Too Close to Home

Grant’s engrossing sequel to 2019’s Invisible finds former U.S. Army intelligence operative Paul McGrath employed as a janitor at a New York County courthouse, where he stealthily searches for evidence to convict the man he holds responsible for his father’s death. Alex Pardew, the crooked business partner of McGrath’s late father, walked out of court a free man after a mistrial was declared because an evidence file had gone missing. Now, having located the file, McGrath needs to ascertain what evidence has been removed, who took it, and why. Ably assisted by John Robson, his old Army buddy, McGrath uses his talents to investigate an array of contemptible government officials, including a lawyer, a judge, a clerk, and a retired detective, as well as track down Pardew and determine his culpability. In a diverting subplot, a bankrupt businessman seeks retribution against a ruthless venture capitalist for his losses. The fast-moving plot includes a neat twist. With any luck, Grant’s righteous hero will have a long career cleaning up corruption and meting out his own brand of justice. [em]Agent: Richard Pine, InkWell Management. (Jan.) [/em]