The Knight by Steven James, a Mysterious Review.

Review: FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers plays a cat-and-mouse game with a cunning killer in The Knight, the third thriller in this series by Steven James.

Bowers has been called from his home in Colorado to Chicago to testify in a retrial of Richard Devin Basque, a serial killer caught by Bowers and convicted 13 years ago. New evidence has been uncovered, which may lead to Basque's release. This comes at an awkward time for Bowers as he's been asked by his friend, Lt. Kurt Mason of the Denver Police Department, to assist in the investigation of a crime that appears to be linked to a double homicide that took place the day before. What they discover shocks them: at the scene of the first murders, a tiny tape recording is found in the woman's mouth which, when played, tells Bowers that the killer will see him in Chicago. How could he know that Bowers was scheduled to testify and be at this particular crime scene? Subsequent murders occur, and at each scene is evidence that indicates the killer knew Bowers would be there. There seemed to be only one conclusion here, he thinks: "Maybe you are no the one closing in on him; maybe he's the one closing in on you."

As thrilling as the investigation is in The Knight also shows a softer side to Bowers. Bowers, a widower, has had to balance a demanding career with caring for his teenaged step-daughter Tessa. This is especially true now as Tessa recently discovered a diary written by her mother in which she admits she had thoughts of aborting her unborn child. Tessa now decides she has to find her biological father. Bowers wants — needs — to be there for Tessa, and uses his considerable resources to help her.

There's a nice balance to The Knight, from the intrigue of the cleverly devised plot to the thrill of the investigation, and from the tense courtroom drama to the loving relationship Bowers has with his step-daughter. It's a smart, thoughtful, and satisfying novel.

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

Acknowledgment: Baker Publishing Group provided a copy of The Knight for this review.

The Pawn
Baker Publishing (Trade Paperback), September 2007
ISBN-13: 9780800732400; ISBN-10: 0800732405

The Bishop
Revell (Hardcover), August 2010
ISBN-13: 9780800719197; ISBN-10: 0800719190

The Knight

A Patrick Bowers Mystery by Steven James