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3no7's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.5
Life in transition, friend in trouble, danger around every corner
“Last Redemption” is part of the “Rick Cahill” series. This book continues from previous books, and the best experience is for regular readers of the series, but information is included as part of the narrative to help new readers see the entire picture and grasp the implications of past actions and events. Rick Cahill is a complex person with a complicated past that haunts him every day; it is a constant reminder of the ebbing tide of his time on earth. He wants to become a different person, a better person, but he has a lot of baggage; change is hard when people are trying to kill him.
The story is told in Rick’s first-person narrative. He is damaged both mentally and physically by the events of his life. He talks to himself and to readers, sharing everything from his perspective, the joys and pains, the good, bad, and the in-between. Rick is naturally sarcastic, abrasive even, and follows his own instincts, suppositions, and theories. However, when he is working a case he is focused, purposeful, and methodical because even the smallest detail might be valuable later.
The narrative starts sometime after the previous book, and Rick is now doing background checks for corporations, having abandoned the lifestyle that caused so much physical and mental torment. That past comes screaming back when his best friend’s son goes missing; Rick’s loyalty and friendship compel him to find the young man. People hide secrets from the rest of the world, and the pieces of the case are as confusing as pieces of a jigsaw puzzle without a box that shows the picture. The pursuit leads to some complicated connections with DNA cancer testing, the manipulation of a private company’s value, and, oh yes, a murder or two.
Coyle’s attention to details of every sort, in every place, make the story relevant, relatable, and realistic, from the sun burning off the marine layer in San Diego to the Vibram-soled Gall duty boots. I received a review copy of “Last Redemption” from Matt Coyle and Oceanview Publishing. The title “Last Redemption” hints to readers that perhaps Rick may finally find some peace, some acceptance of his situation … or not.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
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