Latest news with #TheMedusaProtocol
Epoch Times
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
‘The Medusa Protocol': Hugs, Not Guns
'The Medusa Protocol' is the second in a series of thriller novels about professional assassins attempting to forge better paths in life by using the Alcoholics Anonymous model. The novel isn't a satirical commentary or a Frederick Forsyth or Gregg Hurwitz-style thriller. Mined for Memories The first book in the series, 'Assassins Anonymous,' centered on Mark, professionally known as 'Pale Horse.' He tries to redeem himself and avoid being killed by people from his past. Its sequel, 'The Medusa Protocol,' shifts back and forth between the perspectives of Mark and his would-be love interest, another assassin named Astrid. 'The Medusa Protocol' begins with Astrid waking up in a cell, having been roughly abducted and shipped to an unknown international location. Stoic professional henchmen are everywhere; the newly constructed cell suggests they are looking to hold her captive for a long time. They also blare 'Come On, Eileen' by Dexys Midnight Runners from hidden speakers for hours on end. The future doesn't look promising for Astrid.
Chicago Tribune
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Biblioracle: My favorite new page-turners from Rob Hart, Laura Lippman and Megan Abbott
The 600 words I'm allotted a week in this space is just enough to discuss one book in sufficient detail to make sure readers are sufficiently informed to make a reading choice for themselves. How am I going to possibly discuss three books in one column, as I feel I must this week? The fact of the matter is that there are too many books worth recommending coming out year-round now and it just so happens these three writers have new books coming out within a week of each other this month. One advantage is that these three books are by writers whom I've previously extolled in these pages, so I can, to some degree, cut to the chase, give you my impression of the book and let you, the reader, go from there. Let's get to it before I waste any more words describing what I plan to do for the benefit of you, my treasured audience of dedicated readers. Rob Hart's 'The Medusa Protocol' is a sequel to 2024's 'Assassins Anonymous' a thriller centered on Mark, once known as 'the Pale Horse,' the deadliest hired killer in the world, but who has renounced his murderous ways and joined a 12-step program for hired assassins. When forces from his past come for revenge, Mark needs to get himself out of the bind without killing anyone and ruining his non-killing streak. To say too much about 'The Medusa Protocol' is to give away parts of 'Assassins Anonymous,' which readers should start with first, but trust that both books are fun, quick involving adventures where you find yourself rooting for the deadliest people on the planet. Laura Lippman is my favorite crime/suspense fiction writer working today with an oeuvre that includes a very satisfying detective series (Tess Monaghan) and better than a dozen stand-alone novels, including my favorites, 'Dream Girl' and 'The Lady in the Lake.' Her newest, 'Murder Takes a Vacation,' is a fun departure, a cozy mystery with Mrs. Blossom moving from her supporting role as the assistant to Tess Monaghan to the central character as she heads off on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Paris and riverboat cruise up the Seine. On the flight to Paris, Mrs. Blossom meets the dashing Allan, who sparks the first romantic feelings she's had in ages since Mr. Blossom's death years before. Allan winds up dead and Mrs. Monaghan realizes she has the skills to solve the mystery. Less gritty than the usual Lippman fare, but great fun with her meticulous attention to character. Here's hoping for more novels with Mrs. Blossom in the lead. Megan Abbott is my favorite suspense/crime fiction writer working today. The order of those two words matter, because while there are often criminal (or sinister) activities at the center of her books (my favorites: 'Dare Me' and 'The Fever'), the chief pleasure is in the way she teases and develops the dread flowing from out of the central mystery. 'El Dorado Drive' is set in the Detroit suburbs and is the story of three sisters, the Bishops, who have seen their personal/family fortunes decline along with the region itself. They dive into 'The Wheel,' a multi-level marketing organization that promises riches and liberation for women who want to work on their own terms. As always happens in a Megan Abbott book, things go terribly awry and a novel of family and financial intrigue that will keep you guessing unfolds. Abbott packs more emotion and information into a single sentence than some writers can do in a page, making for and gripping reading experience. Three very different books that will keep you turning the pages. Why not read them all? John Warner is the author of books including 'More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI.' You can find him at Book recommendations from the Biblioracle John Warner tells you what to read based on the last five books you've read. 1. 'Empire Falls' by Richard Russo 2. 'The Ruins' by Steve Wick 3. 'After Oz' by Gordon McAlpine 4. 'All the Broken Places' by John Boyne 5. 'Safe Houses' by Dan FespermanI don't know what happened to this author named David Shafer. I've never seen another book by him, but his first, 'Whiskey Tango Foxtrot' is a super smart, very involving thriller that seems like a good fit for Jordan. 1. 'Emma' by Jane Austen 2. 'The Matriarch' by Tina Knowles 3. 'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty 4. 'Pineapple Street' by Jenny Jackson 5. 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' by Shelby Van PeltThis book is a little slower burn than some of the novels on this list, more literary, less commercial, but I think it's a good fit for Jemma, 'The Book of Goose' by Yiyun Li. 1. 'A Season on the Brink' by John Feinstein 2. 'Feherty' by John Feinstein 3. 'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson 4. 'Confederates in the Attic' by Tony Horwitz 5. 'A River Runs Through It' by Norman MacleanI'm hoping Lyle is not yet familiar with the work of Patrick McManus, the funniest writer of outdoor adventures ever. He can start with 'A Fine and Pleasant Misery.' Get a reading from the Biblioracle Send a list of the last five books you've read and your hometown to biblioracle@
