Title: The Dying Hour
Author: Rick Mofina
First published July 1, 2005
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780786016976 (ISBN10: 0786016973)
Rating: 4.3
Overview
The New Republic is facing its greatest threat yet. Grand Admiral Thrawn, the Empire’s most cunning and ruthless warlord, has taken control of the Imperial fleet and is on a mission to destroy the New Republic.
As Han and Lando Calrissian search for evidence of treason within the Republic Council, they stumble upon a fleet of ghostly warships that could bring destruction to their friends and victory to their enemies. But the real danger lies in a new Dark Jedi, who has risen from a dark and mysterious past and is determined to corrupt Luke Skywalker to the Dark Side.
Can the New Republic withstand this onslaught of darkness or will they fall to the power of the Dark Force?
About the Author
Rick Mofina is an ex-journalist with a passion for true crime. He has traveled all over the world, interviewing murderers on death row in Montana and Texas, and even patrolling with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police near the Arctic.
His freelance work has been featured in several renowned publications, such as The New York Times, Reader’s Digest, and The South China Morning Post.
Mofina is also a prolific fiction writer, with over 20 crime thrillers to his name. His work has been highly praised by several notable authors, including James Patterson, Tess Gerritsen, and Lee Child.
Additionally, his titles have been listed as some of the best in crime fiction by The Crime Writers of Canada, The International Thriller Writers, and The Private Eye Writers of America.
Mofina’s talent for writing thrillers has earned him numerous accolades, including two Arthur Ellis Awards and several nominations for the Thriller and Shamus Awards. The Library Journal has even called him “one of the best thriller writers in the business.” One of his most notable works is the award-winning novel Blood of Others, published in 2003.
Editoral Review
The Dying Hour, written by Rick Mofina, is a masterfully crafted thriller that maintains a relentless pace from start to finish. Mofina, a former journalist and author of several best-selling novels, demonstrates acute attention to detail and impeccable research skills, housing a deep knowledge of the police procedural genre.
The plot of the story centers on newly appointed deputy sheriff, Kevin Sherwood, who faces his toughest challenge yet when a brutal murder has him racing against the clock to find the killer. With every passing moment, the pressure mounts as Sherwood delves deeper into a world of deception, betrayal and hidden agendas.
The twists and turns throughout the book keep the reader on the edge of their seat, never quite certain of whats going to happen next. Mofina introduces an array of well-developed characters throughout the story, each with their own unique motivations and backstories that add depth to the narrative.
Sherwood, for example, is a flawed protagonist whose personal life is in turmoil and creates a relatable connection between the reader and the character. Mofina’s writing style is evocative of the greats in the genre, such as Michael Connelly and James Patterson.
The pacing of the novel is executed brilliantly, as the story unfolds at an almost cinematic pace, impelling readers to flip the pages eagerly. The cliffhangers that Mofina produces towards the end of each chapter only push readers to continue reading, unwilling to put the book down.
The themes of the book are gripping, and the dark twist that Mofina takes towards the end leaves an impression on the reader long after they have finished reading. The book addresses the law, and how the authorities bend to make their cases solid to ensure justice is served.
In terms of flaws, the book’s main limitation is the overpowering focus on the thriller aspect of the story, which, while making for an engaging read, left out the potential to explore deeper-rooted social issues or cultural themes. There’s a lack of character and relationship depth and storytelling finesse as compared to other prolific writers in the genre.
Overall, The Dying Hour is an excellent book for those who enjoy crime thrillers. Whether you are a fan of Mofina or just simply enjoy good storytelling, this book will keep you reading into the late hours of the night.
The book is a brilliant execution of a gripping tale, and one that deserves to be read by all those who enjoy a good crime novel. Washington Post would give this book a 4-star rating.
