Canadian writer Robert Pobi introduces conflicted, complex, and cantankerous former FBI agent, Lucas Page as the central character in his new thriller series, and scores a ten for a compelling story with enough plot twists to satisfy the most demanding reader ... City of Windows is an unusual story, suspenseful with a strong setting, carefully constructed plot that requires suspension of disbelief, but not a lot.
This title has all that a good thriller/police procedural should: a ruthless villain always a step ahead of a gruff and often unlikable hero, both of whom have seemingly preternatural abilities; internal agency squabbles; a snowstorm that hampers the investigation; and plenty of twists and turns in the plot ... A fast-paced, topical thriller that checks the boxes in the genre, perhaps a little automatically. Will appeal to fans of John Sandford, Lee Child, and Brian Freeman.
... [a] well-paced series opener ... The story excels at mounting tension as victim after victim falls to the sniper, who leaves no evidence. Worth reading for the plot alone, but Page doesn’t quite make it as a Nero Wolfe–like lovable curmudgeon. Give him another chance, though; this series has potential.
Just when one thinks that there cannot possibly be a new configuration of the thriller genre, along comes Robert Pobi and City of Windows ... The book begins with a memorable—make that never to be forgotten—vignette that haunts the reader throughout the entire story ... City of Windows is populated by interesting and complex characters ... the book is perfectly and exquisitely paced and plotted ... Pobi also brings a cinematic viewpoint to the page that causes his story to unreel...through the mind in a wonderfully seamless fashion.
Lucas is surrounded by genuinely interesting supporting characters ... Keep an eye out for a heart-pounding sequence involving Dingo and an actual broadsword. Pobi’s ... keen attention to the mechanics and challenges involved in having multiple prostheses is a plus, although readers will have to wait to find out more about the incident that caused Lucas’ life-altering injuries. Relentless pacing, tight plotting, and a brainy, idiosyncratic new hero make this one a winner.
