Thanks to Netgalley and Orion Publishers for an ARC of The Time to Kill in return for an honest review.
What an explosive book!
Synopsis:
“It’s been five years since Carter Blake parted ways with top-secret government operation Winterlong. They brokered a deal at the time: he’d keep quiet about what they were doing, and in return he’d be left alone.
But news that one of Blake’s old allies, a man who agreed the same deal, is dead means only one thing – something has changed and Winterlong is coming for him.
Emma Faraday, newly appointed head of the secret unit, is determined to tie up loose ends. And Blake is a very loose end. He’s been evading them for years, but finally they’ve picked up his trace. Blake may be the best there is at tracking down people who don’t want to be found, but Winterlong taught him everything he knows. If there’s anyone who can find him – and kill him – it’s them.
It’s time for Carter Blake to up his game.”
Well I have to start by being totally honest and my first thoughts on seeing reviews of Mason’s other books was “uh oh might not be for me”…others describe his books as “high octane thrillers” and my immediate thought was James Bond type scenarios – not my type of book at all! BUT those thoughts were quickly cast aside as I started the book! High octane – yes; compelling thriller – yes – but also gut wrenchingly addictive! I loved it!
Despite never having read any of Mason’s books before and having absolutely no background knowledge of  Carter, there was enough backfill within the book to keep me up to speed with what was what – but more importantly to ensure that I quickly added the previous two books onto my wish list!
Carter drew me in immediately – I don’t picture him as an alternative James Bond type at all, there is the fast paced corrupt Government agencies, shoot outs and nail biting cat and mouse chases but in amongst this Carter still manages not to be the Bond stereotype that I detest – he is human, he is not an invincible superhero – he’s a good guy trying to do the right thing.
The writing was fast paced and so much so that I had to slow myself down at times as I wanted to keep up the pace of the storyline! For those who haven’t read the rest of the series there is enough information there that you are not left feeling confused; I found it easy to connect with the characters and really feel the intensity that Carter felt as he pitted himself against the bad guys!
Heart pounding, gut wrenching, sweaty palm kind of book – what a hell of a rollercoaster!
Strong 4 stars from me!
Scottish Crime Fiction Blogger and Author 
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