 
Beyond Suspicion
Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 32
More Information
 On: 2008-07-17
This book started off pretty good. But it did began to get really slow in the middle. I fond myself skipping over all the flashback scenes from all the different characters.
Ultimately the book failed because the ending was horrible. Tried too hard to be complicated and it was silly and beyond belief. A lot of the characters and actions were beyond belief.
One example: No hospital would allow the parent to sign off on permission, especially when the spouse is right there. jack is a lawyer, and would know that!
The Latrina character just never truly fit into the story. There was nothing believable about her. Someone as careless as she was, was some informant? The whole revenge part was just too much, and really weakened the story.
The transformation of Cindy was also another unbelievable plot gimmick. It was just not believable.
Even the last accusations Jack makes at the end are just stupid!! Exactly when did it happen? between the time they arrived at the house and the time Jack got to the room?? Who broke the glass in the house??
Just makes no sense at all.
Are there any good writers left? Do all the suspense writers use the same BS gimmicks that insult peoples intelligence.?
 On: 2008-07-12
This author always keeps me on the edge of my seat. His books are hard to put down and are read within a few days. I find myself reading the book when I should be doing something else.
 On: 2007-06-26
This is my second Grippando novel (I previously read Under Cover of Darkness) and I am starting to become a fan of this author. This book takes a big turn from the other book and has a great deal more action and suspense. Jack Swieteck defends a former girlfriend who ends up dead in his own bathtub. To complicate matters she apparently was murdered because of a medical scam against a group of investors who had bet their funds that she would die of Lou Gehrigs Disease. At first Jack is the primary suspect but then the blame seems to shift to his friend Theo (a former death row inmate).
The book has the usual "unstoppable" assassin (Yuri) running around that likes to determine how his victim will die by whether or not they left their porchlight on. He gets involved in some really graphically described scenes of pure torture that could make the most insensitized individual cringe.
Meanwhile there is an avenger named Katrina (she is really Cuban but Katrina is her adopted Czech name) who you are never really sure what side of the playing field she is on.
The book is full of plot twists and turns and never gets boring.
On: 2006-09-05
After reading some of the reviews I was a little worried. Dont be worried. I really enjoyed Mr. Grippandos second installment of Jacks life. Im not going to write a plot summary since Amazon and several reviewers do that quite well. I liked how fast paced this novel was and I did like the concept/ideas presented. I did agree with some of the other reviewers about how it wrapped up. Just felt it wrapped up way too quickly with some plot holes. I enjoy his books so maybe Im a little bias. I do recommend this book in the series so you can understand the future books but The Pardon has been the best one so far that Ive read.
 On: 2006-05-27
Albeit the themes book is kind of new, the viatical story with the Russian mob, the book loses itself in overly Miami descriptions. It also makes the love story of the first book "The Pardon" a phony one because in this book youll know that Jessie was distraught since she were nine. So many of the situations in both books were because of Jessie, not because of Jack.
If you read this book first than the other one you may like it because of the brisk pacing of the story. But that wont happen if you first read "The Pardon"
On: 2006-04-08
Started out great, but fizzled into a typical 3rd rate suspense yarn. I think this book has put me over the edge. Im giving up reading books of this kind and will do more research on who is writing better stories that dont let me down at the end.
On: 2005-07-25
When lawyer, Jack Swyteck takes on the case of an old girlfriend, Jessie Merril, it proves to be the biggest mistake of his life. She has scammed a group of investors into a viatical sale of her life insurance policy, and when her naked body is found in Jacks bathtub, police swoop in on him as being part of the scam. Jacks wife, Cindy, is an emotionally fragile woman who was terrorised and brutally attacked by a former client of Jacks, and is easily convinced by the police that Jack and Jessie were having an affair. Their marriage is at a crucial point and this just tips her over the edge. Toss in the Russian mafia, lots of tough guy talk, an ex-con buddy and you have a great read of pacy, exciting suspense thriller.
On: 2005-07-25
so you may be wondering if this book is worth your time.
Beyond Suspicion is a quick-moving book and is a sequel to Grippandos first published novel The Pardon. I read The Pardon many years ago, but reading the first book is not a necessary requirement - Grippando sets the stage very well in this book so it can be a stand alone novel.
I shot through this book very quickly - the plot drags you in pretty well and Grippandos writing style keeps the book moving along at a quick pace. The main character is fairly average and his world is suddenly turned upside down by one case and its connections to the underworld. Murder, mayhem and one family crisis after another keep it interesting. Grippando fills this novel with a multitude on interesting characters, any one of which would be strong enough to be the main character in a book.
