A Novel
(5.50)339 pages.
Sequel to Rain Storm, which I previously reviewed.
John Rain, freelance assassin specializing in 'natural causes', has undertaken a job for Mossad (the Israeli secret service), brokered by his girlfriend Delilah (a character introduced in the previous novel). He is now partnered with freelance sniper Dox (also introduced in the previous novel), whom he is learning to trust.
The job takes him to the Philippines, where his assignment is to terminate an Israeli bomb expert who is selling his expertise to the wrong people... and to do so in a manner that will not tip off the CIA, as they may be running the target as some kind of double agent.
Unfortunately, the kill goes bad... Rain 'freezes' and fails to kill his target, though he does terminate two Americans who seem to be trying to protect the target (who escapes).
This sets up the plot: Who are the Americans, and are they working for the CIA? Rather than risk an incident with the Americans, will Mossad opt to 'erase' the evidence (and the contractors!)? Why did Rain freeze up, and will he be able to track his target down and finish the assignment before his time is up?
And will Delilah help him finish the mission, or will she act strictly in the best interests of Mossad?
While I thought the last novel dragged a bit in the beginning and its setting was less interesting, this novel maintains a fast pace while making the Philippines, Thailand, and Hong Kong vivid and interesting.
My only criticism is that the author inserts a few passages written from the perspective of other characters. As he doesn't do this consistently throughout the novel, these passages didn't flow with the rest of the novel, and seemed to telegraph that the author was revealing some plot point.
Again, a warning on content: This novel describes in detail how an assassin kills people, and is not suitable for everyone. There is also some sexual content.
Otherwise, another strong novel in this series.
Reviewed by 
Editor in Chief Bill 
.