It is only February, but there have been some excellent books published so far this year. Chief among them is The Good Killer, by Harry Dolan. You should file him at the top of your reading list under 'Should be a household name.' I say that based not only on the strength of this new novel, which is perfect in every way, but also on the previous four that Dolan has written ... Once you start reading The Good Killer, there is no good place to stop, other than the end. Comparisons of Dolan’s novels to the work of Elmore Leonard are inevitable and not entirely inaccurate, but ultimately are unfair to both authors. Pick up the book, give yourself a few hours to read it, and then carve out a block of time to check out Dolan’s impressive backlist on its own terms. You’ll see what I mean.
...highly gratifying ... In just five standalone novels, Dolan has garnered a reputation for intelligent plots that gently weave in action with his well-sculpted characters’ believable motives and a soupcon of humor ... The Good Killer expertly delves into each character’s psyche, showing the humanity in each. While Sean and Molly are the focus, Dolan makes it easy to understand how Harper and Khadduri are driven by revenge. An especially heartfelt — and unexpected — finale elevates The Good Killer.
...slick and twisty ... The couple at the center of the story, for all the perils they face, are always good company, both likable and resourceful ... Mr. Dolan’s great gifts for storytelling, well displayed in his four previous books, are in even fuller evidence in The Good Killer, a story somewhat larger in scope, thus allowing for yet more tension, suspense and surprising resolutions.
...satisfying ... Despite the many players, Dolan gives each of them their own believable motivations and emotions ... Both action junkies and readers who like their thrillers on the cerebral side will find something to enjoy.