A good solid read - a great summertime novel.
On: 2005-04-21
This is tough he-man writing, as once again Jack Swyteck gets framed for murder in the first degree. Swyteck had a privileged upbringing (if you think back to THE PARDON thats the one where his father has Jeb Bushs job, governor of Florida, though its been a long time since the people of Florida elected a man called "Harold.") Grippando is famed for his tough-guy dialogue and his white-knuckle suspense, and here he goes for the eternal triangle as Jacks wife has every reason to get jealous when Jack takes up the case of Jessie Merrill, with whom he was once sexually involved. Shockingly Jessie now says she has Lou Gehrigs disease, and wasting away she wants to get money for her life insurance.
Folks who know nothing about so called "viatical funds" will have their eyes opened but good. Its sickening to think of the ways in which the Russian mafia is trying to make money off of human suffering. But this is one case in which the Russian mafia gets theirs! Jessie isnt all that she seems to be, and one of the two women in Jacks life winds up in his bathtub! And not in a good way either.
If you liked Mickey Spillanes classic private eye thrillers of the late 1940s, youll like the way James Grippando gives suspense a new name. Those of you who enjoy a good John Grisham might also go for this book BEYOND SUSPICION, on every page theres a new set-up and a new release, its like watching your life go by in sixty seconds.
Jack is a hero that every man will envy and every woman too. He has decency, cunning, smarts and plus, hes only human so once in a while hell make a mistake and when he does its a beaut. Perhaps getting involved with Jessie Merrill will prove to be his biggest misstep yet.
On: 2004-10-10
I read a novel or biography a day, so an authors work has to be outstanding for me to remember it and ponder its characters and plot later.
Grippandos Swyteck series is perfectly paced for readers who want the story to move forward rapidly instead of knowing who takes time to recline on a chaise lounge and contemplate his or her toenails. Think early Grisham on steriods - wonderfully relentless pace. His easy style is breezy, witty and believable. Result? Terrific escapism without the usual gore.
Ive give anything to be one of the "early readers" of his manuscripts.
On: 2004-10-09
I read a novel or biography a day, so an authors work has to be outstanding for me to remember it and ponder its characters and plot later.
Grippandos Swyteck series is perfectly paced for readers who want the story to move forward rapidly instead of knowing who takes time to recline on a chaise lounge and contemplate his or her toenails. Think early Grisham on steriods - wonderfully relentless pace. His easy style is breezy, witty and believable. Result? Terrific escapism without the usual gore.
Ive give anything to be one of the "early readers" of his manuscripts.
On: 2004-10-05
This book starts off with a surprisingly unusual and seemingly original premise. The first fifty pages or so feel like one of the better Carl Hiaasen novels or an inspired Elmore Leonard work that teeters on the edge of chaos and anarchy. I was even holding out hope that in some way Grippando was about to lash out and surprise the reader by taking on a wholly unexpected supernatural aspect when we first encounter the main protagonists wife. Grippando takes the first person point of view, but scatters it around half a dozen characters. This is a bothersome trick of the pen most half assed novelists use to push the plot along. In this novel it totally gets in the way of character development and gives the story a stale quality. Everything that occurs here could have been much more interesting if Grippando took one character and bounced the developments off of that person in unique ways (I am thinking of the `Wind Up Bird Chronicles as an example here of an author who really knows what he is doing in this regard).
What bugs me the most about this novel is that after the great opening, Grippando spends the rest of his time neatly wrapping up all of the loose ends he created. I wanted to scream at the author for chickening out and not pressing his imaginative abilities. What you have here is in the end a very predictable work of fiction that reads pretty well on par with the better Grisham and Baldacci. Its not terrible, but in the end it is a throw away hack job that wont remain fresh in your mind a week after you have read it
On: 2004-10-04
This book starts off with a surprisingly unusual and seemingly original premise. The first fifty pages or so feel like one of the better Carl Hiaasen novels or an inspired Elmore Leonard work that teeters on the edge of chaos and anarchy. I was even holding out hope that in some way Grippando was about to lash out and surprise the reader by taking on a wholly unexpected supernatural aspect when we first encounter the main protagonists wife. Grippando takes the first person point of view, but scatters it around half a dozen characters. This is a bothersome trick of the pen most half assed novelists use to push the plot along. In this novel it totally gets in the way of character development and gives the story a stale quality. Everything that occurs here could have been much more interesting if Grippando took one character and bounced the developments off of that person in unique ways (I am thinking of the `Wind Up Bird Chronicles as an example here of an author who really knows what he is doing in this regard).
