Title: The Righteous Men
Author: Sam Bourne
First published January 1, 2006
574 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780007203307 (ISBN10: 0007203306)
Rating: 3.63
Overview
THE PERFECT MATCH?
As a bodyguard, Bobby Taylor was the best in the business.
But when his friend Wes asked him to watch over his little sister, Bobby was hesitant. After all, Colleen Skelly was no ordinary little sister.
With her fiery red hair and stunning looks, Bobby doubted she was as innocent as she seemed. But as he got to know Colleen, he realized there was more to her than met the eye.
Colleen had been infatuated with Bobby for years, but getting him to notice her had been a challenge. Now that she finally had him to herself, she was determined to prove that she was all grown up and ready for a real relationship.
As they spent more time together, Bobby and Colleen found themselves drawn to each other. But with danger lurking around every corner, they’ll have to fight to keep their new love alive.
Will Bobby be able to protect Colleen, or will their passion be their downfall?
About the Author
Jonathan Freedland, an accomplished British journalist and broadcaster, has been writing a weekly column for The Guardian since 1997. He previously served as the paper’s Washington correspondent and his work has been featured in several prominent publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Newsweek.
Additionally, he presents BBC Radio 4’s contemporary-history series, The Long View.
Freedland has dedicated nearly two decades to covering the Middle East conflict and played a key role in brokering the 2003 Geneva Accord. In 2002, he chaired a three-day dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, sponsored by The Guardian, which led to the historic accord.
As a literary pseudonym, Freedland writes under the name Sam Bourne. His novel, The Righteous Men, was a number-one bestseller in the UK and the United States, translated into thirty-one languages.
He has also authored the nonfiction works Jacob’s Gift and Bring Home the Revolution. Freedland resides in London with his wife and two children.
Editoral Review
The Righteous Men by Sam Bourne is a gripping thriller that explores the shadows of Jewish mysticism and the age-old question of whether fate is predetermined or whether we have the power to shape our own destiny. Bourne, a pseudonym for journalist and novelist Jonathan Freedland, is well-known for his political commentary and insightful investigations into contemporary issues.
In this book, he brings his sharp analytical skills to bear on a complex tale of murder, conspiracy, and religious fanaticism. The Righteous Men revolves around a centuries-old legend that there are thirty-six righteous men in every generation who keep the world from destruction.
When a series of seemingly unrelated murders occur in different parts of the world, an American journalist, Will Monroe, stumbles upon this myth and becomes convinced that there is a connection. He teams up with a British detective, Adam Davenport, to uncover the identity of the killer and the significance of the legend.
Bourne creates a vivid and intense atmosphere that sucks the reader into the narrative from the opening scene. The pacing is tight and the plot twists and turns in unexpected ways.
Bourne does an excellent job of building suspense and maintaining tension throughout the story. The characters are well-drawn, and their motivations are clear and compelling.
Will is an engaging protagonist, and Adam provides the cynical counterpoint to his idealism. Bourne weaves in a lot of historical and cultural detail that adds depth and richness to the story.
The legend of the thirty-six righteous men is a real concept in Jewish mysticism, and Bourne uses it as a backdrop to explore deeper themes of faith, morality, and redemption. However, at times, the exposition can feel a bit heavy-handed, and some readers might find the mystical elements of the story hard to swallow.
Overall, The Righteous Men is a smart and thought-provoking read. Bourne tackles big questions about the nature of evil, the power of belief, and the importance of human agency.
The book is not without its flaws, but they are minor quibbles in an otherwise outstanding thriller. Fans of Dan Brown and John Grisham will find much to enjoy here.
However, readers looking for a more literary experience may be disappointed in the sometimes formulaic writing style. In conclusion, The Righteous Men is a captivating and suspenseful novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Sam Bourne is a talented writer with a keen eye for detail and a knack for creating intricate plots. The book is recommended for anyone who enjoys thrillers, mysteries, or stories that grapple with big ideas.
The story is not without its flaws, but overall, it is a solid and engrossing read. I give it four out of five stars.
