It wasn’t on my bingo card to experience a terrific collaboration between Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and award-winning mystery writer Aaron Philip Clark, but it’s always nice to be surprised with early Christmas. The Accomplice packs fresh blood and an energy that you can’t get enough of.
Texas Ranger Nia Adams is no stranger to guns blazing and bullets blazing over her head as she takes down bad guys. But Nia is butting heads against Desmond Bell this time. Desmond is a Vietnam vet turned thief who has his eyes on stealing the secrets of the wealthy family in the country, Duchamps, secrets they would prefer to remain buried. As the bodies start piling, Nia must quickly realize that this investigation requires her to step outside the bounds of political influence and work her way to the heart of the conspiracy as Desmond works his way through deplorable skeletons hiding in Duchamps’ closet.
Just from the way Jackson and Clark open up the narrative to the readers in the first few pages, one can’t help but enjoy the novel execution of a hard-boiled tale with characters that leap right out of the pages to play out their parts right in front of you, propelled by vivid sceneries, whether it’s the blood-pumping action sequences or the dramatic revelations that give you pause in this thriller. Nia and Desmond don’t form the typical duo of cop and criminal but their paths entwine in the most interesting of ways that have long-lasting impact for an ambitious narrative that spans decades. It’s a supercharged narrative that balances outburst of emotions, violence of action, and thoughtful twists in the story that helps the book stand out from others in the same genre.
There’s an intriguing perspective towards world-building in this thriller, imbuing the narrative with a historical context that not only makes for a fascinating background but also adds another dimension to Desmond’s character that’s not just a cocky thief. Similar developments occur for Nia throughout the story as we’re not told why she’s a badass but we are shown through acts of determination and courage in the face of adversity how Nia Adams truly is one Texas Ranger you do not want to mess with.
The Accomplice is one of the most intriguing and well-rounded thrillers you’ll read this year. You’ve got pulse-pounding shootouts, incredible protagonists you’ll miss parting ways with, and a conspiracy that keeps you flipping the pages until the last one where you’re left flabbergasted at the WTF ending. If you’re keen to read a crime thriller with generous servings of action and suspense in a riveting execution.
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