Book Review: The Deal Master

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

The Deal Master     Amazon US TPB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada TPB Amazon Canada HC
Gerard F. Bianco
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Hard Boiled   Horror   Psychological Suspense   Thriller
IUniverse, 2006, 245 pps.

A serial killer is striking young women with red hair. His method of killing is too horrible to imagine. When he has finished with the victim he dials 911 and tells the operator to “send someone to put Mommy to bed”. Detective William Gillette heads up a squad to track down the killer. He has good associates that are talented in their field to work on the case but no leads are found.

Gillette’s wife Nancy works at a local shelter. When she mentions the name of one of the victims Gillette is interested and has her introduce him to the man who mentioned the victim’s name. Gillette meets Jonathan who calls himself The Deal Master. Jonathan is the only one that seems to be able to help with the investigation now named “Sonny Boy”.

The more Gillette finds out about Jonathan the more curious he becomes. No public records seem to exist. Gillette is warned by an old friend not to make a deal with Jonathan. People that deal and go back on their deal are not treated kindly by the deal maker.

When finally Gillette decides to make a deal with the deal master it is probably the worst decision he has ever made.

The Deal Master is quite a thriller and the conclusion is a surprise although not one I liked.

Pat Reid - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Pat Reid - RAM