This was the first book I've read by Peter Colt, so I began my adventure in reading one of the Andy Roark mystery series with book number four and did not have any problem quickly feeling at home with the series. I liked what I was reading for several reasons. First, Andy Roark is a good character that the author has fleshed out well this far into the series. Second, I liked the way the plot unfolded so that the steps Roark takes to find and develop clues flows in a believable way. Third, the solution came as a surprise to me and that is exactly what I hope to find in a crime novel. The story takes place in 1985, not so long ago that it would be considered historical but far enough back in my memory that I found myself doing a spot of reminiscing about those years. And finally, I was exceedingly pleased to see that there was the bare minimum of profanity used by the characters and all of it fit into the situation where it took place. Altogether a nice surprise.

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for an e-galley of this novel.

Former Boston detective turned PI Andy Roark finds himself in the unusual position of trying to save the life of a man he does not respect because he wants to save a former colleague. Gordon Stevenson was the Ambassador to Laos during the Vietnam war and he's engendered a great deal of dislike among veterans, one of whom is out to kill him. Roark finds himself in a pickle more than once in this fast paced and at times over the top novel that has many descriptions of weapons and violence. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's the sort of book that would be perfect for travel.

Deadly Connections…
The fourth in the Andy Roark series arrives with a bang. Secrets, grudges and deadly connections are all at play as the intrepid protagonist realises that his own life is in danger as well as that of the ambassador. Action packed pages ( be aware often violent and gritty) combine with a thread of dry wit, well balanced characters and a plot that never lets up,

A former US Ambassador to Vietnam fears for his life, after death threats from an unknown enemy - perhaps someone bearing a massive grudge from hsi time in Asia. Eventually everything comes to a head at his remote family hideaway, but not before the finger of suspicion is pointed at one lone perpetrator. All is not as it seems, and the denouement is violent and shocking. There's much description of weaponry, and of food, and perhaps the plot strains credibility. But, but, it's page turning and I read it in one night!