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Castle is an impatient man waiting for his mission from unknown bosses. Waves of paranoia are running through his mind at a breakneck pace as he doesn't know what to expect. The people behind the scenes have selected him for his chameleon-like abilities. He has a way of ingratiating himself to anyone and fitting in anywhere. Castle can pass through hostile checkpoints with ease while his fellow travelers sweat out their experience. Now, he must travel with Everett to the heavily militarized Ayahuantu. A country that was once noted for its beauty is now overseen by a dictatorial regime. Castle's mission is dicey as Everett is evasive to any and all inquiries. The paranoid streak within Castle only grows with the appearance of multiple dead bodies. He will need to decide whether to dig deeper or use his skills to run for his life.
Remick's novel is a heart-stopping thriller that dispenses with formalities from the very beginning. The suspicions that populate the mind of the protagonist will be adopted by the reader as the story develops. It becomes clear that things are not exactly as first thought. Castle is an atypical hero, as his true motives are open to speculation. He has worked for some sketchy groups in the past, and he views his latest mission as more of an imposition than anything else. One of his traits that will resonate with fans of the genre is in avenging an injustice. For example, if someone is killed, he wants answers and retribution. The villains in the story are insidious and amoral, yet they grab one's attention in every scene. This is a mystery/thriller that will keep readers on their toes until the savage conclusion.
A 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Award General Fiction Honorable Mention
RECOMMENDED by the US Review