4 out of 4 stars
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The Grand by Dennis D. Wilson is a highly engrossing political crime thriller debut novel. I really had no idea what to expect as I started reading this book, but after a couple of chapters I found myself completely engrossed in this story and almost unable to put it down. It is a slow-build murder mystery set in a small town, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and one of those books that grow on you as the story progresses.
The story begins with a bang (literally) and from there the emotional roller coaster doesn't stop until the last page.
Hayden Smith, a real estate broker from Wyoming and its most eligible bachelor, walks in on a couple having sexual intercourse, a circumstance which will set in motion a chain of events culminating in death. Pretty soon things go south for all concerned.
Chicago Federal Agent Dean Wister happens to be vacationing in the area. After losing his wife to cancer, he finds it difficult to come to terms with his loss and is ordered to take a three month leave of absence. He decides to go to Jackson Hole, the place where he first met his wife. Did I mention that he talks to the ghost of his wife, and only her nocturnal visits keep him from a total breakdown?? I found those chats very touching.
Meanwhile a notorious Chicago hit man is killed in a freak car crash in Teton County. When the body of a local real estate agent is found soon after and another agent has gone missing, the local sheriff suspects foul play and asks Dean's help solving the case. Soon Dean finds himself entangled in an investigation that tests his skill and endangers his life. While investigating, he finds the time to save an abused dog from a cruel owner and he earned many brownie points for that! The name of the dog most assuredly will put a smile on your face, let me tell you!
The plot thickens when the breadcrumbs trail leads to a wealthy tycoon, a presidential candidate, a local crime lord, and a Chicago mobster. Add to the melting pot money laundering, blackmail, shenanigans, murder, drama, twists, red herrings, and political intrigue and you get a gem of a book!
What begins as a seemingly simple mystery ends in a more complex place than the reader could ever expect. There are many plot threads running through the story and they all intersect. At first I didn't feel the thriller moments, the hold your breath as you read moments, but then it started to evolve and escalate. The book wraps up well, and most of the loose ends were tied up very neatly. The ending was definitely hold your breath drama and I loved, loved, loved it!
The Wyoming setting is beautifully constructed and there's a solid cast of supporting characters. The plot takes a while to get going due to a heavy emphasis on character development, not a bad thing. The author does a great job capturing the personalities of his characters and bringing them to life. The writing is excellent and mystery was well-laid out. I sure hope there is a sequel on the cards.
The author has seamlessly woven themes of fallible human nature, loss, friendship, love, hope, human trafficking, and prostitute. The message that life should go on and experienced to the fullest comes across loud and clear. In addition to the excellent job the author did in establishing a sense of place and characters, I also really liked the way he incorporated into the narrative the political issue, though I am not into politics. This added a sense of authenticity to the story. The chapters are relatively short and it keeps the action going. The plot has continuous twists in store, but it still manages to reflect the psychological depth of the characters.
I enjoyed the book immensely so rate it 4 out of 4 stars! More of a political thriller than an action thriller, this is definitely worth a read if you are looking for something to stretch your mind and horizons. If you are looking for an intelligent, high spirited, in depth plot and don't mind a bit of cussing, you should most assuredly pick up this book. Definitely recommended to readers who look for a thriller with an edge!
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The Grand
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