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Burn Notice: The Fix
Based on the USA Network TV show

by Tod Goldberg



      Michael Weston’s life is complicated. He dodges commitment from on-again, off-again girlfriend, Fiona. He plays the understanding buddy to Sam, who basically protects him unless free food, complementary drinks, or his sugar-mama calls. His troubled brother, Nate, skirts the law, though not always and not the way Michael wants. Michael’s widowed mother calls frequently to dredge up childhood hurts or question his devotion. All Michael wants to do is his job. His job as a covert spy.

Technically, the stickiest complication is that Michael’s burned: a spy term meaning he’s stuck without money, passports, and government-backing. In turn, he’s open to hits from other operatives. He makes the best of a bad situation while tracking down the person responsible for his burn notice. Michael needs cash and takes on part-time jobs requiring his experience in protection, surveillance, and illegal activities. His help usually includes assisting good people tangled up with bad guys.

Sam asks for Michael’s help in his newest case, aiding socialite Cricket O’Connor, whose wayward husband left with a small fortune's worth of Cricket’s money. She now has to deal with foreclosure, lost love, and gunmen who demand additional money. Her story doesn’t add up, even considering blind love. But Michael takes her case because he needs some backup with the reappearance of spy Natalya Copeland, an old flame who left him for dead at their last meeting. Natalya demands answers to new questions. Sources show Michael had set her up as a faux partner in a Columbian drug-running operation. He didn't, but spies have trust issues. Michael needs to find the persons framing him before Natalya decides the easiest solution ends in his death.

If you know anything about covert operations, then you know that sometimes you can find the answers without incident. Other times, finding answers paints a bigger target on your back.

Burn Notice: The Fix is based on the USA television show of the same name. The star spy, Michael Weston, narrates the show with his branded sarcasm and insider’s look into covert ops. I’ve been a huge fan and hoped the book could capture the funny, must-watch trials of this clever show. Author Tod Goldberg not only captures the flavor of the show, he nails the characters. The short clips of the show’s narration turn into greater insights into Michael’s personal thoughts and relationships. The action is well-paced, with the subplots winding into a satisfying conclusion. For fans, it’s a treat to spend novel-length time with Michael, Sam, and Fiona. I'm thrilled that Goldberg's been contracted to write two more Burn Notice novels. Whether you are an avid Burn Notice fan or just being introduced, you’ll love the smart action and humor-filled life of Michael Weston and his spy friends.

The Book

Obsidian, an imprint of Penguin
August 5, 2008
Paperback
9780-451-22554-2
Mystery / TV Tie-In
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE: Some language, sexual situations, and violence

The Reviewer

Jennifer Akers
Reviewed 2008
NOTE:
© 2008 MyShelf.com