‘The Ice House’ by John Connor

Published by Orion Publishing Group,
18 June 2015.
ISBN: 978-1-4091-3317-4

Hit man Carl Bowman is assigned to kill a ten year old girl Rebecca in Marbella. When he gets her in his sights he cannot bring himself to pull the trigger. As she approaches her house there is an explosion and the roof erupts, Carl grabs Rebecca and gets her away.

There follows a long chase to get the young girl to safety.

It emerges that ten years ago Rebecca's mother was involved in an incident concerning the death of Uri Zaikov, son of a very rich Russian named Sergei Zaikov. Could he be seeking revenge?

Carl's brother Viktor has connections with a cartel that gives Carl his assignments, so he turns to him to help him and Rebecca escape. Can Viktor help him solve who is behind the instructions for Rebecca's death?

What transpires is a plot full of surprises and makes for an exciting build up, resulting in a thrilling finish.

This was one of those books that I found very difficult to put down. Right from the beginning the reader is caught up in a tangle of deception and half-truths. The pace of the narrative as Carl tries to avoid unknown pursuers and find out who really is behind the planned assassination never lets up.  I felt quite exhausted by the time I reached the last page and was sorry to have finished such a good book.

-----

Reviewer: Tricia Chappell

John Connor left his job as a barrister to write full time. During the fifteen years of his legal career he prosecuted numerous homicide cases in West Yorkshire and London. He advised the police in numerous proactive drugs and organised crime operations, many involving covert activity. He now lives in Brussels with his wife and two children.

Tricia Chappell. I have a great love of books and reading, especially crime and thrillers. I play the occasional game of golf  (when I am not reading). My great love is cruising especially to far flung places, when there are long days at sea for plenty more reading! I am really enjoying reviewing books and have found lots of great new authors.