What bugs me the most about this novel is that after the great opening, Grippando spends the rest of his time neatly wrapping up all of the loose ends he created. I wanted to scream at the author for chickening out and not pressing his imaginative abilities. What you have here is in the end a very predictable work of fiction that reads pretty well on par with the better Grisham and Baldacci. Its not terrible, but in the end it is a throw away hack job that wont remain fresh in your mind a week after you have read it
On: 2004-03-01
Miami lawyer Jack Swytek has just won a large verdict for an ex girlfriend, Jessie Merrill. Jesse was diagnosed with a deadly disease with only a two year survival. A company agreed to pay her one and a half million dollars in a settlement to sell them her three million dollar life insurance policy. When it is discovered that she was mistakenly diagnosed and is actually quite healthy, the company wants their money back. She refuses and Jack wins the lawsuit. However, things go quickly downhill when Jessie tells Jack someone is trying to kill her. Jack is soon made very aware of the danger he is in and must get to the bottom of the deaths if he is to survive.
James Grippando is a well known writer of suspenseful thrillers. This is the first book I have read by him. Impressive is his command of characterization and plot progression. It is a well paced and fun read. However, the conclusion, though surprising, is a bit of a letdown with a very long exposition necessitated by the fact that it comes out of left field. I reserve judgment on this author overall until reading another book by him. He is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
On: 2004-01-21
This is one hell of a great book. If your are going to read a Grippando thriller this is the one to read. All of his books are great especially the "jack Swyteck" books but this is one of those books you just cant stop reading. I would fine excuses not to go out so I could read this book. When I went out all I could think about was what was going to happen next. Great thinker and keeps you on the edge the whole time. Also for guys w/ women troubles, Grippandos books almost always involve some sort of lady troubles. However Jack always seems to smooth them over ;d
On: 2003-09-28
I stumbled across this author by accident and have enjoyed all the books I have read by him so far. I believe "Beyond Suspicion" is probably my favorite. I have only read 4 of his 8 books but they are all good and very well-written. I do think James Grippando outdid himself with this book. I think the whole concept behind the book of buying a life insurance policy, and then a company comes along and will give you half the value in cash because they plan to collect on the entire policy when you die is very unique. You will have to read for yourself how everything unfolds. This book has the markings to be made into a movie but I guess we will have to wait and see if that happens. I think this is a very good book and if you like a book with suspense and twists all the way through, you will not be disappointed.
On: 2003-08-12
Next time you consider doing a favor for an ex, revisit this tale. Jack Swyteck, a Miami-based criminal lawyer, helps her keep a $1.5 million payment for a viatical sale of her life insurance policy. She sold it when she mistakenly thought she was dying.It turns out both Jack and the viatical investors are scam victims. When his ex is found dead in his bathtub, Swyteck finds himself wanted for her murder. His efforts to exhume the truth results in a riveting read.
On: 2003-07-03
When I first picked this book up, I thought, here we go again, another legal thriller by another lawyer. But Im glad I read it. This is the first novel Ive read by Mr. Grippando and I really enjoyed most of the characters in the book. Jack Swyteck reminds me of the Matthew Hope character written by Ed McBain - my favorite. Theo is the one of the best "unsavory" characters Ive read in awhile. Only flaw I found with the book was I did not like the ending - much like that of "Presumed Innocent". No matter what her background or reasoning, nothing was presented strongly enough for me to think Cindy Swyteck should get away with murder. Or that Jack should let her. I hope Grippando resolves this in another book.
On: 2003-07-02
When I first picked this book up, I thought, here we go again, another legal thriller by another lawyer. But Im glad I read it. This is the first novel Ive read by Mr. Grippando and I really enjoyed most of the characters in the book. Jack Swyteck reminds me of the Matthew Hope character written by Ed McBain - my favorite. Theo is the one of the best "unsavory" characters Ive read in awhile. Only flaw I found with the book was I did not like the ending - much like that of "Presumed Innocent". No matter what her background or reasoning, nothing was presented strongly enough for me to think Cindy Swyteck should get away with murder. Or that Jack should let her. I hope Grippando resolves this in another book.
