KILLER WEEKEND by Ridley Pearson
It seems Ridley Pearson has adapted the James Patterson style of writing for his latest novel KILLER WEEKEND. It is written in that same staccato style Patterson uses - short chapters, and abbreviated plot. But whereas Patterson's novels all seem to be complete, Pearson's story is full of plotholes. I would suggest he go back to his old style of writing that was lengthier but more understandable.
The book focuses on Liz Shaler who is the Attorney General for the state of New York. She is on her way to Sun Valley, Idaho to make a speech to a large business group and also to announce her candidacy for President of the United States.
The sheriff in Sun Valley is Walt Fleming, a man who rescued Liz from a murder attempt on her life eight years ago. Liz feels more secure knowing Walt is going to be looking out for her. And Walt had better be on his toes. There is a paid assassin headed for Sun Valley with orders to take Liz out.
The book explores the actions of the would be assassin and Walt's determined effort to get to him before he harms Liz. Both of these men are good at their jobs and the race to win is intense and full of surprises.
The problem with the book is that the plot raises a lot of questions that are never answered. (1) Why is Liz a target? (2) What happened to Walt's brother Bobby? (3) What caused Walt and his wife Gail to spilt up? Maybe there is a previous novel by Pearson that answered these questions but it should never be assumed a reader has that type of pre-information.
Pearson is a solid writer, or at least he has been in the past. THE SEIZING OF YANKEE GREEN MALL is one of my all time favorites. That knowledge of talent is what makes this book so disappointing. It is a story that is pared down to the bare minimum.
Here's hoping his next adventure in writing is better. He has the talent, now let's just hope he has the focus. There are glimmers of the old Ridley lurking in this latest novel, but the Patterson technique obscures them. KILLER WEEKEND is a quick read but not a totally satisfying one. That's not what I expected at all.
KILLER WEEKEND is published by G P Putnam's Sons. It contains 326 pages and sells for $24.95.