In Roy Glenn's explosive new thriller, A Motive for Murder, the Mike Black universe returns with a vengeance. Following the conclusion of a brutal war with the Troka Clan, Shy, despite her vow to retire, finds herself embroiled in a new conflict. Her friend's murder points to Daniel Beason, the Clan's American partner, forcing Shy to confront danger head-on. Seeking justice, she enlists her best friend, Ryder, who faces her own challenges – a simmering feud with Kojo's drug operation threatens an already precarious peace. With escalating tensions between Kojo's gang and Detective Bautista's relentless strike team, Shy and Ryder must solve a murder, navigate treacherous alliances, and prevent an all-out war before it's too late.
Review A Motive for Murder
"A Motive for Murder" had me hooked from page one! Roy Glenn continues to deliver the thrilling, action-packed ride we've come to expect from the Mike Black universe, but this time with a fascinating shift in focus. While the explosive conclusion of the Troka Clan war provides a satisfying backdrop, the heart of the story lies in Shy's relentless pursuit of justice for her friend, Reeva. It's a powerful testament to her character – her unwavering loyalty and determination, even in the face of personal risks and her husband's understandable concerns. Seeing her, a woman who's earned the title "Gangster" and proven herself time and again, grapple with her desire for vengeance while navigating the treacherous waters of loyalty and family, made for gripping reading.
The inclusion of Ryder's storyline, with her own simmering conflict and the precarious peace between The Family and Kojo's organization, adds another layer of complexity and suspense. It's a smart move, broadening the scope of the story without ever losing sight of Shy's central quest. The interwoven plots kept me constantly guessing, with several moments that had me holding my breath, unsure of who would emerge victorious or unscathed. The author masterfully creates this sense of constant threat and impending doom, which is perfectly complemented by the fast-paced narrative.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the action and suspense, I did have some mixed feelings regarding Mike's arc. The introduction of Susan Beason felt a little jarring, and I found myself echoing the sentiment of other readers who felt her presence was an unnecessary distraction. The established dynamic between Mike and Shy, built over decades and countless adventures, felt slightly undermined by this new element. It felt a little out of character for Mike, given his history and unwavering loyalty to Shy. His actions, while potentially adding an element of unexpected drama, felt slightly out of sync with the portrayal of his character in previous books. The established strong foundation of Mike and Shy's relationship made this deviation particularly noticeable and, at times, unsettling.
Despite this minor reservation, I still found "A Motive for Murder" to be a captivating read. The character development is remarkable, particularly the progression of the "kids from back in the day" as they step into leadership roles within The Family. The book manages to deliver intense action sequences alongside a compelling exploration of complex relationships and loyalty, making it a truly memorable addition to the Mike Black series. The ending left me eager for the next installment, hopeful that future books will further explore and resolve the complexities introduced in this one. Four stars, with a small wish for a return to the unwavering loyalty that has defined Mike and Shy's relationship for so long.
Information
- Dimensions: 4.15 x 0.98 x 6.74 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 384
- Publication date: 2025
- Publisher: Urban Books
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