James Macomber
Oceanview Publishing, 2007
ISBN: 978-1-
Reviewed by Vicki Landes, author of “Europe for the Senses – A Photographic Journal”
Renaissance Man James Macomber explored a number of careers before trying his hand at writing. Obviously, he’s found his nitch – “A Grave Breach” will be his third published novel. And judging from this one, it won’t be his last!
Macomber’s character, John Cann is back for another thrilling international adventure, this time involving events from the Balkans conflict. As an associate at a prestigious D.C.-based legal firm, Cann is asked to defend a war criminal – something especially difficult to do when he views a recording of the man’s inhumane actions. Despite his principles, he agrees to do so only because this unusual request has come from his very dear friend and mentor. As Cann accepts the case, he gets caught up in a whirlwind of secret pasts, unmerciful genocide, an appalling underworld of trafficking, and a revenge that knows no boundaries of country or time.
Author James Macomber possesses a wealth of knowledge from years of legal education and practice which conveys a very intelligent and organized feel to his writing style. Plots and subplots are vividly descriptive and weave in and out of each other, giving every page a thrilling mixture of tension and events. His talent for complex character development is also extremely impressive – you truly get to know them on a deeper level. I found myself celebrating their wins, mourning their losses, and thinking about them long after I finished the last page. Even his choice of title is remarkable becomes clear as the story develops. Macomber pulls you in immediately, has you holding your breath as you turn each page, and leaves you shocked at its conclusion when he brings everything full circle. You can’t read it fast enough!
“A Grave Breach” is a perfect read for adult readers of legal thrillers and fictional stories built around real-world events. I would, however, caution those readers who are sensitive to graphic violence against women. Normally, I don’t condone books with this type of subject matter as I feel it has no place in the ‘entertainment’
Grisham and Clancy fans, add Macomber to your list! “A Grave Breach” delivers a brilliant combination of shrewd legal moves, the terrifying international underworld, the real-life crisis in the Balkans, and a movie-worthy plot for a story that will have you spinning. Think that Macomber can’t hold his own with the big boys of legal thrillers? I object!
--Vicki Landes, author of "Europe for the Senses - A Photographic Journal"
