The Blood List ISBN: 9781736533604 a novel assumed published, copyright and written by J.N. Jamieson.
Benjamin Bautista, fallen brilliant detective, is assigned to desk in an almost pointless job while awaiting action by the Internal control board for using money given to him by his partner for treatment he needed to ease some of the pain suffered by his beloved wife of 14 years while dying, He suspected it was crooked money, but needed it. The source of the money is discovered and action is taken by the police Internal Review Board. Unfortunately, his partner dies before the investigation is initiated and he is blamed, demoted to his present menial job while awaiting a re-review. Now, although a top detective, he is ignored by everyone as a “dirty cop”. Jackie, a new recruit studying for her detective exam, is one of the very few who even acknowledges him. Another is a top man in the administration who believes him and his detection of the manner in which a ghost-like serial killer is eliminating his victims. Further complications evolve because of Ben’s former boss, administrative head of detectives who thoroughly dislikes him, partially because of his often brilliant deductions. The story advances through the killer’s known list of those to be killed, one of whom is Benjamin. Through a writing technique shifting from the killer who is a thoughtful, careful of all possible miscues, master of disguise to Ben, plus to periods of time during occurrences in Iraq and subsequently to their service together in that war. Eventually, individual aspects of the relationship are woven together and the tale moves toward a most interesting conclusion.
Discussion: The author has written an exciting and well-crafted story following a plot employing thoughts of the Manchurian Candidate. However, his particular management of the plot and its characters is sufficiently different to make for a most intriguing tale this viewer highly recommends.
5* As described in the discussion.