Synopsis/blurb ....
Sandy Banks is the last of The Four Horsemen, a vigilante group of ex-cops determined to right the injustices of a broken court system. But now the project is disintegrating, putting him in the middle of chaos. Betrayed by his final partner, blackmailed by the project head, and pursued by federal agents bent on busting the case wide open, Sandy scrambles to escape this mayhem with his soul intact.
Another enjoyable read/listen from Frank Zafiro late last year.
I really liked this one from the get go, though in truth if the events depicted in the book were re-enacted in real life, I'd be appalled and outraged. In fiction, I find it fun to see bad guys taken down by fair means or foul. Sandy Banks gets way more latitude from me than any over zealous plod would.
A group of ex-cops have for some years been dispensing their own brand of terminal justice to criminals who have beaten the judicial system and are deemed beyond the pale. The cabal is now splintering. A couple of members have left previously, their old quartermaster died, one more wants out and Sandy Banks is the last man standing. The Feds are closing in on the operation and Sandy is wondering whether its time to head for the hills, after maybe one more job. His current hit provider is ahead of him on that score, but needs to subvert Banks to sort out some of his own personal issues.
Sandy gets played and he isn't too happy about things. It ain't quite over.
Exciting, tense, extremely interesting premise and main character as well as a fast-moving tale. Zafiro portrays the frustrations and disappointments of dedicated police officers when cases go south, through either sloppy police work or legal loopholes. You can tell he knows of what he writes. Hopefully the vigilante stuff is purely his imagination in overdrive.
I've seen this one badged as a first in series, though it seems to have remained that way for 10 years or more. I'd definitely fancy another rodeo with Banks either as a prequel or sequel.
4.5 from 5
Read - (listened to) November, 2021
Published - 2011
Page count - 206 (6 hrs 10 mins)
Source - Audible purchase
Format - Audible
I'm not sure this is my sort of book, Col, but the premise really is interesting! And you bring up an interesting point: lots of time we want the 'bad guys' to get theirs by any means. But in real life, I think we tend to be much more measured than that. It sounds like this is quite the roller coaster ride!
ReplyDeleteMargot it is one that probably floats my boat a bit more than yours. It does raise an interesting question though regarding justice and evening things up. That said a dead victim is still just as dead afterwards. Possible future victims are saved, but they're unknowns ...
DeleteCol, glad you dug it... I will be working on a second Sandy Banks novel later this year (and a third next year), so the long drought between #1 and #2 will finally be over!
ReplyDeleteFrank, that's good to know. I'll look forward to it!
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