Title: A Small Town
Author: Thomas Perry
First published December 17, 2019
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.88
Overview
In the aftermath of a prison break, a small town cop takes justice into her own hands in this riveting thriller by acclaimed author Thomas Perry. When a group of dangerous fugitives are unleashed upon the nearby community, they leave a trail of destruction in their wake.
As the search for the twelve escapees drags on for years, one cop is given a secret mission: to hunt down and eliminate the dangerous criminals once and for all. With the help of advanced police procedures and her own brand of vigilante justice, she sets out on a cross-country journey that will take her from coast to coast and deep into the heart of the Ozarks.
But the fugitives are watching her every move, and they’ll do whatever it takes to stay one step ahead of their relentless pursuer. From the author of the Edgar Award-winning The Butcher’s Boy comes a heart-stopping tale of vengeance, justice, and the true meaning of courage.
About the Author
Meet Thomas Perry, an accomplished author with an impressive lineup of 25 novels under his belt. Born in Tonawanda, New York in 1947, Perry is a proud alumnus of Cornell University and the University of Rochester, where he earned his B.A. and Ph.D. in English, respectively.
Perry has had a diverse work background, ranging from park maintenance, factory labor, commercial fishing, university administration and teaching, to writing and producing prime time television shows.
Currently residing in Southern California, Perry’s website is a great resource for those looking to learn more about his work and accomplishments.
Editoral Review
Thomas Perry’s latest novel, A Small Town, published on December 17, 2019, is a gripping thriller that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Known for his expertise in the crime genre, Perry delivers once again with his latest work that delves into the complicated dynamics of power, greed, and survival.
The plot of A Small Town revolves around the terrorist attack, wherein a group of armed men takes the entire town of New Burgh in upstate New York under their control. The town’s police force is quickly overcome, and the attackers now control every aspect of the townspeople’s lives, from food to water to medical care.
The novel’s protagonist, Jane, is a former army medic who is tasked with saving the life of the town’s mayor, who is one of the hostages held by the terrorists. Jane’s attempt to treat the critically injured mayor and her interactions with the terrorists form the central focus of the novel.
Perry incorporates powerful themes of morality and personal responsibility into the narrative while also steering away from the typical crime-genre clichés. The novel’s pacing is impeccable, and this allows the reader to build an emotional connection with the characters.
Perry is known for his excellent character development and A Small Town is no exception. The characters in the novel are complex, morally ambiguous, and incredibly flawed, making them relatable to readers.
The small town setting serves as a character in its own right, with Perry painting a vivid picture of a place that is both claustrophobic and vulnerable. The author skillfully weaves a story that shows the sacrifices that people are willing to make for their communities and the lengths to which they will go to protect them.
The novel resonates with the current atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that has gripped America, making it all the more compelling. Despite the novel’s strengths, A Small Town is not without its flaws.
Perry’s writing can be cumbersome at times and weighs down the story with excessive detail. Additionally, the ending feels a bit rushed and predictable, robbing it of the nuance and complexity that makes the rest of the novel so compelling.
Overall, A Small Town is a brilliantly written thriller that is both timely and thought-provoking. Through his intricate storytelling, Perry produces a work that is both thrilling and morally ambiguous.
The novel is a fantastic read for people who enjoy the crime and thriller genre, and Perry’s latest work is undoubtedly worth reading. Therefore, I wholeheartedly recommend A Small Town to anyone who enjoys a character-driven, well-plotted thriller.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.