Patrick is back. He & Lien-hua are engaged and planning the wedding when a monster from his past resurfaces. Kidnappings, murders, counterfeit prescription drugs, & another killer that Patrick failed to jail all put him in a tailspin toward the dark side. When someone close to him is kidnapped he has to walk the fine line of becoming a monster to catch a monster and possibly putting down the monsters by illegal means or not. A dilemma that has Patrick questioning everything he believes in. ( )

The King is the fifth installment in The Bowers Files series, and while some series lose a reader’s interest the longer they go, Steven James manages to keep his readers thrilled, shocked, and on the edge of their seats book after book. This edgy Christian thriller is full of action, suspense, and a deep look into the criminal mind. Another winner by James.

The King has everything that long time fans of James have come to expect — complex characters, suspense-filled drama, and thoughtful insights into the human psyche. In this novel, the author really puts his characters through their paces, emotionally and physically. There are some cringe-worthy scenes that are not for the faint of heart. My husband, also a big fan of the series, said “poor Lien-hua!”. LOL! If you are loved by Patrick Bowers, you have a target on your back. While the twists and turns of the cases Bowers is investigating keep the pages turning, I especially liked the philosophical conundrum that is explored — just what makes man a beast? Patrick also gets hit by Tessa as she confronts him about his lack of spiritual guidance in her life. That is an especially great argument that will make you think.

As always, one main storyline is completed, while another continues — more shiver-y reading to come.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

an amazing book
i cant wait for Checkmate ( )

The story follows Patrick Bowers, an agent for the FBI, as he searches for a relentless killer. Richard Basque, the canibalistic serial killer that has haunted Patrick Bowers for the last thirteen years, is back once more.

As creepy as is sounds, I enjoyed the Richard Basque's character. He's evil, but also really interesting. He's one of those villains that is truly, inexplicably evil without being flat.

There are two plot lines within the novel. Each seemingly unconnected at first, but ending completely, flawlessly together. I was really impressed with how everything played out and fell into place. The King is another fantastic thriller. It is wonderfully engaging, and once again gives you hope for the future of crime novels, however it is not for those with weak stomachs. Sadly there is only one more book in this series. We will miss Patrrick.

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Did not finish reading. Too gory.