Book Review 'Killer, Come Hither' by Louis Begley

The circumstances beg the reader to examine... What would you be willing or insane enough to risk to avenge the murder of the most important person in your life?


In any event, when it comes to stories, there is nothing new. Our struggles are age old therefore; unique stories must come through the complexity of the characters and the author's intricate knowledge of the real-life circumstances that effect the imaginary vision and the fictional characters. I enjoy books with characters that are realistic and allow me to experience a part of a reality that I otherwise would not.

Louis Begley deviates from his norm in KILLER, COME HITHER but, the author's personal knowledge of the social and business dynamics within a Manhattan law firm, and the possibilities of improprieties, kept my pages turning. The details helped make the novel interesting, complex, and suspenseful.

Although Jack Dana has more at stake than most of us, an academic, after 911 Jack places his plans on hiatus and joins the military. Soon, he becomes captain, but more importantly a trained killer.

After a serious injury on the battlefield, the military sends Jack stateside to heal at Walter Reed. During his recovery, he returns to his academic roots and begins writing and soon, his first novel is a bestseller. But, despite his success, there are subtle hints of the captain's struggles within the academic. While alive, his Uncle Harry provides the stability the two parts Jack’s personality needs to maintain balance and arguably sane..

Unfortunately, Uncle Harry ends-up dead and the dichotomy within Jack becomes dominated by the captain posing a threat to the comfortable life that the novelist has come to enjoy. The captain's obsessions can't be tamed and Jack risks everything, love, fame, freedom and perhaps sanity to avenge his uncle's murder.

Review by Sammy Sutton