Book Review: God Is A Bullet

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

God Is A Bullet     Amazon US PB Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada PB
Boston Teran
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Noir   Adult Content
Macmillan; 1999; £10.00; pp. 305
Classification: Adult fiction (thriller)

In 1995, a girl is kidnapped by a satanic cult. Her father, a cop, attempts to track her down, but there seem to be no clues. His hopes lie with Case Hardin, an ex-cult member. Following the trail, he finds a link to a murder twenty-five years before and many other shocking things, including the fact that he and Case have to analyze the very fabric of their beings.

'God Is A Bullet' is Boston Teran's first novel - and what a novel. First, it is necessary to point out that it will not appeal to anyone. It is dark, grim, powerful and visual - they would certainly have a hard time making a movie from it. Lovers of cozy mystery stories would hate this and so, it is one for readers who like to look at dark reading.

The pace varies throughout the novel. At times, it is fast and at others, it slows down to allow the characters to look at, and examine, one another. Both Case and Bob are figures that Teran constantly works with, developing them all the time. Cyrus is another interesting case and is one of the most twisted and compelling bad guys that I have come across in a long time.

If you are looking for an easy read, then 'God Is A Bullet' is not it. Devoid of humour, Teran does not pull any punches as he looks into the soul of his characters. For a first novel, this is an incredible work. If he can write a second novel as well as he wrote this one, he is destined for stardom. However, the graphic and powerful nature of this book will turn many away.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
http://lukecroll.translatorscafe.com