The Final Twist (A Colter Shaw Novel)

Although beginning with Colter Shaw’s usual mission of taking on a search for a missing person to earn a reward, most of this outing involves Shaw pursuing BlackBridge, a “dirty tricks” outfit, the employees of that outfit, and those who employed BlackBridge for their own corrupt purposes. Shaw’s motive for choosing this target couldn’t be more personal: it was a BlackBridge operative who had murdered Shaw’s father, Ash, years ago. Following decades-old leads, Shaw locates the super-rich British oligarch now residing in the SF Bay Area, Devereaux, at whose request Ash had been targeted. Shaw tries to uncover what reason Devereaux had for targeting Ash. Shaw is aided by unexpected allies and faces continual threats and attacks from his powerful opponents. The story is complex but compelling and kept this reader up late, unable to put the book down. Highly recommended.

Given the title, this is likely to be the final volume in the Colter Shaw trilogy. Whether or not Colter will return again is an open question. There is a little bit of light coming through the door at the denouement, so it is possible. Moreover, JD introduces a new and potentially pivotal character in THE FINAL TWIST—Colter’s older brother, Russell. Russell works for a deep-ops governmental organization, probably DOD, and he has associates, techniques, moves and abilities that complement Colter’s.

I won’t summarize the plot, but simply remind readers that Colter is on a quest to complete a mission of his late father’s—to uncover the doings of a very, very dirty firm that does malevolent things for rich and even more malevolent people. Colter’s father had been in search of a cache of documents that would complete the investigation, insure the indictments and sink the baddies. The documents were hidden somewhere in San Francisco, where the vast majority of the story takes place. The city plays a central role in the story and JD depicts it with great skill. The jacket art is an image of route 1, along which the denouement occurs (in Half Moon Bay). I have driven that stretch in heavy rain in a very imperfect rental car and it brought back a number of haunting memories.

In sum: there are basically two intersecting plots with a subplot (involving an abducted woman), which is pulled into the main story. Colter and Russell are all over SanFran, observing bad guys, dodging bad guys, investigating bad guys, hanging out in safe houses, doing their father’s implied bidding. There are many twists and turns and (for first-time readers of JD) big, unanticipated surprises. As a reader of all of JD’s novels, I expected the twists and anticipated most of them.

This is A-list material, what I call a ‘carry around’ book, one which you always have at your side and can read whenever a break in the day presents itself, a book like THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS or Andrew Vachss’s FLOOD. It is not, however, JD’s best book. Five stars, of course, but for JD, perhaps 4.8. The reason is that the book’s plot feels just slightly off, as if the book was revised a few too many times or one in which the author was trying to correct things he wasn’t quite comfortable with, drew on his impressive chops, but left a few kinks along the way. In other words, the story didn’t feel completely planned; there is the sense that some things were made up on the fly. This may be entirely wrong (and quite unfair) and it may just be a writer’s view rather than a reviewer’s, but there it is; I won’t dissemble. There is a new Lincoln Rhyme novel coming in November, which I anxiously anticipate.

I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I love reading books where the characters are semi-constant. I, eventually, feel that I know them, how they look, act, speak, engage. Jeffery Deaver is a favorite author of mine and of my son, Jeffrey. I love all his books, but I am not a fan of short stories. I never waste my time reading them, but friends delight in the quickness of a fast literary indulgence. Thank you, Mr. Deaver for all the hours of entertainment you provide me!

The novelty of some thrillers and characters can lose their momentum, and Deaver's third book of faux-super-hero Colter Shaw storyline is at that dividing point where many readers will have reached their limits and only the truly converted faithful will remain should the series continue. My feelings are mixed.

The book works well as a standalone read, but is best enjoyed following the first two books to appreciate characters, family background story, and Colter Shaw's motivations to "rescue" missing or endangered victims through vigilante and "special operations" techniques. Unpredictability is back in full force right from the first chapter, as Shaw takes on new victims and projects, while also trying to find his father's killer. Lots going on, so pay close attention. Wow! This caught my interest.

Deaver's adept storytelling creates a complex plotline told only from Colter Shaw's viewpoint, both a strength and a weakness because Shaw is not always a "reliable" narrator by withholding key information as the story unfolds, losing my trust.

I liked the author's backstory details about San Francisco's history, especially important to the plotline. Strong character descriptions, confrontational dialogues, and vivid action details create a fun, fast-paced read that's hard to put down with every chapter's uncertain ending. However, perpetual chaos and crisis elements felt contrived at times, often detracting from the story's believability.

Keeping straight many characters and each persona adds both complexity and intensity to understanding what's going on, a possible turnoff for some readers, especially when not read in a day or two. Great for a weekend or long-travel read, when you can focus on the book.

It's a toss up whether the series should continue, but if it does, I hope it's more than a worn out repetition of past elements.

Audible's narration add was a plus for this book by adding dramatic pacing and personality inflections. It really helped.

The protagonist, Colt Shaw, is involved with an unlikely set of circumstances. One describing the Case of Citizens United, but gets the facts wrong. It passed. But under the Bush administration.

Then he and his brother have several adventures together but we know the outcome ahead of time. It never struck me that the characters were in any danger.

But that's the hard thing.