Philosophical Detective John Consequent has an unusual skill set, one that sometimes lands him a job with the Republic City Police Force. He may be selfish, stubborn and logical to a fault, but he’s got a stellar track record when it comes to helping the police solve their most vexing crimes. So the department calls in Consequent to investigate a rash of murders after the killer leaves a puzzling note with one of the victims. Intrigued by the killer’s existential crisis, as communicated in the crime scene note, Consequent takes the job even though it comes with some baggage. The detective in charge of the case, Maria Salazar, has a murky history with Consequent. Besides being the embittered ex-girlfriend of his wife, the two detectives’ personalities mix about as well as oil and water. Maria is brusque and down to business, while John is a walking conundrum, all sharp angles and maddening contradictions. But they share a strong motivation to find the killer before more lives are lost. Consequent has his hands full as he juggles the needs of the case, a less-than-agreeable partner, and a fanatical group of nihilists who are out to kill him. The case promises dead ends, clever traps and a few surprises as these determined detectives are pushed to their limits.
If you have a penchant for mental pursuits, The Black Swan Killer will be right up your alley! John Consequent is a curious character whose people skills never manage to live up to his intellectual prowess, making for some comically imbalanced interactions and head-scratching moments. Of the hundreds of isms the world has defined, McKay’s protagonist digs in and tackles a number of them with plenty of panache and a hefty dose of drollery. As Consequent puzzles out the motives of the serial killer, he ponders and pontificates on nihilism, fundamentalism, egoism, altruism, solipsism and, perhaps most frequently, consequentialism. These cerebral conversations and meditations add an extra layer to a tension-packed story whose sweeping humor ensures a balanced reading experience. Dangers, intrigues and even a few thought-provoking arguments will give readers plenty to chew on as the case unfolds. With a main character who feels as though he stepped out of a 1920s crime novel, The Black Swan Killer is a jaunty, fun affair that stimulates the intellect while leaving readers entertained, captivated and enlightened.
