A grisly mystery tinged with the metaphysical.
Ariel Fall is a hardened private investigator who specializes in hunting down the scum of the earth. Bringing these lowlifes to justice is the fuel that keeps the fire burning in his belly. Well, that and whiskey. Still, bills need to be paid and Ariel isn’t above taking on less significant investigations for the paycheck. His true passion, however, is finding criminals most don’t have the stomach to think about. Ariel is often referred to as an angel for his tireless dedication to tracking these monsters. “Yes, an angel, but probably a fallen one. Angels don’t do what I have done.” As he works through several cases, his reputation as a fallen angel is affirmed and strengthened. He is fearless as he pursues pedophiles, rapists, and demented killers, becoming a hero to the people. But when corruption and deceptions are uncovered, his investigations become more personal. Protecting his loved ones is a top priority and he even tries to get out of the game for their safety. But the things he wants most, inner peace and calm, compel him into service. An ill-fated encounter provides Ariel with a choice that could change everything. But this decision comes with a steep price tag. Ariel’s actions will decide if he can ever heal his mind, heart, and soul.
A shadowy sleuthing story that isn’t afraid to delve into the vilest of crimes, The Fall is a forbidding novel written for strong-stomached readers who enjoy reading a deeply flawed character. Initially, Ariel Fall isn’t the kind of man you want to spend time with, yet his complexity and deep vulnerabilities slowly come to light and soften his prickly exterior. For example, his deadpan humor is easy to miss. “I hate it when a woman cries in front of me. It triggers some kind of sympathy program in me.” Ariel’s deductive skills are sharp and constantly engaged, adding clever observations to many sticky scenarios. Often, his actions are outrageous and unbelievable, but this seems fitting for a grief-stricken man whose only coping mechanism is to defend the defenseless. Erratic pacing, brief sexual interludes, and graphically violent scenes all contribute to the foreboding intensity of this gritty, relentless novel. And just when you think the darkness is becoming too much, the author provides contrast and relief through moments of tender connection. A grisly mystery tinged with the metaphysical, The Fall is a dangerous tale of difficult decisions and unavoidable consequences.
