Brad Meltzer continues to show his talents know no bounds. Whether it’s a page-turning thriller, a stimulating nonfiction account of historical events or a children’s book depicting real life heroes, Brad simply delivers awe inspiring work for all to enjoy. And that’s no different with The Lightning Rod, the second installment in the Zig and Nola series.
That’s right! Zig and Nola are back and thrust right into a game of cat and mouse with danger at every turn, deep US government secrets, and a frustrating inability to know who they can trust. It starts innocuous enough, with Zig being asked to prepare the body of now deceased Army veteran Archie Mint. Sticking around to witness the funeral, he spies not only Nola in the crowd but government operatives who seem to be there to do Nola harm. Zig, the nice guy he is with a sound moral compass, gets involved and kicks off events that put him square in the middle of an investigation into a theft involving a secret Cold War era US military facility. To complicate matters, Nola’s long-lost brother shows up with a dubious past and a hidden agenda while at the same time Zig is digging up the past as he helps his ex-wife unravel a mystery involving their dead daughter. It all comes together in a twisting, turning high-velocity ride with the safety of everyone involved, as well as the United States itself, at stake.
Readers will thoroughly enjoy the continuation of Nola’s Yin to Zig’s Yang. Nola is mysterious, somewhat dangerous and marches to a beat only she can hear but ultimately is intended to result in doing good for others. Meanwhile Zig still feels the need to solve mysteries and save others despite putting himself in untenable situations. This unlikely pair is like oil and water at times, but in the end they need each other. Which highlights one of the beautiful aspects of The Lightning Rod – the journey of personal discovery each of them undertakes, adding depth via developing them as characters throughout their trials and tribulations…and dare we say finding a closer relationship despite Nola’s propensity to be a lone wolf.
Well-written and action-packed with witty dialogue, intriguing characters and secrets hidden in every shadow, The Lightning Rod is an entertaining thrill ride that’s not to be missed.
Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.
Purchase The Lightning Rod
(Note: most indie bookstores can fulfill an order as quickly as larger retailers. Please consider contacting them for your next purchase.)
Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen
