ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Steven James is one of the nation’s most innovative storytellers and a bestselling author. He has written more than twenty books and is a full-time speaker, having appeared more than 1,500 times throughout North America, Europe and Asia since 1996.
His first mystery thriller, The Pawn, has already hit the bestseller lists and is a finalist for the 2008 Christy Awards. On August 1, 2008, his second book, The Rook, joins the high-octane thriller series, The Bowers Files. A third book, The Knight, is set to join the expanding series in Summer 2009.
James has had many outlets for his creativity. He holds a Master of Arts in Storytelling. In 1997, when he completed this degree, he was one of only a hundred people in the world with such a degree.
For years, James has focused on crafting nonfiction books that explore and broaden the connections of story, imagination, and Christian spirituality. He has recently contracted several more titles with Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. His recent nonfiction books include Sailing Between the Stars and the critically acclaimed Story: Recapture the Mystery, which received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. He has been honored with six national awards for his writing and storytelling, including a nomination for an ECPA Gold Medallion Book Award.
In addition to his books, James has written hundreds of articles and stories that have appeared in over eighty different magazines and publications, including Writer’s Digest and Guideposts for Teens.
James lives and writes in eastern Tennessee near the town of Jonesborough, the heart of the modern storytelling revival. He likes rock climbing and science fiction movies. When he’s not writing or speaking, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Special Agent Patrick Bowers is about to uncover the military’s darkest secret . . . and his own dark past.
While investigating a series of baffling fires in San Diego, Special Agent Patrick Bowers is drawn into a deadly web of intrigue where nothing is as it appears to be. With a killer on the loose and one of the world’s most deadly devices missing, Bowers is caught in a race against time to stop a criminal mastermind’s trap before it closes around the people he loves.
Full of fast-paced action and mind-bending plot twists, The Rook is an adrenaline-laced page-turner that will hold you captive until the very end.
Praise for The Rook
“James ratchets up the thrills and chills, the twists and turns, and our connections with the characters. This is first-class suspense, with threads of wisdom tying it all together. I’m panting for the next book already.”–Eric Wilson, author of A Shred of Truth and Expiration Date
“James’s ability to use modern, up-to-date investigative techniques to solve his criminal mysteries places him at the forefront of current mystery writers. [This is] a book you hate to put down even when you reach the end.”–E. Cleon Glaze, retired FBI agent
“Steven James does it again! The Rook is a riveting nail-biter that takes the reader on a wild ride of suspense, thrill, and danger. James seamlessly combines the edginess of contemporary crime-solving stories with the real world struggles of romance, broken families, loss, and honor.”–John Thurman, counselor and radio personality
“Steven James has certainly done his homework. His level of detail and knowledge in the area of the military characters is superb. . . . [They] almost come to life as you read his books. I could not put this one down! Top-notch work.”–LT Robert Bess, US Naval Special Warfare/Naval Special Operations
MY REVIEW:
I must confess, I am behind in my reading and have not finished The Rook yet. However, I am more than half finished and may very well reach the end before I sleep tonight if what other reviewers have to say is true for me. I did promise a review for today so here is my impression so far.
The Rook is my first book by Stephen James. I am already planning to get a copy of The Pawn in the very near future. The Rook is well crafted with well rounded characters, relationships, and a plot that is filled with action, suspense, and enough twists and turns to keep me guessing as to the outcome. I am sure there are more surprises to come. I like the fact that Mr. James is able to describe gruesome scenes with minimal gore – enough for the reader to get the idea but not overly graphic. The relationship between Patrick Bowers and his step-daughter is realistic and touching. The romantic tension between Patrick and Lien-Hau is just right. I don’t know if I will be pleased with the way the story ends but I can say that I am ready to get back to the book and find out. What I have read thus far is definitely calling me back to finish.
I would definitely recommend The Rook to all who enjoy a well written, suspenseful thriller.
