Michael Weston was a spy for the United State government, but with his cover blown he is now without a job and his official contacts. Michael now makes his living helping people solve “delicate” problems. He gets assistance from his ex-girlfriend Fiona, who is a gunrunner, and his friend Sam Axe, a former Navy SEAL.
In The Bad Beat, as part of a class assignment, college student Brent Grayson creates a website for a fictitious product to expand computer bandwidth. Brent ends up in trouble with Russian mobsters who don’t know the company on the website is a fake and are demanding a share in the non-existent product. Sam gets Michael and himself deeply involved in this dangerous case, all for the promise of prime tickets to a Dolphin’s game and VIP parking!
Most of the story is told from Michael’s point of view, although a few chapters are narrated by Sam or Fiona which helps the reader get to know all three characters. I really admire the character of Michael Weston. The loss of his cover has placed Michael in a terrible and perilous situation, but he doesn’t give up, and even puts himself in danger to help others. Michael is tough, but has definite morals and integrity. When dealing with an evil, violent man, Michael won’t confront him in front of the man’s innocent young daughter.
Michael and Fiona have an interesting relationship. While officially “broken-up”, there are many indications that their romance is not all the way over. I like that Fiona is not the typical beautiful girlfriend fading into the background. She is independent, tough, and is not only unafraid of using physical force when dealing with suspects or unsavory, she enjoys it. She is asked to look into the operation of one of the Russian mobsters and below is her reaction to Michael’s request to get information:
“She knew she couldn’t very well go in and execute every last person she encountered, as appealing as that sounded…Alas, she thought, she probably wouldn’t get to make anyone bleed today.”
Fiona is definitely not a stereotypical, unassuming girlfriend there for eye candy. She may not be someone I would want to hang around with, but she’s a refreshingly different character to read about!
I really like the witty, sarcastic dialogue between Michael and Sam. Not since Robert Parker’s Spenser and Hawk have I enjoyed such wonderful teamwork and rapport.between two male lead characters. Michael and Sam work well together and have each other’s back in the most dangerous situations.
I generally like television tie-in books and this one did not let me down. While I am only a casual viewer of Burn Notice, I think the author accurately captures the essence of the characters and fans of the show won’t be disappointed with how the characters are portrayed in print. Aside from the tie-in to the show, the book is well-plotted and suspenseful. Readers unfamiliar with the televisions series will want to see the characters in action on TV after reading the book. Those who enjoy Robert Parker will appreciate the friendship between Michael and Sam. Fans of the Monk television tie-in novels by the author’s brother Lee Goldberg, will enjoy the humorous writing style of Tod Goldberg.
~ Christine K. |
