Title: Eddie’s Boy
Author: Thomas Perry
First published December 1, 2020
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.24
Overview
In Thomas Perry’s Eddie’s Boy, Michael Shaeffer is enjoying his retirement in England with his wife, until an unexpected attack threatens his life. With his specialized skill set, he evades his pursuers and embarks on a journey to the States to discover why the mafia is after him once again.
The story delves into Michael’s past, revealing his childhood spent as an apprentice to an experienced hired assassin, and his transformation into the infamous Butcher’s Boy. His meticulous approach to eliminating his enemies is on full display as he pits two prominent mafia families against each other.
Even with his senior contact in the Organized Crime Division of the Justice Department providing information, Michael must face a new wave of young contract killers. Will his years of experience be enough to keep him alive, or will this be his final job?
Eddie’s Boy is a thrilling tale of a retired hitman forced back into the game, full of suspense and danger at every turn.
About the Author
Meet Thomas Perry, a prolific author with 25 novels to his name. Born in Tonawanda, New York in 1947, he earned his B.A. from Cornell University in 1969 and later pursued a Ph.D. in English from the University of Rochester in 1974.
Perry has held various jobs ranging from a park maintenance man, factory laborer, commercial fisherman, university administrator, and teacher. He has also dabbled in writing and producing prime time network television shows.
Currently, Perry resides in Southern California. Check out his website for more information.
Editoral Review
Thomas Perry’s latest novel, “Eddie’s Boy,” delivers a compelling and action-packed addition to the Hap and Leonard series, while also examining themes of loyalty and betrayal in the world of organized crime. Perry is a bestselling author of crime fiction, and “Eddie’s Boy” follows his established formula of high-stakes action, intricate plots, and charismatic characters.
The novel centers around Hap Collins and Leonard Pine, two best friends and private investigators who have frequently found themselves in the crosshairs of dangerous criminals. Here, they are approached by a man from Eddie’s past, who is seeking their help to retrieve some stolen property that belonged to his bossEddiea notorious organized crime boss in Texas.
As they delve deeper into the mystery, Hap and Leonard soon realize that they are caught in a complex web of deceit and violence, with no clear way out. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of charactersincluding Eddie’s sonthat enrich the story and add depth to their investigation.
One of the strengths of this novel is Perry’s ability to create vivid and memorable characters. Hap and Leonard are fully-realized, and their dynamic friendship is one of the highlights of the book.
Additionally, Perry’s skillful use of dialogue and sense of place add to the immersive experience of the novel. However, the pacing of “Eddie’s Boy” can be uneven at times.
While there are many pulse-pounding action sequences, there are also moments where the plot can drag or feel repetitive. Nevertheless, the overall story and characters are compelling enough to keep the reader engaged.
“Eddie’s Boy” also has relevance beyond its genre. The book explores issues of loyalty and betrayal, while also examining the theme of father-son relationships in a criminal context.
These issues are still relevant in today’s world, and the book’s examination of them adds depth and nuance to the story. Overall, “Eddie’s Boy” is a satisfying and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of the crime fiction genre.
While it may not be Perry’s strongest work, it is an engaging addition to a beloved series. Fans of Hap and Leonard will be pleased with this latest installment, and newcomers to the series will find it a great place to start.
The Washington Post gives “Eddie’s Boy” a solid 3.5 stars out of 5.
