The latest in the Amsterdam Assassin series is the best yet. Like the others, it strikes a balance between action thriller and psychological suspense. The immersion in Japanese culture as well as Amsterdam life is masterful. There are layers upon layers of complex manipulation, making the imagery of strategy games, both chess and the Japanese game of go, key elements in setting the tone. As always, Halm writes both love scenes and fight scenes with intimate realism and finesse. Neither the sex nor the violence is gratuitous. Both are part of the development of deep and intriguing characterization. Halm portrays the protagonists and antagonists in their full humanity, with no sense that one side of the law or the other is inhabited by morally superior people. It’s not even clear that there really are two sides to the law. The story reveals a multi-dimensional moral universe, nothing as simple as good vs. evil or cops vs. criminals, in a plot that flows from Jamaica to the Netherlands and back with unending suspense.
I’m reviewing early because I recommend reading this series from the beginning and reading the short fiction as well All the prior works lead up to this one. Though each novel tells its own complete tale and reaches a resolution, reading the books in sequence lets the reader follow a unique and compelling set of characters through a larger—and habit-forming—story. Start now. Ghosting comes out December. 1
Pre-order:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ghosting-a-katla-novel-martyn-v-halm/1122866739?ean=2940152759105
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/ghosting-9
Additional sales links on the author’s web site:
https://amsterdamassassin.wordpress.com
Other books in the series:
https://everywhereindies.wordpress.com/short-story-singles-and-collections
https://everywhereindies.wordpress.com/suspense-and-thriller
Indies Who Publish Everywhere 