Book Review: Rain Fall

Reviewed By: Webspinner - RAM

Rain Fall     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Barry Eisler
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller
Series: John Rain # 1
Putnam; 2002; 306pp

John Rain - trained by Special Forces, Vietnam Vet, of American/Japanese heritage, and now hired assassin for the last twenty-five years, specializing in "death by natural causes". And for those twenty-five years, John Rain has managed to stay hidden, based in Tokyo, but with planned, carefully protected anonymity. Rain is also a man caught in the middle of his dual ancestry and his seeming rejection by both.

His newest case begins causing problems for Rain almost as soon as the body falls. His protections and his anonymity begin to unravel, as he is drawn to a beautiful jazz pianist who is also his target's daughter, because of the secret she shared with her father and his desire to protect her. In addition, agents who have been looking for him for years are closing in, having connected him to his latest hit and old foes from the CIA are back.

I didn't really expect to enjoy Rain Fall. Boy, was I wrong! Barry Eisler's character is fascinating, as is his depiction of Tokyo. The depth of characterization of John Rain is intense and riveting. The action is nonstop and the plot is convoluted. This is definitely and author to watch!

Webspinner - RAM

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