Crosshairs, James Patterson, James O. Born, authors; Peter Giles, Will Collyer, narrators
Who is the sniper? That is the theme of this novel. Someone seems to be arbitrarily choosing victims to murder, but are they really arbitrary, or are they somehow connected? Michael Bennett is assigned to this case. Rob Trilling, a troubled former Army Ranger, is assigned to work along with him. They have to find the answers. Rob is a young, quiet, and intense young man who hates wrongdoing, but very little else is known about him or why he was transferred from the FBI to Mike’s police unit to work on this case with him. As they get to know each other, we learn the answers.
The story seems to flow easily, but it is filled with extraneous dialogue that feels as if it was included simply to fill up pages. Rob’s home life is explored and compared to Mike’s home life with his new wife. Although he has ten previously adopted children, Mike and Mary Catherine are now trying to have another baby. The ten children behave as only children in a fairy tale behave. They are all almost perfect caricatures of what adults and children should be, and they are entertaining.
Along with this story of happy family life, there is the sadder story of the former military men and women who are suffering from PTSD, those who have a hard time readjusting to life outside of the discipline of the military. That story is coupled with those that have used their skills to become successful after military service.
To solve this murder mystery, the investigators have to think about who has the skills a sniper needs to commit murder? Who is trained to be a sniper. Thoughts turn to law enforcement and the military, quite naturally. As the story develops, it often seems a bit contrived as the “nine lives” of Rob and Mike seem to be tested over and over in dangerous situations. Do they follow all the leads or seem to follow only those pointing in a certain direction to solve the crime quickly? Are they interested in catching the real villain or just to close the books on this case? Do orders ever come from higher up to put some crimes under the rug? Do detectives and FBI investigators often jump to conclusions just to solve a crime or cover one up?
Is Rob, only 22 years old, really able to know what is in the sniper’s mind, or could Rob be the sniper? He seems too young, as if he has too little experience to make his valuable assessments. How does the relationship between Mike and his young partner Rob change this story’s trajectory? As clues surface that indicate dirty politicians, drugs and human trafficking, they seem to have been ignored and were never followed up by the authorities. Why? Is someone manipulating the evidence or the investigation? How deep does the seeming coverup go? Is it possible for one person to engineer so many crimes and coverups or is there a cult of corruption infecting law enforcement and the military? As everyone jumps to conclusions, the reader will see how their minds work and find the flaws that the investigating arms apparently do not see.
This is an easy read, perfect for an audio while driving or a quick read on the beach. While it will make you think about the corruption and arrogance of those involved, it won’t make you think too hard.