Seaborne’s latest series entry packs a good deal of mystery. Everything Will stumbles on, it seems, dredges up more questions, from photographs at Tammy’s ranch to the law firm he drops by. But Will and his cop wife, Andy, also face obstacles at home in Essex County. Shockingly, the American president, after surviving a sniper attack, somehow implied that Andy was the would-be assassin. Now, Essex locals, wanting Andy kicked off the police force, picket the couple’s lawn. All this shady stuff in Montana and unrest in Wisconsin make for a tense narrative, as Will confronts armed baddies and both he and Andy narrowly evade gunshots. The author certainly doesn’t embellish Will’s supernatural ability; it’s simply one of the hero’s myriad skills. The talent has its flaws, too, as Will would like to fly—and tries to without relying on his devices. Regardless, it’s fun to watch him adapt; he can secretly listen to others’ conversations while invisible, so long as he’s indoors or in an outside place where he can anchor himself. Will’s periodic sarcasm is welcome, as it’s good-natured and never overwhelming. While the rest of the cast, particularly ever resilient Andy, shines, the best moments feature Will and Boyd’s entertaining banter. Will, for example, tends to call the boy “kiddo,” leaving Boyd no other choice than to remind him repeatedly what his name is. Following the story’s memorable denouement, a lengthy epilogue adds a surprising element to this installment.
A smart, diverting tale of an audacious aviator with an extraordinary ability.
"Five Stars!"
"Nine Lives Lost is fast-paced, and there is so much action happening back-to-back that Will doesn’t even get time for a proper sleep until the end of the book. Like Matryoshka dolls, the narrative covers more than one mystery for Will and Andy to uncover. The core group of characters in the series are well-drawn and the narrative is engaging, blending humor with serious undertones. In all the action going on, the character that stood out for me was Boyd, an autistic child who plays a pivotal role in this story. If you enjoy a blend of action, mystery, and love of flying and airplanes, this is a highly recommended read."
