Review: The Third Rail by Michael Harvey

  • Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Vintage (March 22, 2011)
  • ISBN-10: 0307946584
  • Source: Kaye Publicity
  • In Harvey’s third Michael Kelly novel, former Chicago PD turned private investigator Michael Kelly witnesses a murder on the platform of the L train. He pursues the suspect but is rendered unconscious by a blow to the head.  The killer strikes again, this time shooting two riders on the L and follows up by calling Kelly directly, taunting him.  Despite no longer being a part of the Chicago PD any longer, Kelly becomes involved in the case. The killer’s third killing spree (a shooting of several drivers on Lake Shore Drive) directly involves Kelly as his girlfriend, Judge Rachel Swanson, comes close to being a victim herself. The crimes become a little too personal for Kelly and he’s willing to stop at nothing to bring the killer to justice.

    The killings are not random; they seem to be linked to a horrific train accident Kelly survived as a child three decades ago. Local politics become involved well, almost impossible to avoid in a city like Chicago. The book is loosely based on a true train accident. In 1977, four cars came of the L and landed on the street below.  Nearly a dozen people were killed and horrific images of the trains hanging off the track covered the front page of local papers for days following. Operator error was found to be the cause.

    Several pretty frightening incidents are alluded to in this book, including domestic terrorism & crimes of the Catholic church. Harvey is one of those authors who can skillfully interweave his opinions about social issues & top news stories without seeming to be preachy or overbearing. It’s pretty obvious that another book is in the works; I can’t wait to see where Harvey takes us next!

    The Third Rail is an extremely stunning piece of crime fiction.  Dynamic characters, a well-defined and structured storyline, all set in the city of Chicago.  As a former resident of “da Region”, I felt as if I was returning home.  Harvey describes Chicago to a “t”, especially the shady mayor. The action quite literally starts within the first two pages and runs non-stop through the entirety of the book. Be sure to set aside time to read this book; you’ll start it and not want to stop.

    While this is the third book in a series, it could serve as a stand-alone.  Although once you’ve finished reading it I guarantee you’ll rush to pick up the others, as I did.  Highly recommended.

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    2 Responses to Review: The Third Rail by Michael Harvey

    1. Pingback: Best of 2011: Thrillers | Jenn's Bookshelves

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