Sign Wave

In Vachss’s entertaining third Aftershock novel (following 2014’s Shock Wave), the deadly Dell, who’s put his career as an assassin behind him and retired to the Oregon coast, where he lives off the grid, once again comes to the rescue of Dolly, the great love of his life, who is as active in their community as he is reclusive. Dolly has drawn the ire of a local businessman, George Benton, who is up to something nefarious involving a big land purchase. George’s intentions are baffling, but figuring out the mystery has little to do with the fun of this series. Dell’s protective instincts when it comes to Dolly are beyond obsessive, and it becomes obvious that anyone who crosses Dell is going to die, usually in a very bad way. Lots of assassin lessons and killing lore make turning the pages a learning experience in the dark arts as much as a riveting read. Agent: Lou Bank, Ten Angry Pitbulls. (June)