Book Review: The Rules of Silence

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Rules of Silence     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
David Lindsey
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller
Warner, Apr 2003, $24,95, 405 pp.

Cayetano "Tano" Luquin extorts money from millionaires by threatening to kill anyone they cherish if payment fails to be remitted. The professional blackmailer insures nearly impossible tracing even following the money trail by having his victims make losing investments in which he reaps the awards from paper companies "laundering" the cash. His current chosen lamb is software developer guru Titus Cain.

Titus and his wife Rita turn to counterterrorist expert Garcia Burden to help expedite the Cains from this devious plot. If Tano learns that his victims deviated from his script, one by one those close to Titus will be marked for death plus a demand for an increase from the $64 million dollar first offer will occur. A former CIA agent, Garcia starts gathering information on his opponent knowing that if he breaks THE RULES OF SILENCE of this game someone will die.

Though somewhat similar in theme to Jon Katzenbach's THE ANALYST, THE RULES OF SILENCE is an exciting action thriller that never slows down until the final confrontation occurs. The story line moves at a rapid pace so readers need to wear their seat belts at all times. The villain and his opponent each have agendas that make them the lead duo in a deadly game of cat and mouse, and more easily understood than the victims. Not quite as character rounded as David Lindsey's usual novel (see A COLD MIND and MERCY), readers will still appreciate this exhilarating thriller.

Harriet Klausner

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