Book Review: The Eagle Heist

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Eagle Heist     Amazon US TPB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada TPB Amazon Canada HC
Raymond Austin
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Private Investigator
Series: Beauford Sloan # 1
Harlan, Nov 2000, $22.00, 264 pp.

An Eagle Security armored truck carrying sixteen million dollars worth of diamonds and three million in cash disappears. Although the three Eagle Security armored truck guards driving Eleven were well trained and experienced, they never had to contend with the precise assault of a military-like operation. They manage to make a may day call, but no help can arrive since they "vanish" and no one knows where they are. The truck, its contents of sixteen million dollars in diamonds and three million in cash, and the guards are missing. The FBI, the DC police, the insurance firm, and Eagle's security personnel find no clues until a few days later when a dead guard surfaces at the banks of the Potomac River. However, law enforcement officials make no other progress towards breaking the case.

Six months later, the case remains unsolved. Mrs. Costello, mother of the guard whose body was recovered, hires former cop turned private investigator, Beauford Sloan and his partner Sally Peters to investigate because she needs closure starting with her son's killers being caught. Beauford makes inquires that take him overseas seeking the brains behind THE EAGLE HEIST.

Raymond Austin writes a powerful private investigative tale that will excite sub-genre fans because a new talent has joined the ranks. The story line is fast-paved and never slows down for even a second. Beauford is a wonderful sleuth whether he globetrots around the world or relaxes in his Blue Mountain home. Sally adds depth so that the audience better understands Beauford. Readers will want Mr. Austin to write more tales starring that Wilford Brimley look alike, Beauford Sloan.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner