Assessment:
Plot/Idea: In this addition to the PI Clifford Dee series, the plot is fast-paced and engrossing, adding unexpected developments that will keep readers on their toes as the story progresses.
Prose: This dialogue-heavy narrative packs in plenty of repartee between characters. Though the text is not overly descriptive, the prose is enjoyable and never feels contrived.
Originality: This story occasionally struggles with formulaic writing, but the author expertly balances plot threads--from government conspiracies to rap stars--and maintains tension throughout.
Character Development/Execution: Reed's skills in characterization are on full display in this book, and readers will quickly familiarize themselves with the main players, who are all equally rich.
Date Submitted: July 29, 2022
The plot is quickly set in motion as Dee and his team are hired by a woman to spy on her senator husband, whom she believes is involved in an extramarital affair. While working the case, Sara and Daniel—two of the four members of Dee’s team—are shocked to witness the senator’s murder. Reed doesn’t let up on the jolts, as a series of political assassinations follow, including the murder of a former CIA agent who is Dee’s close associate. Meanwhile, Bailey, the IT expert, uncovers something sinister while investigating a second case, one concerning a rapper’s original music being leaked to another more famous musician. With strong pacing and clever revelations, these seemingly disparate elements come together seamlessly to form a complex and surprising—yet still believable—nexus of criminal activities.
Despite the tension and high stakes, the camaraderie and engaging banter among Dee’s team keeps the novel feeling human, and even hardened FBI agents have moments of vulnerability. Getting readers to care about the characters, of course, also serves to ramp up the suspense, especially when those Dee cares about face danger themselves—and he seems helpless to save them. Though sometimes a touch wordy, the action is clear and hard edged.
Takeaway: A well crafted, fast paced action thriller blending detective, espionage, and political genres.
Great for fans of: David Baldacci, William Tyree.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
"Reed is back with another smashing, mysterious thriller!" -Independent Book Review
"chock-full of unanticipated twists and turns, suspense, and just enough humor!" -Independent Book Review
"...it’ll have you gripped and guessing until the end!" -Independent Book Review
"An action-packed, page-turning crime thriller with surprises at every
turn!" - Independent Book Review
Charleston, SC, Aug. 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When author J. Denison Reed set out to create an action hero, he imbued his character with the kind of grit and resolve needed to survive, whether in battle or when dealing with crime syndicates. And Reed has done it again in his new book Clifford’s War: Without End. Like his hero, Reed served in the army, and it was his experience that helped to inform his writing of intense action scenes.
In this gripping continuation of the series, private investigator Clifford Dee is back, this time working with his former Army Rangers commander. When he uncovers a government conspiracy, he and his team soon find themselves the target of hired assassins. There is no shortage of fast-paced action and drama, as high-speed car chases, murder and kidnapping ensue. And for readers looking for some relief from the suspense, Reed employs plenty of humor to diffuse stressful scenarios. Fans of action thrillers and crime dramas like the TV series Burn Notice are sure to enjoy this high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
"An action-packed, page-turning crime thriller with surprises at every
turn…it’ll have you gripped and guessing until the end!"- Independent Book Review
Clifford’s War: Without End is available for purchase online at Amazon.com. For more information on the book and the author, please visit jdenisonreed.com or any of his social media platforms.
Facebook: JDenisonReed
Instagram: @jdenisonreed
Twitter: @DenisonReed
Good Reads: jdenisonreed
About the Author:
J. Denison Reed is the author of the novel Clifford’s War: The Bluegrass Battleground and Shadows of Light, a collection of short stories. He joined the US Army after graduating high school and later became a network engineer. When not writing books, he enjoys writing poetry and dabbling in photography. He currently lives in Virginia with his wife, children, and their two cats, where he and his wife own and operate a small business making candles.
