Art & Part, by Freeper Jim Macomber
Posted on 11/19/2004 9:04:40 PM PST by Jeff Head
Jim Macomber's novel, "Art and Part", is his second novel about the exploits of one John Cann, a lawyer working for a firm that represents the CIA. Cann has a significant background in the military and intelligence which serve him well in the resolution of the dilemas he becomes involved in, and ultimately prove essential to his survival. The first book, "Bargained for Exchange" (which I also reviewed here on FR), was a blockbuster in this regard, mixing the best attributes of both Grisham and Clancy into an intriguing legal, espionage thriller.
In "Art and Part", Macomber surpasses his previous excellent performance. He places us in the middlle of a fictional expose right out of recent world headlines dealing with the legal proceedings associated with Pan Am Flight 103 that was destroyed over Lockerbie, Scotland. When two of the terrorists responsible for that act are brought before Scottish justice, but by negotiated arragnement, on Dutch soil, Cann is sent to the Netherlands to monitor the proceedings. While there he winds up embroiled in assassinations, terrorism, murder, and political and legal intrigue that runs rampant from Amsterdam to Washington DC (with characters you may also recognize from recent history), and that takes its toll on those Cann works with, those closest to him...and on Cann himself.
The storyline never misses a beat and keeps the reader engaged from cover to cover. Islamic terrorism, such a huge part of every day life today, is woven into this novel like a fine seamstress produces a high quality garment. The vilians in this book are highly believable, fitting the mold of the types of terrorists we read about in the news today. The protaganists are equally intriguing. The imposing, but distinguished figure of Colin Hardie, a Scottish legal expert, himself with a significant "background", will leave the reader feeling as if though he knew the man personally.
My only issue with the book, and it is one common to his earlier novel, is that some of the scenes, particularly those involving the female hostage, Carin Day, who happens to be someone Cann cares deeply for, are too graphic for my tastes. This is not a novel you would want your minor children to pick up and read.
Outside of that, Jim has punctuated his growing reputation as a master story teller with "Art and Part". The intrigue, the action, the legal suspense, and the political intrigue in this novel all come together with a cast of great characters to produce a thriller you will find difficult, if not impossible to put down...and where the ending will surprize you and leave waiting for more.
Jim's books are published by Scorpion Books and available on Amazon and book stores everywhere.
Another great novel by one of our own.
Another great novel by one of our own.
Buuump!
BUMP!!
Thanks for the review, Jeff. My kind of kick back and relax some with a good book. Something I'm way behind on, but got them all on my list.
looks good....
I think the first 10 pingers should get a free, SIGNED copy...!!!
Whaddya say, hah?
It's a good read. Jim does a great job of keeping you engrossed, and he puts some really neat twists into the plot that are wholly unexpected...keeps you guessing.
Hehehhe...I can't speak for Jim. But he might be inclined to send you a free copy after you got ten other people to buy it individually though, LOL!
Best Fregards!
And here's a volley bump for you, my friend!
Thankee, sir! Will you be at the Inaugural Ball, by any chance? Lots of good deals on Expedia, etc. I'd love to shake your hand in person!
Thanks, Jeff. I really appreciate not just what you said but how you said it. “Art & Part” was written before the actual trial but it tracks it fairly well and as I’ve said a lot in interviews and signings, etc., the book ends somewhat differently from reality – but I like my ending much better. And, in a bit of shameless self-promotion, I do feel compelled to note that the third John Cann adventure, “A Grave Breach”, will be out early 2005.
Now, bitt et als, something I’ve been thinking about and this seems like a good time to try it. There are still stocks of the first two novels available and I’d really like to increase their exposure and availability to FR members. About a year ago we sent a couple of cases of books to the CPA in Baghdad for distribution among the troops. At the same time, we also set up a web page specific to them to buy at a discount and I want to do the same for Freepers. Now, there’s no question it’s a plus for in termms of promotion and exposure and I’m not prtending otherwise but there is also a genuine desire to reach out – and in a way say thanks and show respect and admiration to this particular group of which I am proud to be a part. So, for Freepers only, as they say, we've set up a page where existing stocks of “Bargained for Exchange” and “Art & Part” are available at $10.00 each. www.JamesMacomber.com/FRSpec.html. If that link doesn’t work, go to the main page www.JamesMacomber.com and click on the word “new” in the sentence above the photograph of me (real hush-hush stuff, eh?).
And rest assured that these are new, hardcover books. Also, the ordering page is set up where those interested can specify a dedication to whomever and have them signed. Just go to “additional instructions” and leave a note. So if you want one (or more) for yourself, or Christmas presents (especially to your liberal friends – heh, heh, heh) or maybe give a copy or two to the local library, etc….
Thanks, Jeff. And thanks to all.
Kudos, jim macomber!!!
Thank you so very much for providing an easy purchase and discount for us! And especially thank you for providing the books to the CPA!
My pleasure. It's the least I can do. On both counts.
And a bump to you Jim.
5.56mm
Thank you, sir.
And an attempt to make the links active:
http://www.jamesmacomber.com/FRSpec.html
http://www.jamesmacomber.com
Thank you very much. I loved "Bargained for Exchange" and am looking forward to reading "Art & Part".
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