If you have been following me for a while, you know I pretty much stay within the same genres of books. Romance, suspense, thrillers, black ops, and any mixture within those parameters. Sometimes it’s tough to find a good police thriller, so I definitely was interested when this one crossed my email.
Part of a series but definitely a book can be read as a standalone. It certainly got my attention in many ways. Check out my thoughts on this release below.
Laws of Annihilation by Eriq La Salle
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press (October 24, 2023)
ISBN-13: 978-1728261065
Synopsis:
A war is brewing in New York City, and nobody can stop it.
It’s summer in New York City, and a sweltering heat wave stifles the area. The entire city is on edge.
Tensions between the Hasidic and Black communities of New York have been steadily escalating since a tragic incident a few weeks ago left a Black teenager dead. Then, two rabbis are killed in a gruesome attack at their synagogue.
Meanwhile, FBI agent Janet Maclin has dreams of finally being appointed the FBI’s first female director, when she is diagnosed with stage IV cancer and given four months to live. While keeping her illness a secret, she is assigned to help NYPD detectives Quincy Cavanaugh and Phee Freeman solve the case of the murdered rabbis as more hate crimes threaten a city on the brink. As the body count mounts, time is running out for Maclin in more ways than one.
Also in the Martyr Maker series:
Laws of Depravity
Laws of Wrath
Laws of Annihilation by Eriq La Salle Review
I’ve read a lot of crime novels and police procedurals, even black ops suspense, which is one of my favorites, but this one certainly got my attention.
Written by an actor and producer with two other novels under his belt, this book is part of a series featuring a female FBI agent coworking with local police detectives on major crimes.
The plot of the story is definitely unique. It’s highly descriptive with vivid imagery that just makes you gasp sometimes. I was not expecting the raw, gruesome depiction of the crimes. But with that said, considering who the author is, he works in graphic detail.
This book grabbed me because of the way it was written. There are intense situations and horrific acts. Then we get the working relationships between the main characters. That is balanced with their family and other personal relationships, which is greatly needed to offset the plot.
One of the things I love is a strong, female lead and La Salle definitely gives us that with the main character, Maclin. She is tough outside, but tender inside with secrets and longing that make you feel for her in every way.
Laws of Annihilation is raw. Gritty. Explicit in violence and visuals. Tough to read in spots. Sad and depressing as you recognize many truths in the story. Thankfully, La Salle takes time to balance it all with light and hope at the end.
This is my first book by this author, but not the last!
4 STARS!
Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.