WHEN DARKNESS FALLS by James Grippando
James Grippando's novels get better and better. His last one, GOT THE LOOK, was his best ever - but it has now been replaced in "best ever" status by WHEN DARKNESS FALLS. This is another story featuring Miami lawyer Jack Swyteck along with other Grippando regulars such as Police Sergeant Vince Paulo and his girlfriend/fellow policeman Alicia Mendoza, plus Jack's assistant Theo Knight. They all combine forces to bring the story of a hostage situation to full fruition.
The center of the storm in WHEN DARKNESS FALLS is a homeless man known simply as Falcon. He has been arrested for making a public disturbance by climbing to one of the highest points of the William Powell Bridge in Miami. He threatens to kill himself unless he is allowed to speak to the Mayor's daughter, Alicia. Vince Paulo is the negotiator with Falcon, even though Vince was blinded during the operation of a former case.
Falcon finally comes down and is arrested and Jack draws his case. Immediately Jack comes to understand there is more to Falcon than what appears on the surface. He has money and a motive in all that he does. Eventually his actions culminate in a hostage situation involving Theo and two or three other people. Once again Falcon is demanding to speak with Alicia and once again Vince is the hostage negotiator.
There are a lot of dark plots swirling through the pages of this book. There is a mysterious woman who appears to be stalking Alicia. There is a desperate effort by Alicia's father, the Mayor of Miami, to keep Alicia away from the Falcon. And there appears to be a plot to make sure the Falcon doesn't emerge from the hostage situation alive.
As Falcon's lawyer, Jack is very much in the center of things but Falcon, Theo, Vince and Alicia are also given centerstage from time to time. This is an ensemble story with each of the characters having their moment in the spotlight.
Grippando does a masterful job of keeping the secrets of his story hidden until the appropriate time. Then he slowly lets the background and impact of past events shed light on the current situation. And each fact that comes to light enforces the circumstances and motivation of the story.
If you like books that are well written, highly interesting, and peopled with fascinating characters then you will thoroughly enjoy WHEN DARKNESS FALLS. And after reading this novel you will definitely add James Grippando to your list of "must read" authors.
WHEN DARKNESS FALLS is published by HarperCollins. It contains 336 pages and sells for $24.95.