THE MARK

Author: Jason Pinter ISBN: 0778324893 7/2007 SUSPENSE Publisher: MIRA

Right as I'm about to die, I realize all the myths are fake. There's no white light at the end of a tunnel. My life isn't flashing before my eyes. All I can think about is how much I want to live. How much I need to live. I moved to New York City a month ago to become the best journalist the world had ever seen. To find the greatest stories never told. And now here I am—Henry Parker, twenty-four years old and weary beyond rational thought, a bullet one trigger pull from ending my life. Five minutes ago I thought I had the full story. I knew both of these men—one an FBI agent, the other an assassin—wanted me dead for very different, yet very personal reasons. Turns out that was only part of the truth. I can't run. Running is all Amanda and I have done for the past three days. And I'm tired. Tired of knowing the truth and not being able to tell it. Tired of knowing that if I die, this story will die with me. And if I die tonight, the killing will have just begun....

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I have to admit this. THE MARK by Jason Pinter took me by total surprise. It wasn't at all what I expected it to be. Oh my, it was so much better than I ever dreamed it would be. This, for me at least, is a case of not being able to gauge a book by its cover. With its no-nonsense, non-flowery cover, I thought THE MARK would be heavy on suspense, light on romance. Was I ever wrong. Big time!

The story of an eager young journalist who is looking to make his mark on the writing world, this book is the perfect blend of mystery and romance. Henry comes to New York with limited funds, a failing relationship with his current girlfriend and a bright mind. When he gets caught up in a tangled plot of murder and corruption, his bright mind turns out to be his biggest asset. That, and a woman he meets while attempting to escape death, are the two things Henry can count on. I was on the edge of my seat as I read, wondering if the couple would find a way out of Henry's mess, and find a way into each other's arms.

I won't let on how this book ends, but I will say that Jason Pinter has a new reader. THE MARK is an excellent book and Jason Pinter is a talented writer. I loved this and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Kay James