Finding a Killer is Consumer Protection
I remember being intrigued by the premise of Fair Warning back when it came out in 2020. But, since I was behind, it took me until now to get to it in my read through Michael Connelly’s books. No surprise to me, but it lived up to my expectations.
This book focuses on Jack McEvoy, a reporter who has starred in two previous books and popped up in supporting roles a few other times. This book finds Jack reporting for a consumer protection website, far from the crime beat he’s covered for most of his career. However, his crime instincts kick in when two detectives come to question him about the death of a woman he had a one-night stand with. Even though murder isn’t what his employer covers, Jack begins investigating. He finds some other deaths that sound similar from other parts of the country. But what potentially connects the victims might make this a story his website would cover. Can he convince his editor? If so, can he find another serial killer?
Yes, I’m leaving the link out of my teaser. But it is what made this particular thriller feel very much a product of our times. At times as I was reading, I questioned how plausible the science was, but I’m an accountant, not a scientist. I’ll gladly go along with the premise of this book.
Especially since it was another page turning entry from an author who doesn’t disappoint. We get a few passages from other character’s points of view, which just ramps up the suspense when we are back to Jack’s point of view. The ending wraps things up well.
Jack and one other character are the only characters we’ve met before. It was nice catching up with them again and seeing where they are now. The rest of the book is filled with new characters who felt real to me.
I will say, I got frustrated with Jack has his desire to protect his story a few times. But I’ve had this reaction to other books I’ve read with reporters as the main character, so it must be a part of the job I just don’t get.
Also, a couple of times Jack spends some time deploring the attitude toward journalists in our modern society. Honestly, these made me roll my eyes, especially since those passages were pretty similar, so the repetition felt like weak writing. But I was mainly rolling my eyes at the idea that journalists are the victims when they have to bear their share of the responsibility for how their profession is viewed. It’s not all on them, but they sure do make it easy to point out their biases.
Okay, rant over.
As I said earlier, this book came out in 2020, specifically the first half. As a result, we don’t get any references to Covid, which is fine with me. I’m still not actively looking to read a book about that.
Once again, I read this via audio. Peter Giles does a great job with the narration with Zach Villa popping in upon occasion.
And yes, my usual reminder that this is a thriller and not a cozy applies.
Fair Warning is another fast-paced thrill ride from Michael Connelly. Buckle up and hang on when you pick up this book.
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