BLAIR DENHOLM - TRICK SHOT (2021)

Synopsis/blurb ....

A blood-soaked body in a basement

A high-ranking police officer with dark secrets

A town full of suspects

And Jack Lisbon, a detective who stops at nothing to uncover the truth.

When a prominent pool hall owner is found brutally slain in his own home, Yorkville's Criminal Investigation Branch swoops into action.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police is piling the pressure on Detective Lisbon and his team. With suspicions the crime has links to terrorism and a meeting of world leaders about to kick off, solving the case is now an urgent priority.

But is the killer really linked to a terrorist organization? Or does the homicide have nothing to do with national security at all?

With the line of suspects stretching out the door, Jack and his partner Detective Claudia Taylor must pull out all stops to unravel this baffling crime.

Can Jack Lisbon solve the case in time to avert a disaster? Or will the Trick Shot mystery snooker him completely?

If you’re a fan of fast-paced thrillers by James Patterson, David Baldacci and Tess Gerritsen, action-packed Trick Shot will keep you reading into the night.

Another enjoyable outing in Blair Denholm's Jack Lisbon series. Trick Shot follows hot on the heels of Kill Shot, Shot Clock and series intro Fighting Dirty.

The murder of a local businessman throws the spotlight on his nosey neighbours, estranged wife, extended family and business rival. Jack Lisbon has another case to solve, only this time there's the additional burden of some puzzling interference from the Police hierarchy and the added time pressure of finding the killer within a week or his long awaited reunion with his young daughter in London isn't going to happen.

I like the main series character, Lisbon. He has his dark secrets. He's volatile, slightly erratic but very capable. He has some issues with alcohol, with one drink sometimes turning to twenty and he's not especially successful at maintaining a romantic relationship. He's no shrinking violet when it comes to arguing his corner with his bosses and those higher up the food chain. He forms a formidable partnership with partner DC Claudia Taylor. I'm a fan of Lisbon's taste in music with his listening material comprising of The Clash, The Damned and The Pistols. 

In Trick Shot, Lisbon is avoiding the drink and seems to be trying to suppress a growing fondness for Taylor. He's jealous of any possible suitors she has, while he is reluctant to put his own cards on the table. I'm guessing this might be a dynamic that Denholm exploits in future books.

I enjoyed the blend of personal and professional. Even when the personal is to the fore, Lisbon is still running the case and possible angles through his head. Motivation is not a problem with his much anticipated trip to London and a reunion with his daughter on the line.

There a decent investigation with witnesses interviewed and the victim's past connections explored. Forensics and science plays a part in furthering the investigation. Along the way, Lisbon figures out why Assistant Commissioner Hook has a keen interest in victim Cameron Snyder, one which pre-dates his murder. 

Overall I enjoyed the mystery. I like an Australian setting. I like the police characters. Lisbon is more restrained and in control of himself here, though he can still be a bit unpredictable when confronting possible suspects. The resolution when it came, made sense. Plenty to enjoy.

3.5 from 5

In addition to the Lisbon books from Denholm, I've enjoyed his other offerings - Sold, Sold to the Devil and Boyd and Sarge: NYPD Law and Disorder 

Read - August, 2021

Published - 2021

Page count - 212

Source - review copy from author via Story Origin

Fomat - Kindle