Book review: the Killing Season By Mason Cross – a fantastic name for a crime writer and… an equally fantastic name for his enigmatic main character Carter Blake – intelligent, tough, sexy and with a sense of humour.

The Killing Season is Mason Cross’s debut novel and I loved it…who wouldn’t? It’s got the flamboyance of the FBI, the mystery of hero Carter Blake and a sniper, serial killer escapee whose hunting ground has no restrictions.  But, what gave me an extra buzz was that I discovered Mason is not only Scottish but he went to my old Alma mater – The wonderful University of Stirling, home of Bloody Scotland, William Wallace and a plethora of successful graduates!

The storyline in The Killing season is strong, well thought out and exciting involving The Russian mafia, corruption and a compelling killer (Caleb Wardell) with no boundaries. Carter Blake himself is an addictive character, able to stretch the boundaries because he’s employed by the FBI but on his own terms with far flung contacts and an alias or two under his belt.  His relationship with FBI agent Elaine Banner is enjoyable as she tries to balance her FBI responsibilities with her conviction that Carter Blake’s unorthodox methods may well be needed to catch the sniper.

Full of thrills, twists and turns I’d recommend The Killing

Season to anyone who enjoys fast paced FBI serial killer chases, fans of James Carol’s Jefferson Winter series and Michael Connolly’s Harry Bosch.

Mason Cross’s second book The Samaritan is due  out in May and I for one can’t wait to read it! 

The Killing Season £4.68 on Amazon Kindle, HB £18.95 ( PB due out in April for £6.99) http://www.amazon.co.uk/Killing-Season-Carter-Blake-Book-ebook/dp/B00FLY3W7I/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422796914&sr=1-1&keywords=mason+cross

The Samaritan (Carter Blake 2) is due for release on May 21st 2015.  Pre order on Amazon Kindle £6.99 and HB £20
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samaritan-Mason-Cross-ebook/dp/B00PLVF224/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422796914&sr=1-3&keywords=mason+cross