On: 2003-06-24
I felt the story in this book was not 100% complete toward the end. For example, **** showed up a couple of times in the story and no mention about him/her at another time, what happened to him/her or what is being done for the crimes being committed (ongoing investigation) and so forth. Overall, the book is still good and worth a read, full of suspense toward the end. I was surprised, but it made sense when you think about the circumstances around it.
On: 2003-05-20
Jack Swyteck became a fav fictional character of mind back in The Pardon, and his return continues to prove why. This is a very good thriller that grabbed me from page one until the end. Twist and turns always hold my interest if done right and here it definitely was. All the characters were interesting and made you want to know who and why. Jack, I love reading about anytime and hope theres more to come from him in the future. I never did like Jessie, simply because of her cold treatment of Jack. And the killer(s), scary. A well written novel all around that I recommend to all thriller fans.
On: 2003-04-13
I am a huge fan of Grippando and consider this one to be one of his best writings. But dont just take my word for it, read it and see for yourself. Itll be worth every penny.
On: 2003-02-19
This is the second book of his I have read and will now read all of them. This is my ideal story, lots of law, intellect and throw in two shakers of Russian Mafia and it couldnt get better. Plenty of flummoxed situations throughout and if you were an accomplished detective you wouldnt guess the ending. all the cuddos to this sagacious author, he is the greatest.
On: 2003-01-29
Why isnt James Grippando receiving more credit for his legal thrillers? Your guess is as good as mine. This author has an incredible imagination and comes up with such diverse story lines, that many of the house-hold names of that genre should be looking sheepishly over their shoulders. His latest novel, BEYOND SUSPICION, brings back an old and beloved face in Jack Swyteck (THE PARDON). In BEYOND SUSPICION, the very sinister issue of Viatical Settlements is addressed. Before this book, I had no idea one could even sell their life insurace policy to an investor or a group of investors for cash. Theres one catch: You need to die. Mr. Grippando latest thriller takes that premise and runs hard. Throw in an old girlfriend (who did take the money),Theo Knight ..., Swytecks unique approach at practicing law and you have yourself a best seller. I liked the book so much, I picked up Tom Wopaks audio version for a long flight. Mr. Wopak did a terrific job and should be placed in the Frank Muller, Boyd Gaines, Campbell Scott arena.
On: 2003-01-17
I have only recently began reading James Grippandos novels and my reaction has been - "Why havent I heard more about this guy?" He is an outstanding writer who has the ability to pull you into the story he has created and makes you want to keep reading to find out how everything is going to turn out. BEYOND SUSPICION is a welcome sequel to THE PARDON. Grippando does an excellent job of presenting interesting and believeable characters whose lives twist and turn throughout a compelling story. I found BEYOND SUSPICION to be much more than just a typical legal thriller with the reader given an enjoyable reading experience. I look forward to future works by this exceptional author.
On: 2003-01-04
James Grippando is an author whos work makes you want more. Once you start reading his books, you really want to read all of them. They are easy to read. Most take just over a day. They are set in areas, geographical and situational that the author seems at home with. There is a lot of mayhem and lots of bodies.
The protagonist has an amazing variety of unfortunate situations to deal with; they just keep coming. There are a great many dysfunctional characters and dysfunctional relationships pictured. Mothers and mothers in law seem to be particularly lame.
There always seems to be a surprise villain surfacing. "ABOVE SUSPICION" is a sequel to a much earlier book, "THE PARDON". It probably is best to read the earlier one first.
I really enjoyed this book and the rest of Grippandos work.
On: 2002-12-18
BEYOND SUSPICION is not your ordinary legal thriller. The fast paced action and interesting characters kept me reading at a feverish pace.With a lull in my reading last month I was looking for a new author to read. I read the inside flap of the latest James Grippando book, BEYOND SUSPICION, and I was hooked. The second book in the Jack Swyteck series (THE PARDON being the first), BEYOND SUSPICION starts out with Jack defending his ex-girlfriend, Jessie Merrill, in a case worth 1.5 million dollars. He wins the case and soon after Jessie ends up dead, in Jacks own bathroom. Suddenly Jack Swyteck is the prime suspect in her death. Jack teams up with Theo Knight to attempt to uncover the details around the death of Jessie Merrill and the action kicks in. More than just a legal thriller this book has some great story lines. Jacks wife Cindy Swyteck is having nightmares from her troubled past. She is my favorite character in the whole book. I felt the author did a wonderful job creating the tension around Cindy. She is dealing with the fact that Jack is the suspect in the death of his own ex-girlfriend, her troubled back-story with Esteban, and her past coming to her in dreams. All of which are sewn together seamlessly. There are some other good characters that play integral parts as well. Yuri, a ruthless thug, and Katrina an insider who has her own demons to deal with, are two of my favorites. If youre looking for a new book to read I suggest you pick up BEYOND SUSPICION. It brings a diabolical mystery, wonderful side stories, face paced action, and a twist at the end that will leave you wanting more! I recommend it along with THE PARDON.
