Tony R Cox is an ex-provincial UK journalist. The Simon Jardine series is based on his memories of the early 70s - the time of sex, drugs and rock 'n roll - when reporters relied on word of mouth and there was no internet, no mobile phones, not even a fax machine.
Author Daniel Cole treats writing as if it’s an exhibition squash-match. His subtlety of placement is undaunted by his power-packed smashes as he sets the highest levels of excitement leaving the reader wondering where the next absorbing flex of his wrist will send the plot.
Endgame is the third in the Ragdoll series. There are direct, indirect and unsubtly hidden references to Ragdoll and its follow-up, Hangman; but there are no, unnecessary and clunky back-stories. This a full-fledged standalone.
Our hero returns in handcuffs and with pre-determined jail-spell hanging over his head, but there is detection to be done and Wolf (ex-detective William Fawkes) is the go-to guy; so prison is put on a back burner. One of his greatest friends and mentors has been found dead: it’s an obvious, clear cut, bolt-on suicide. While the single bullet-holed body lies on the floor holding the gun that killed him in a room locked from the inside and with no possible way out, Wolf is convinced he would not kill himself. The plot dips back to glance at the iniquities of much-admired, now deeply suspected, lawmen of the past, and bounces forward into a present that is being torn apart by relationships and shaken trust.
Daniel Cole has an engaging writing skill. Where villains appear out of the darkness, and like in a Whack-a-Mole game, they are summarily dealt with. Wolf’s team and colleagues coupled to the author’s impish sense of humour, lightens some dark, violently and deadly moments.
The finale, though protracted is enthralling and deeply satisfying
Endgame is a dramatic close to a trilogy.
Daniel Cole writes violence and brutality; but there is a welcome undercurrent of humour and a slight touch of the surreal.
