Judy Croome: Author on the Prowl

Thriller with a Twist

As a child, on vacation, I remember my Mom’s guilty pleasure was reading “True Detective” magazines. Mine was reading romances. As an adult, I still prefer gentle love stories to gritty thrillers, so when I received Argyle’s latest offering from the publisher to review, I hesitated to read it, expecting blood and gore and all that I like least in my entertainment.

But this is more than your run-of-the-mill thriller. “Monarch” is a story that delves into the emotional impact that high-risk jobs have on a man and his family. With insight and empathy, the author shows the price some men must pay to keep not only society safe, but their families as well.

An underlying thread, adding both menace and melancholy, was the juxtaposition of the dangers and threats facing the migrating Monarch butterflies to Nick’s final contract.

Plotting is tight, characterisation is excellent – even the minor secondary characters have depth – and the pace is fast. The interplay between Nick and those he loves is fascinating: his doubts and fears only add to his essential strength.

Overall, an enjoyable, entertaining read.