A Slow-Drip Thriller that Cranks the Knife!
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When it comes down to the exception that disproves the rule, I hate it. At least normally I hate it. But sometimes that exception does come into play, and it works. That was the case when I made my through "Thriller," a collection of short stories that was edited by James Patterson. My plan was to have 3 favorites out of the whole collection. Well, when I read "The Double Dealer" by David Liss, I suppose that had to change. I didn't have 3 favorite short stories in that collection, I had 4! And David Liss was my 4th favorite. I'm glad he was! "The Coffee Trader" was the first I picked up by him since "Thriller," and it won't be the last.
Welcome to Amsterdam in 1659! Welcome to a world of trades, fortunes and commodities. And more than anything, welcome to a troubled world of lies and dark-hearted deceit! You have entered the world of the likes of Miguel Lienzo, and he knows it all too well. But something strange happens. Among the smells that lurk the streets and taverns, a woman entices Miguel to the scent of coffee. The deal has begun, and old rivals rear some ugly heads. This is not popular, and some people will do anything to see Miguel fail. The lies and betrayal threaten to undo him, because business is business. Who are your true friends in a time like this? It just might boil your blood hotter than coffee!
Do you really need to read a book to see back-stabbing? Not really. People have been cranking the knife another twist since the beginning of time. But the lesson should always be fresh in the back of our minds to choose our friends wisely. Sometimes double check to make sure that friend is as loyal as you thought.
I'd say check out David Liss as an author. "The Coffee Trader" moved at a slow pace, so in coffee terms you'd say a slow-drip plot. Right? But that's what made it a good read. Nothing decaf about the issues at hand delivered by this Edgar Award Winner! Good stuff!!
