Opening Moves by Steven James

Opening Moves by Steven James
(Signet Select [Penguin Books] 2012)

I searched and searched for a book in the line of Vince Flynn and Robert Ludlum. I wanted something with action but without the harsh language. I wanted something authentic, but not watered down. I wanted something that wasn't afraid to portray the reality of a criminal's mind. What I received with Steven James' Opening Moves well exceeded those expectations.

Steven James brings an unique style to the written world. Balancing two styles of point of view and at least three character point of views, the world he creates is astounding.

In Opening Moves, Steven James isn't afraid to delve into the mind of a serial killer of the like of Jeffery Dahmer. Never too gruesome, but written realistically, we watch as Patrick Bowers tries to solve the case which quickly becomes tangled with another and watch as his faith is slowly piqued.

When reading through Patrick's eyes, we are immersed in first person POV. The intimate nature of this writing brings the reader into understanding Patrick's mind and his brilliance. With the secondary characters, especially the killer, James steps back into third person point of view, and yet allowing for the reader to see through that character's eyes: his reasoning, his emotions.

This book is mesmerizing, receiving high praise from Michael Connelly, Suspense Magazine, and Publishers Weekly. It's gritty, loaded with surprising turns and moves, and above all an absolute clean read for anyone who love books by Flynn, Ludlum, and Clancy.

I suggest starting with Opening Moves, just as I did, and then continuing forward with The Pawn, The Rook, The Knight, The Bishop, The Queen, and The King.

Riveting...Suspenseful...action packed...
You'll love Patrick Bowers!

Steven James has made it on my favorite author list and he's an author I highly recommend.

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