On: 2002-10-09
I have read all of Grippandos work. This was right up there with the best. I guess that the characters are so beleivable and can get in the same jams as all of us, that I relate very well with them.My favorite Grippando book is A Kings Ransom, but Beyond Suspicion was really close. Jack Swytech is a great character. I hope that James will continue to use him in future works. The ending is teriffic.....I never saw it coming! Dont start this unless you intend to finish it! Youll get hooked fast.
On: 2002-10-05
In my opinion, James Grippando is the best "legal thriller" writer today. His latest book, "Beyong Suspicion" ranks up there with one of the best I have read. There has not been one book he has written that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. I happily recommend this book, as well as his others, to anyone wanting a book you cannot put down.
On: 2002-10-04
In my opinion, James Grippando is the best "legal thriller" writer today. His latest book, "Beyong Suspicion" ranks up there with one of the best I have read. There has not been one book he has written that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. I happily recommend this book, as well as his others, to anyone wanting a book you cannot put down.
On: 2002-09-26
See book description above. Beyond Grisham and beyond Margolin, James Grippando gives us Beyond Suspicion. A truly exciting thriller worthy of bestsellerdom. From viatical investors, to the Russian Mafiya, this well rounded and solid thriller moves at a breakneck pace that should please all readers of suspense. It is very rare that I give a 5 star and Harriet gives a 4 star. Whats up with that? Highly recommended.
On: 2002-09-12
Lawyer Jack Swytek wins a big case for a former girlfriend, Jessie Merrill. The woman had been diagnosed with Lou Gerigs disease and sold her life insurance, only to discover that she suffered from lead poisoning. Only after the trial does Jack realize that he might have been helping to perpetuate a fraud. When Jessie is found dead in Jacks bathtub, Jack suspects murder--and so does the district attorney. The only difference is, the district attorneys favorite for the deed is Jack. Author James Grippando keeps the pages turning with a hard charging style and only a bare look into the characters of the actors in his novel. Jack has a wealth of suspects--the doctor whom Jack believes is implicated in the fraud, the investors who gave Jessie her million and a half dollars, and his best friend who would do anything to help Jack. But unless Jack can come up with evidence, hes the one likely to fry. The first half of this novel is completely enjoyable and entertaining. As the mystery progresses, however, too many characters behave in ways that are unconvincing, or stupid. The evil investors (controlled by the Russian mafia) are certainly evil, but would they really be as successful as they are if they could act so irrationally? Jacks friend sets off on bizarre missions that put both himself and Jack in danger without any perceivable goal other than the books requirement that Jack and the friend be placed in danger. Finally, the big shoot-out was anticlimactic. The ending and the gradual revealing to the true killer left me more exasperated than delighted. Im going to keep my eyes open for more Grippando. The man can certainly write--unfortunately, from my perspective, BEYOND SUSPICION doesnt quite deliver on Grippandos promise.
On: 2002-09-12
Jessie Merrill asks her former lover Jack Swyteck to represent her in court as the Viatical Solutions is suing her for the 1.5 million they gave her. Jessie insists she sold her life insurance to Viatical Solutions in exchange for the cash when Dr. Marsh stated she probably has Lou Gehrigs disease. After conferring with his wife Cindy, Jack takes Jessie on as a client.Jack easily wins the case, but has second thoughts when he observes Jessie and Marsh holding hands. When someone murders Jessie in his bathroom, the police make Jack and his pal Theo Knight the prime suspects in a lover scam that turned ugly and became a "murder for hire". Jack digs deep to prove he did not commit a homicide and that he was an innocent dupe in Jessies con. However, to his shock and chagrin, the evidence piles up starting to confirm he had to be part of the original scam. The first three-quarters of BEYOND SUSPICION is the legal thriller of the year. However, the climax, though a reasonable twist, seems a bit to simplified. This leads to readers feeling partially satiated, but also pondering what could have been if the murder was never solved and Jack remained an unproved but prime suspect. James Grippando cleverly builds up the case against Jack, but releases the air from the balloon just as the plot clears the stratosphere. Still, sub-genre fans will want to read this solid novel. Harriet Klausner
On: 2002-09-03
I thought this was a good book with a many plot changes and many twists. The end surprised me, which does not happen often. While this was a sequel to an earlier James Grippando book, I barely remember the first one, which Im sure put me at a slight disadvantage in terms of personality traits of the characters. I read the Pardon, and remember Theo and others, but that story was not fresh in my memory and therefore the details were not coming back to me as quickly as they should have when I read this one.
