Book Review: Scarecrow

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Scarecrow     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Matthew Reilly
Class/Genre:   Military   Mystery   Thriller
Dunne, Mar 2004, $24.95, 368 pp.

The intelligence report claimed that Islamic terrorists took control of the Krask 8: Penal and Maintenance Installation Siberian submarine repair base and with the seizure possess nuclear missiles. US Marine Shane "Scarecrow" Schofield and an elite Delta Force race to stop the terrorists before they can use or sell their cache of mass destruction.

However, instead of Islamic enemies, Schofield and company are caught in a deadly trap set by teams of bounty hunters competing in a contest to kill Delta Force soldiers at over $18 million-per scalp. The Majestic 12, consisting of a dozen male multibillionaires who inherit the seat via primogeniture, has drawn up a hit list that includes Scarecrow at number 12 among fifteen targets for elimination. This group has been in the way of good business decisions to buy and sell presidents and other heads of states. In deep trouble as he escapes the nuclear reactor for the nuclear waste, Scarecrow and company battle a seemingly endless supply of mercenaries, who want to collect the bounty.

Is the novel unreal? Yes! Is the conspiracy unbelievable? Absolutely! Are the characters two-dimensional? No doubt! With all that, readers will conclude who cares. Fans of non-stop, action packed thrillers will want to read this delightful tale even if the body count seems endless. This terrific novel never allows the audience a chance to catch its breath as it rockets from one scenario to an even more dangerous situation sort of like the opening scene in an Indiana Jones movie, but continuing for two hours without respite.

Harriet Klausner

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