Shakedown by Joel Goldman, a Mysterious Review.

Review: Joel Goldman introduces FBI Special Agent Jack Davis in Shakedown, a man whose world is coming apart and there is nothing he can do about it.

The murder of a drug lord on the Kansas side of Kansas City is followed by several other killings. The local police are claiming responsibility for the investigation. Jack Davis, of the Kansas City (Missouri) FBI office, however, is authorized to take over the investigation but promises to keep the police chief, a friend of his, in the loop. But just as Jack gets involved, he is overcome with an unpredictable convulsive movement, a shakiness, that lasts only two or three seconds, but could be potentially fatal if it happened while handling a weapon. He's forced to take a medical leave, giving up his badge and gun. The police chief, however, continues to allow Jack to ride along and knowing he may never again be an active agent with the FBI, he still seeks to learn the truth behind the murders.

Jack Davis is a very appealing character, made more so by his unusual medical condition and how he strives not only to overcome it, but work within the constraints it imposes upon him. The plot is first-rate as well, an intricate investigation that involves a complex web of characters including some of Jack's own family. There's also the conflict between jurisdictions and the gritty realism of drug trafficking that add a level of stress and suspense to the story. In total, it's all very well done.

From the clever and ironic title and the unrelenting pace of the plot to its riveting conclusion, Shakedown is a terrific thriller.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of Shakedown.

Acknowledgment: Breakthrough Promotions provided a copy of Shakedown for this review.

Shakedown

A Jack Davis Mystery by Joel Goldman