Even for a career assassin who’s been in his share of trouble, David Grant finds himself in as threatening a situation as any he’s seen. After an assignment gone wrong in Central America, David is taken captive by a friend-turned-rival. A former military man trained by the Soviet Army, Igor Volkov has no shortage of manpower, money, or mercilessness with which to torment David. Igor is holding David on a ship bound for more profitable waters, but members of The Family, David’s affectionately designated family business, won’t simply look the other way when one of their own has been kidnapped and savagely mistreated. Besides a globetrotting rescue mission with a side of revenge, The Family has to fight to stay relevant while potentially unearthing a mole in their ranks. Complications on the domestic side of things bring an unplanned change to their business, adding even more danger and intrigue. The Family will have to balance their ties and lies to the FBI, CIA, MI6, the South African government, and just about every underground criminal organization you can imagine if they want to maintain their influence.
Violent confrontations are eclipsed only by felicitously demented family values in Lies Lead to Death. Following a ubiquitous criminal empire that uses a plumbing company as a licit front for their less than ethical endeavors, this second book in the series takes place in the politically hostile climate of the early 1990s. The author thoughtfully includes touches one might have forgotten about the time, such as the rarity of cell phones and a lack of internet access, while installing heavy-hitting political figures to stand in as subtle plot components. One can’t help but call to mind spectacular crime films such as The Departed and The Godfather, and in this, Briggs is able to piggyback on some beloved tropes while adding a unique international flavor. Despite a lack of confidence and refinement in the storytelling, the book’s foundation is solid, hitting all the right notes for a well-choreographed crime drama. The lightning-fast pace, unapologetic violence and well-placed carnage are certain to keep readers fully invested. Majestic in scope and dramatic in tone, Lies Lead to Death is as memorable as it is entertaining.
