The Last Assassin Book

I'd just finished a thriller featuring a character who put me in mind of John Rain. Maybe I should check out the next book in the Rain series, I thought. I'd last read a book from this set, The Detachment, about a year ago, though in truth I didn't much enjoy it. In a mess of a plot, events just seemed random and jumbled to the extent I felt Eisler had maybe come to the end of the line with this character. But I do like the complexity of Rain: he's conflicted about what he does (killing people) and the books spend quite a bit of time delving into the inner thoughts of the man - in this regard, it's much richer than most action orientated thriller series I've invested time in.

Anyway, as I checked the list of books in this series I realised I'd missed one along the way (not unusual for me - I often read series in random order) so I decided to give that one a go. Good decision! This episode turned out to be, in my view, the best one of the lot. The cast list comprises a whole gang of interesting people from earlier books, including two lovers: one current and one past. In short, Rain finds out that his former lover is living in New York with his child and that she is in danger. He must try to help. To do this decides he needs to concoct and execute a daring plan.

As always, the detail here is meticulous, from the descriptions of how weapons are obtained (and the fine detail of the actual hardware) to the layout of key sites and a walk through of the plan itself. You know there will be problems along the way, but where's the fun in following something that plays out exactly as expected? Just as importantly, we are inside Rain's head as he calculates what actions he needs to take and why. It's a complex, multi-site story but one that's never so confusing that I lost the plot; Eisler keeps a tight rein on things and I was with him all the way.

The tension is never less than fully cranked up here but events follow logically and the interaction between the key players is deftly and sympathetically handled. Whilst the story itself ties up a number of loose ends in this series the book also provides the best insight yet into the psyche of John Rain. In many ways it might have been a brilliant book in which to have ended the series, but instead the author gives a clear lead that there is (at least) one more adventure to come.

I'll no doubt go on to finish this series - after all, there's only been one bad book so far - as I've had my appetite whetted anew. I'll be surprised if I find anything there to beat this one though.

Afternote

At the end of this audio version, Barry Eisler - who'd competently competed the reading of the book - referenced his website and commented that here photos could be found of places featured in his books. On inspection, I was delighted to see that this was broken down by book and included not just broad street views but close ups of actual coffee houses and shops mentioned in this particular text. I wish more authors would do this, I know what I'm reading is fiction but what a great way of adding some additional colour and authentic texture to the tale. I loved it!