LAST CALL by James Grippando
Author James Grippando was in a quandary. He had built a successful career by basically telling stories about his fictional alter ego Jack Swyteck. Still in order to maintain a career as an author he had to keep his books fresh, So he did what any smart writer would do, he combined freshness with tradition. In other words in his new novel LAST CALL Swyteck becomes a supporting player and his friend Theo Knight becomes the main focus of the plot.
Knight has become a fixture in the Jack Swyteck books. He is a man who was on death row for a murder he did not commit. Jack took his case and virtually saved his life. The two men have been best friends ever since that time. Now Theo is out in society and living a good life. He has his own nightclub and a beautiful girlfriend. He loves living in Miami though it does sometimes bring back bad memories of his rebellious youth.
Between Jack and Theo's Uncle Cy, Knight manages to stay on the good side of the law. That is until a friend from his past shows up and demands help. This man is an escaped con and he has enough information to convince Theo to help him. Once Theo gets involved a series of events occur which are enough to get Theo in big time trouble with the law. It will take all of Jack's skills as an attorney and all of Uncle Cy's love and support to protect Theo from sinking into a life of crime.
The great thing about LAST CALL is you get a look at a new side of Theo Knight while still having the reliability of Jack Swyteck's character. This blend of the old and the new make for fascinating reading. Plus Grippando knows the city of Miami and he uses it in such a way as to make the city a third main character in the story.
One complaint is that the focus on Theo Knight and his girlfriend appears to rouse the cruder side of Grippando's storytelling. A fixation on a "gift" Theo's girl desires is unnecessary and shocking. If it was added for titillation it makes its point.
Aside from this side trip into "shocking" territory, Grippando is in top form once again. This is the seventh adventure to have Swytech in a featured role and readers will eat it up. This blend of the old favorite with a new up and comer is a perfect mix for Grippando fans. They don't lose track of Swyteck while they get to see another fictional hero in action.
James Grippando knows how to build a story and keep readers interested all the way through to a fast paced climax. It is mystery telling at its best and one that will keep Grippando fans coming back for more.
LAST CALL is published by HarperCollins. It contains 327 pages and sells for $24.95.