POWER PLAY by Joseph Finder
POWER PLAY by Joseph Finder is a keeper. Keep it so that someday you can read it again and relive the thrills and chills it creates. This is a novel that has to be read at breakneck speed; it starts off fast and accelerates even more. Finder knows how to craft a plot that keeps the reader guessing and turning the pages. His last novel KILLER INSTINCT was good but this one puts that one in the shade.
The focal point of the story is Jake Landry. He is an employee of the massive Hammond Aerospace Corporation. Landry is a junior executive with this group and as far as he is concerned way down on the corporate totem pole. So he is shocked when he is invited to take part in the annual company retreat. Aside from him, only the major players from the company are invited.
His ex-girlfriend Ali Hillman is included in the group because she is the Executive Assistant to the President of the company, Cheryl Tobin. Ali's presence complicates things for Jake as he is still carrying a torch for her. But this is the least of his troubles since almost as soon as the group has arrived at a remote lodge they find themselves involved in a bizarre kidnapping plot.
A group of men come to the lodge and take the entire group captive. It is a deadly serious occurrence and one that could lead to the entire group being massacred. Since the purpose of the retreat was to be cut off from society in a most isolated place, the chances of rescue are slim to none. Jake quickly realizes that he must take responsibility for getting himself out of this jam.
The author does not slow down his plot in order to let readers get their breath. He barrels ahead full force and makes each new action moment a whiplash event. This is a dizzying way to read a story and every once in a while the reader has to put down the book in order to close his/her eyes and get a little sense of calm back.
Finder's fan base has grown with each novel he writes and POWER PLAY should find him a million new fans. There is no one else out there writing this type of take no prisoners/fast paced story. He is unique in this respect.
So settle down in your most comfortable chair and crack open the pages of POWER PLAY. Fasten your seat belt as you do because this is one fast ride to reading enjoyment. The words pepper your mind as you watch the story detonate into an explosion of suspense and thrills.
A single reading of this book is not enough. Once you finish you will want to bring it back soon and go through the fun one more time.
POWER PLAY is published by St Martin's Press. It contains 371 pages and sells for $24.95.