The Detachment (edition 2011)

v ery much enjoy these books. wish barry eisler could write one a week!!!!!! ( )

I didn't want to put it down. I think it's the best of the Rain series (and that's saying a lot since I thoroughly enjoyed the entire series). The story stands alone so you don't have to read the rest to get this one. I understand that one of the main characters in this book (Treven) is a recurring character in another of Eisler's series - one which I'm going to pick up now, even though Rain and Dox are still my favorites.)

It has a much different flavor than the other books in the series in that there is a huge political "conspiracy" here which is the premise of the story. It's a convoluted and complicated plot, but you don't get lost en route, so the complexity is actually rather refreshing and enjoyable (and is why I didn't want to put it down).

If you have a problem with conspiracies that suggest the US government and the 'elite rich' have ulterior motives in the 'war on terror', you might be one of those readers who gave this book a low star rating. If you believe that the assassination of JFK was an inside job, you probably are one of those who give this book a high rating.

The plot is tight, the action is non-stop, the violence is detailed, and the characters are distinct and fully-fleshed and believable. All in all, it's exactly what I was looking for in a novel with an assassin as the main character. (If you like books with these kind of characters - you could also try Block's Keller series.) ( )

Good thriller. Well defined and interesting characters. Good plot. Politics of this novel aside - and I didn't care much for those - good and easy read. ( )

Let me start with the statement that this one takes a great deal of suspension of disbelief. However, if you're capable of that, its a pretty decent little adventure featuring the Japanese/American assassin John Rain. This one involves a plot to suspend the Constitution. Rain sorts through the mazes and of course in the end saves the day. What always saves this series is the likability of the characters and this one is no exception. Eisler is a pretty fair writer too. ( )

The most recent job John Rain was involved with was for higher stakes. Energy supply. After four years off Rain gets approached again. This time he and Dox, along with Treven and Larison are hired to take out two yank Defense honchos who are apparently planning fake terrorist attacks on the USA to allow them a greater deal of fascist control (and cash, of course).

Now even assassins think this is beyond the pale and agree to help, even though the Colonel involved is as dodgy as a room full of Poison Ballers. Military spook type.

All of course is not as it seems as the foursome are forced to go on the run as the fake attacks and suicide bombings escalate.

Excellent work.

http://freesf.strandedinoz.com/wordpress/2012/01/the-detachment-barry-eisler/ ( )