Someone asked me for a review of this novel, the second in the Matt Drake series, and I told them: “Skip the review. Buy the book, it’s that good.” Which is a very true statement. So if you want to skip the review, and take my advice, let me know what you thought. If you are not quite sold, here you go.
Last year when I reviewed Without Sanction by Mr. Bentley, I said it was like finding a 4-leaf clover. Very rare that a debut novel is that good. The Outside Man is even better. No Sophomore curse here. The Outside Man grabs you from the get-go and takes you on an action packed, white knuckle ride that leaves you breathless.
The book starts with Matt Drake enjoying a semi-retirement, recovering from his exploits in the previous book. Matt is on his way to meet his wife for an Anniversary dinner, when a hit team tries to take him out on the streets of Austin; in broad daylight, no less. This starts Matt on a journey, to find the individual who wants to kill him. Officially coming out of retirement, Matt and his trusted sidekick, and former bodyguard Frodo, try to find out who is trying to kill him. They soon discover that someone from Matt’s past is still alive, and has a score to settle. The story takes us to Iraq, as Matt chases the elusive criminal mastermind known only as “The Devil”. Mayhem ensues as Matt has to keep playing catch up, as The Devil seems to always be one step ahead. The action in this book is non-stop and the plot twists will keep you guessing up to the dramatic ending.
The book is written in the first person narrative, so you get to get into Matt Drake’s head. You see what he sees, and you feel what he feels. As I have previously said, the thing that makes Drake an interesting character, is that he is human. When he gets shot, beaten, blown up or takes a good ass-beating, he feels it. And we get to go along for the ride. Without Sanction was a book that I recommended to everyone who was looking for a good thriller, and I will continue doing so with this one as well. The Outside Man confirms that Don Bentley, and Matt Drake, are just hitting their stride. This is a series that should not be missed...It’s that good.
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Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
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The Poisoned Pen