So, with that in mind, read the Pardon first, (or read it again) and then read this - I wish I had.
On: 2002-08-21
"Beyond Suspicion" is a great, great legal thriller. This is the first time in about a year that I stayed up all night reading a book that I quite literally couldnt put down. As far as Im concerned, James Grippandos recent novels have been far superior to John Grishams and "Beyond Suspicion" is his best one yet.
On: 2002-08-21
Tough Miami lawyer Jack Swyteck is used to trouble, but nothing could prepare him for what he is about to face.Jacks ex-girlfriend Jessie has come to him for help, she is being sued for $1.5 million. Jessie was diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs disease and given up to five years to live. Jessie came up with the idea of cashing in her life insurance policy. An investment company will front the money and when Jessie finally passes the company will collect on the whole policy, but there is one problem...Jessie was mis-diagnosed and now the company wants their money back. Jack takes on Jessies case, ultimately winning in court, only to find out he was part of a scam. After winning the case Jack meets with Jessie to find out the dirty details of her scam. Several days later Jessie turns up dead in Jacks bathtub-a victim of suicide-or was it? The police believe this to be a homicide, and Jacks the prime suspect, especially since Jessie implicated him as a key player in the insurance scam. Claiming his innocence, Jack must battle for his reputation, as well as his life, as the investment company has sent their goons to get their money back. Now Jack must fight to save his name, his marriage, and find who is behind the powerful company pretending to be a legitimate investment group. `Beyond Suspicion starts off fast, begins running out of gas half-way through, and then picks up speed again in the last hundred pages. The once interesting story becomes a bit complicated with the introduction the Russian mob, as well as the nightmares of Jacks wife reliving a horrific incident inflicted upon her many years prior. What started as a fun novel gets weighed down with intricate plot twists and shadowy characters, but the book does pull itself together with an exciting and surprising climax, but for some readers it may be too late. James Grippando is one of my favorite authors of fast-paced, exciting thrillers, and while his new novel does maintain a level of excitement, the introduction of various sub-plots slows it down a bit, resulting in a thriller not on par with his previous novels. Nick Gonnella
On: 2002-08-20
Tough Miami lawyer Jack Swyteck is used to trouble, but nothing could prepare him for what he is about to face.Jacks ex-girlfriend Jessie has come to him for help, she is being sued for $1.5 million. Jessie was diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs disease and given up to five years to live. Jessie came up with the idea of cashing in her life insurance policy. An investment company will front the money and when Jessie finally passes the company will collect on the whole policy, but there is one problem...Jessie was mis-diagnosed and now the company wants their money back. Jack takes on Jessies case, ultimately winning in court, only to find out he was part of a scam. After winning the case Jack meets with Jessie to find out the dirty details of her scam. Several days later Jessie turns up dead in Jacks bathtub-a victim of suicide-or was it? The police believe this to be a homicide, and Jacks the prime suspect, especially since Jessie implicated him as a key player in the insurance scam. Claiming his innocence, Jack must battle for his reputation, as well as his life, as the investment company has sent their goons to get their money back. Now Jack must fight to save his name, his marriage, and find who is behind the powerful company pretending to be a legitimate investment group. `Beyond Suspicion starts off fast, begins running out of gas half-way through, and then picks up speed again in the last hundred pages. The once interesting story becomes a bit complicated with the introduction the Russian mob, as well as the nightmares of Jacks wife reliving a horrific incident inflicted upon her many years prior. What started as a fun novel gets weighed down with intricate plot twists and shadowy characters, but the book does pull itself together with an exciting and surprising climax, but for some readers it may be too late. James Grippando is one of my favorite authors of fast-paced, exciting thrillers, and while his new novel does maintain a level of excitement, the introduction of various sub-plots slows it down a bit, resulting in a thriller not on par with his previous novels. Nick Gonnella
|
|
