The Detachment by Barry Eisler Read By the Author

    It’S always a treat to hear a book read by the author.  This is especially true of The Detachment written and narrated by Barry Eisler.  His voice is deep, strong, clear, and the Japanese words and phrases roll easily from his tongue.  Having read and enjoyed all of the John Rain adventures I realized that I thought I knew exactly what he looked like, why, I’d know him anywhere but I didn’t have a clue about his voice.  Searching my memory I couldn’t recall that his voice had ever been described.  Now I know.  Was I disappointed that this adventure was not performed by a trained actor?  Not a whit!  I’ve heard the story told by the real John Rain.

    Now, I do have one complaint about a John Rain thriller, which is that everything else in life goes on hold after hearing the opening sentence.  Consider this from The Detachment, and you’ll see why food and sleep were of little importance from then on: “I hadn’t killed anyone in almost four years.  But all good things come to an end, eventually.”

    If anyone had told me a hired assassin would be one of my favorite fictional characters that comment would have been dismissed as rubbish.  But this half-Japanese, half-American fellow has completely captivated me.  There seems no cruelty in him, simply strength despite the trail of bodies he has left behind.  He possesses a sense of honor and, yes, compassion.  Rain has been called “the most charismatic assassin since James Bond” - I find none of Bond’s polish or debonair qualities but Rain is every bit as intriguing.

    With his latest adventure we are privy to more of Rain’s thoughts, which gives us greater insights into the man while adding to his mystique.  Most fictional assassins I fear; John Rain I trust.  Why?  It can only be the magic of Eisler’s pen.

    The Detachment pits Rain against the most frightening enemy imaginable, the Oligarchy, unseen, individually unknown, and often seeming to be a step ahead of him.  Thus, he teams with three others, including his unforgettable pal, former Marine sniper Dox.  In addition, there is Larison, a man with a quicker than a blink temper and a secret he means to keep, plus Ben Treven whose loyalties are conflicted.  Each has killed before and each has a different reason for being involved in trying to avert a coup in America. This quartet has to pit their wits and strengths against the forces of the CIA, presidential hit men, and perhaps each other.

    Just when I think there couldn’t possibly be a more exciting, impossible-to-put-down Rain story there is and it’s The Detachment.  Don’t miss it!

    - Gail Cooke