Review: Blind Switch

This novel suffers from a cast of scores of players, many of whom are separately indistinguishable. And, in the end, I no longer cared very much about the hapless protagonist, Jack Doyle, never more than a flawed and at times incompetent human being. I thought the principal FBI duo who twisted Doyle's arms to get him to be their undercover agent showed remarkable lack of skill in manipulating their prey.

That is not to say there aren't several redeeming features of this novel. It is very clear the author knows the horse breeding and racing world down to its most routine aspects. I found several of the long expositions about the business of horse breeding to be very interesting. Unfortunately, there were times when the dialogue continued in that vein, sounding more like reports than discussion or conversation between characters in the novel.

Essentially, former boxer Doyle finds himself on the wrong end of the law after a badly designed racing scam goes into the dumper. What's more, without taking even elementary precautions, Doyle loses his share of the take. Were I the FBI man, looking for someone to go undercover, Doyle's overt missteps would give me great pause. Nonetheless, the plot revolves around Doyle's insertion into a multi-millionaire media mogul's horse farm where he is to gather evidence of corruption and other illegal activities.

We are introduced to several incredible and bizarre characters, clearly the product of a dangerously inventive mind. They engage in a number of increasingly bizarre activities which serve to give the novel pace and excitement. In addition, throughout the novel, author McEvoy comments in wry and acerbic manner on all kind of social foibles, and it's a lot of fun reading these passages. There is undeniable talent here. I just wish the author had put more effort into making Doyle more likeable and less of a bumbler. In my view the novel relies too much on the bizarre elements and not enough on solid plotting and story telling.

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

Book Review: Blind Switch