4 out of 4 stars
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The scene is set immediately with “chapter zero”, which I found a refreshing and creative change of pace. Michael, a seemingly paranoid but determined construction worker, is working late into the night when suddenly a shot rings out and knocks him down. He knows he’s been shot, but the shooter is still out there looking for him. Michael pushes through the unbearable pain and frees himself from what sounded like police officers attempting to murder him.
After escaping, Michael finds himself caught up in a police investigation being led by Detective Connors and her partner ‘Sir’ Ross, but he knows something they don’t. Someone inside the police department was after him that night to silence him. Could these events be connected to his past?
Detective Connors has her own problems. This is her first case back after a nearly career-ending injury that has left her physically and visibly vulnerable, but she is determined not to let her knee stop her. She’s been partnered with the somewhat erratic Detective Ross who is also an outsider within the police department. Can they overcome their new partnership to help crack this case?
Nikolai is yet another complex character facing his own challenges. His rough and tough criminal involvement with a mob in the area is completely contradictory to his peaceful home-life with a beautiful wife and young daughter. He dreams of escaping the pressures his criminal lifestyle has brought upon his family, and he’s already hatched up a brilliant plan to make his escape.
The point of view between these three main characters shifts at various points throughout the story to give the reader a birds-eye view into the unfolding drama. J.J. Holt’s beautiful use of imagery makes this novel a delight to read. Descriptions such as “pain seared him like the devil,” and “swirled in her mind like freshly stirred coffee,” evoke powerful emotions from the reader as they feel pulled into the storyline.
I rate White Night by J.J. Holt 4 out of 4 stars. This book was written beautifully, and the execution of the story line was flawless. The plot was undoubtedly intriguing and intense, and each character’s complexity and flaws added another level to an already great story. The realistic portrayal of the daily struggles police officers face was hard hitting. Reading from such a perspective gave me new insights and empathy for our officers in blue.
It’s important to point out that this book does have a few instances of sexually graphic and sexually violent thought processes as depicted by the hardened criminal Nikolai. His thoughts can be disturbing at times, so I wouldn’t recommend this book for anyone triggered by sexual violence. While mild and rare, the few mentions of this theme might be disturbing for sensitive audiences.
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White Night
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I hope you enjoy the book
Your review of this intriguing book is very captivating. Have added it to my to read list!
I like the fact that the characters had their own complexity and flaws as well 
