Book Review: Killing Rain

Reviewed By: Woodstock - RAM

Killing Rain     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Barry Eisler
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller
Series: John Rain # 4
G P Putnam's Sons 2005

An author's choice for point of view can make all the difference in how readers perceive his characters. A classic character of suspense fiction is the outlaw, the hired killer, the lone wolf. Working for the highest bidder, with only the feasibility of the contract and the right price guiding his decisions, the contract gunman hides in plain sight, scouting his quarry, planning his moves. He has few friends, no place to call home, no position in a hospitable, law abiding society.

Barry Eisler's protagonist John Rain fits this description perfectly. But Eisler's use of point of view gives the reader a window into John Rain's personality and soul. Chapters alternate between first and third person, and in the first person passages, told in Rain's voice, we learn enough about this fascinating character to allow us to root for him, to understand his moments of hesitation, to murmur with concern as he meets the woman in his life, for she may bring more than warmth and sexual pleasure with her.

This fourth installment finds Rain in the employ of the Israelis, working in Manila on the trail of a treacherous explosives expert. Our insight into Rain's thoughts allows us to understand a hesitation which might be fatal in more ways than one. For Rain learns just enough about his quarry to give him pause at the moment of truth.

The action which follows moves throughout the Far East. The unaccustomed assistance of a sidekick and the process of learning to work together provides humor and an occasional touch of pathos - since Rain has spent so many years working for himself and by himself that he is a novice at sharing both danger and fulfillment.

Woodstock - RAM

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