Book Review: Cold Springs

Reviewed By: Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

Cold Springs     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Rick Riordan
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller
2003, Bantam, 352 pages

The beginning of this book was like getting cold water dumped on you as you sleep, a complete surprise that shocks you to attention. I would recommend waiting to start this book till you don’t have to go anywhere because you won’t want to stop reading. It’s a departure from his series featuring Tres Navarre.

Chadwick works for a bootcamp designed to help troubled teens. He is an escort, one of a two member team that flies into a location and picks up the teen in question, the returning them to Cold Springs Texas. Here the kids are put through a training not that different than marines.

But after nine years Chadwick has an extraction to do that hits close to home. The daughter of old family friends, Mallory. As the book progresses Chadwick is forced to relive his past as they try to save Mallory from herself, and her Mother and Father from an unknown threat.

This book has the feeling of some of Ross MacDonald’s best work. Intricate story lines intertwining each other like a family quilt. Riordan has an understanding of family structure and the commitment of teachers that serves him well in this book. I found myself cheering for some characters, and trying to warn others. The story progress gaining speed and momentum like a Red Hot Chili Peppers song performed live.

There is a reason people are talking about Rick Riordan. Read this book and find out for yourself.

Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM