The Silver Bear by Derek Haas
There is no need to introduce this author to anybody. If you have seen the remake of 3.10 to Yuma, or 2 Fast 2 Furious, or even the recently released Wanted, then you have already encountered Derek Haas writing. But the Silver Bear is his first novel, and as you might expect it is a good thriller that won’t make you think too hard.
Columbus is a hitman, very experienced and very creative. He has killed many times using many weapons, including his bare hands. He is at the top of his chosen profession, immune to pressure and untouched by law enforcement. He is what the Russians call a Silver Bear.
His next hit might just be a little difficult. He has been hired to kill a Presidential candidate while on the campaign trail. But there’s an added incentive, this man happens to be the man who dropped his pregnant girlfriend just before her son was born. This son grew up and now calls himself Columbus.
This book is set in the eight weeks between the acceptance of the job and it’s execution. Most of that time is spent shadowing the target, getting inside his head. If that was all the story contained, it would be a really slow 250 pages. But Haas keeps the story interesting by filling in Columbus’ backstory; his recruitment, first love, mistakes and successes. And the climax has a great twist.
If you are looking for a lightweight, page turner that can be read quickly, this is a good choice.
