Last Call
Jack Swyteck series # 7
by James Grippando
Son of the former governor of Florida, Jack Swyteck's first job out of law school was a four year stint with the
Freedom Institute, a group of lawyers who would only work on capital cases defending the guilty on Death Row. For
four years Jack filed petitions for stay of execution to keep Theo Knight alive. Finally, DNA tests proved Theo’s
innocence. The two men became best friends and Theo became Jack’s chief investigator. After Jack resigned from
the Freedom Institute (The Pardon)
he became a Federal district attorney, but finally left to become a criminal defense lawyer in Miami, Florida.
For years, Theo Knight has carried the picture of his mother lying in the street with her throat cut. He
always wanted to know who was responsible for her death. Now, almost 20 years later, escaped convict Isaac Reems
has contacted Theo, who was part of his old neighborhood, seeking money and shelter. He promises to tell Theo
the name of the man who killed Theo's mother. Jack and Theo search for the killer, while trying to elude the
escaped convict, and are led to Miami's Little Harlem and the elite of Miami. With the help of Special FBI Agent
Andie Henning and Theo's Uncle Cy, who raised him, they head for a final confrontation which could jeopardize
their lives.
This is the latest in the Jack Swyteck series, This novel focuses on Jack's long time friend,Theo Knight. It
is as well written and well plotted as the previous books in the series. As a standalone it is enjoyable and
suspenseful. The showdown in the horse barn is chilling, graphic and violent. However, if you read the series
chronologically you gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the continuous story line. You see the
development of the camaraderie and trust between Jack and Theo; the love between Jack and his Cuban grandmother;
the course and growth of Jack's life both professionally and personally. If possible, each book has surpassed
the previous one. Grippando, like fine wine, only improves with age.
Let's hope Last Call is not "a last call" but only a step for many more Jack Swyteck stories to come! |
The Reviewer |
Barbara Buhrer |
Reviewed 2008 |
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