Select one of the keywords
Compulsion    by Allison Brennan Amazon.com order for
Compulsion
by Allison Brennan
Order:  USA  Can
Minotaur, 2015 (2015)
Hardcover, CD, e-Book
* * *   Reviewed by Hilary Williamson

Allison Brennan's edgy, in-your-face heroine, investigative journalist Max Revere, is back in Compulsion, second in the series that began with Notorious. It's not always easy to like Max but you certainly have to admire her spunk and determination.

This time she's got her teeth into a serial killer case. It seems straightforward. Adam Bachman was stopped by police when they heard his latest victim screaming from inside the trunk of his car - he had already drugged and suffocated five others. But Max, who had been approached by three siblings to find their retired parents' killer, believes that Bachman had a partner in crime, and is determined to interview him and find out the Palazzolos' fate.

Naturally the D.A. doesn't want her to damage his open and shut case but, Max being Max, she gets her way. Max has quite an entourage. Ben, the producer for her Maximum Exposure show tries to micromanage her with little success. Ex-Army Ranger David, her personal assistant, bodyguard and friend, tries to keep her safe, with a similar lack of success. And curious, impulsive young Riley, her new assistant, reminds Max of her younger self. Riley is a Max wannabe and is in a hurry to get there.

Unfortunately, as Max tracks down an elusive killer, a long laid plot against her steadily unfolds, and all those close to her are in for collateral damage, including her ex lover, FBI Special Agent Marco, and her current boyfriend, Nick, a California cop. Along the way, readers are given insights into Max's tough childhood, which made her the isolated person she is today. Compulsion is an engrossing, thrilling read, centered around an unusual, very intriguing lead. Don't miss it!

Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons.

Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews