The Recruiter kicks off a storm in the thrillerverse as a debut with a charismatic protagonist who is more relatable than you might be comfortable with, given his dangerous and less than legal role as a criminal recruiter. Gregg Podolski knows how the game is played and writes it really intriguingly, especially for a debut.
Rick Carter is a man who deals with the most dangerous and lucrative killers. The caveat is that he only accepts the contracting responsibility for targets he deems would bring some semblance of justice to the society at large. When his hand is forced by a client to recruit killers for a job to monopolize the black market by dragging those he’s spent years trying to protect into the crosshairs, he must outsmart not only his new clients but also the most lethal assassins he has ever had to connect with clients in his career. He’s gonna have to step into the action himself this time.
Gregg Podolski kicks the high-octane storytelling off with a first-person perspective that helps to quickly and swiftly familiarize the readers with Rick Carter, the seemingly suave but tormented protagonist who lives a lonely existence. As he is forced to step up as a hero for his family, he goes from a guy you don’t know how to really feel about, to a guy you want to root for and embrace relating to. Action isn’t his forte but he must get his hands dirty this time. Carter gets into well-crafted skirmishes with allies he picks up on the way, adding a cinematic action flavor to the whole experience that fits well into the narrative of Carter picking up a few skills in hand-to-hand combat and firearms to fend off any double crosses in his line of business. Carter’s main weapon though is his intellect as a man who can discern patterns and read people well. His ingenuity in cracking down the leads as to the true identity and mission of his client are what is ultimately needed to bring the house of cards tumbling down.
Podolski creates a rich new world of assassins and underworld in his debut, setting up a sequel with a cliffhanger that will hit you like a full bucket of frozen water. What captivated and enthralled me above all else is that ultimately, The Recruiter is a resonating narrative about how a man, plunged head first into a world of first-hand violence and chaos, must stay afloat to protect his family against all odds. By the ending, Carter will win your heart and your desire to keep reading more of his stories. I can’t wait to read what troubles Podolski puts him up against next.
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