Into the Fire

James Scott Bell has written Book 5 in A Mike Romeo Thriller Series: Romeo's Town. 

I've said it before and I'll repeat it here: James Scott Bell is one of the wittiest, more intelligent, and definitely entertaining authors in the world of literature today. This series has produced Mike Romeo (aka Michael Chamberlain), investigator for former Mossad Ira Rosen who is an attorney. Mike was that kid in school who was quiet, pudgy, incredibly nerdy-smart, and attended Yale University at the age of 15. With his new name and persona, he can be a walking killer without half-trying if necessary, and his incredible "smarts" is both a blessing and a curse because it won't allow him to quit until his insatiable desire to put order to chaos, while contributing to the chaos, has to be satisfied. In other words the "case" has to be resolved and in the process the people and procedures must either be made to take responsibility or perhaps die trying. 

Sixteen year old Clint is busted for dealing drugs at an elite school. His single mother hires Ira Rosen and by default Mike Romeo to help her son. However, Clint won't accept any help and has shut down. Street smart Mike Romeo goes on the hunt for the supplier, the head of this snake that has a young kid willing to take the fall lying down. The highly unlikely trail surprises even Mike, but he's taking no prisoners when a sniper misses his shot for Mike and hits a good cop.

The sliding under the radar plot thickens for Mike when he faces a former love interest Sophie in a bookstore after an altercation of course where Mike has had to subdue a man with evil intent. Personal relationships haven't penetrated the "ice ring" around Mike's heart for eons, perhaps because with Sophie he reverted back to that self-conscious pudgy kid while having to be that former cage-fighter that has been who he is for many years now. He wants that "touch" but can't work himself up to it easily which leads him to take detours away from melting any ice. When an additional female appears and boldly displays her intentions, Mike notes it with interest but holds back. 

Romeo's Town gives the reader a sad picture of many major cities, but Los Angeles is particularly ugly in his accurate portrayal of what it's become today. It's where he lives and works for his Rabbi/lawyer friend Ira, a friendship that causes Ira great consternation but unwavering devotion for Mike's soul. Mike knows Ira is his best friend and a formidable force even having to spend most of his time in his wheel chair due to an injury as a Mossad agent. 

Mike Romeo is a brilliant character – one of the best and most interesting in the fiction market today. I'm very stingy with 5-star reviews as those of you who read my reviews know. I definitely gave Romeo's Town those 5-stars because of this truly unique character and his unabridged approach to the struggles in his life.  

Father, you know everything there is to know about James, and I pray you would continue to meet his every need. Keep those inspirations for great stories available to him. And bless him in your abundance. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.