The Defense

I enjoy a crime thriller now and again with my favourite crime writer's probably being Ian Rankin. I listened to the audiobook version of this and the background of the main character was the thing that really drew me into this, and the fact that he was dragged back in by circumstances. Dare I mention Jason Bourne? I guess I just did.

The pacing was good and I enjoyed it enough that I will definitely consider reading more of the series. Having followed this with the mighty Stephen King's Mr Mercedes, I can wholeheartedly recommend The Defence.

I can also wholeheartedly recommend Steve Cavanagh's podcast, Two Crime Writers and a Microphone. That was how I found his novels and, through that podcast, my list has grown almost as quickly as my lawn this summer. And don't even get me started on the hedge. All I can say is that yard work, as you call it, and audiobooks go together like a pint and a roll-up; and crime novels are the perfect genre for that kind of work. Give the Defence a try and get your lawn in good order, then reward yourself with a pint and a fag.

The start was so full of thriller clichés I was about to abandon it but I have to admit I ended up admiring Cavanaugh's plot driving ability. He chose to lay on the “action” with a trowel when he could have chosen to concentrate the non-action, but, I thought, infinitely more interesting, verbal sparring. The book ends up being a very quick read, perfect in audio for a bunch of commutes. I sort of wish he could tone down the volume...