created “Spenser: For Hire” – and Vince Flynn, an author of excellent contemporary novels having to do with espionage and counter-terrorism. His primary character usually gets things done the way many of us would like to but don’t get the chance. This week’s recreational review is a two-part review of their newest books: “Now & Then” from Parker and “Protect & Defend” from Flynn. As always these authors deliver enjoyable reading.

Let's start out with Robert B. Parker's newest Spenser novel, "Now & Then." The WAY veteran private investigator is joined by the usual cast of characters and few unexpected returns. Spenser's beloved, Dr. Susan Silverman, is (as usual) present and playing a pivotal roll. In this particular case Susn becomes the focus of a gentleman's attentions - and that gentleman isn't Spenser. Due to circumstances all Spenser can do is leave town to further his investigation. Thankfully Spenser has a group of friends... well, loyal thugs who are on hand and more than willing to help Spenser keep an eye on Susan. Mind you, this isn't an "Is she cheating" eye... this is a "better make sure she's safe" eye. Yeah, once again Spenser's work has put Susan in danger and he turns to dangerous men to keep her safe.

Hawk - odd as it is to think of him as Spenser's best friend - is the ring leader (after Spenser). Vinnie Morris, essentially a gangland hit man, is also available. Chollo, flying in all the way from East L.A. is included. Of course, those are the "bad guys". The good guys that help out include Detective Captain Martin Quirk, Detective Sergeant Frank Belson, an FBI agent and a CIA operative that reaches back into Spenser's history to a time when Susan actually was "cheating".

A simple divorce surveillance case turns into a potential international espionage case with Spenser right in the middle of it. Because of his history with Susan - and knowing how it felt when she was involved with another man - Spenser has a soft spot for the male half of the faltering marriage. As Spenser tries to unravel all the clues, following the case way past the requirements of simple divorce case, he also comes to terms with his own past and Susan having left him for another man. In the end Parker leaves us with hint of a big surprise in the next Spenser novel and, of course, Spenser solves the case in a way that makes everyone happy.

Our second book this week is "Protect and Defend" by Vince Flynn. Flynn's hard-charging rule-breaking hero, Mitch Rapp, is grittier than usual... and it's more than called for. When one of Mitch's closest friends is kidnapped in the middle east, while attending an informal peace conference, Mitch realizes that he has less than 24 hours to rescue the friend. If he fails? She probably dies; the entire United States counter-espionage organization collapses; American security is severly compromised, and we may just end up paying Iran a couple billion dollars.

Writing about countries and events taken right out of today's front page articles, Vince Flynn creates an easy to read but hard to put down story about one man defying virtually everyone to do what must be done. Oddly enough, Vince Flynn creates a U.S. President character who has a clear understanding of the threats our country faces and the limits rules impose on how successfully we can counter those threats. While most presidents - even fictional ones - might take a "don't know, don't want to know" attitude, this presidential character gives Mitch Rapp free reign. In fact, he tells Mitch to do whatever it takes to get the job done. No kid gloves. Do the job.

While our mainstream media outlets make a big deal about whether or not water-boarding is torture, Mitch does some truly unthinkable things - because that's what it takes and he's committed to accomplishing his mission. In a place where danger literally lurks around every corner and through every doorway, Mitch has to depend on a couple of compatriots to penetrate the heart of a holy shrine to rescue his friend and save the United States from untold financial and political horror. I suggest reading this book once for the sheer enjoyment... and then again to make sure you didn't miss any of the small but all important details.

See you next week!

BE SAFE!

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Don't forget to check out our Tactical Equipment Review with some interesting information before SHOT Show 2008.

This week's Feature Article discussing the value of thinking before you speak.

For a listing of all reviews in chronological order, GO HERE.

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