Ever since my university days, I’ve had a thing for gangster films and books. So, when something similar comes my way to review, I just can’t resist.
Dangerous Cargo: An Aidan McRaney Crime Thriller by J M Shorney is a crime thriller told from the perspective of the criminal, Aidan McRaney. Although McRaney is on ‘the straight and narrow’ following a long stint in prison, he finds himself easily wrapped up in the underworld gangland once again. But this time he is working on the side of the law as he tries to infiltrate the lair of The Widow, an arms dealer in league with the L.A. Mafia.
For me, this book was an old-school gangster story thrown into the present day. It had the central character we all empathise with, the well-established hierarchy of associates, and much violence. What was different for me was the presence of two strong females. By no means do I condone any type of violence, but The Widow and Sarah, bodyguard to the L.A. Mafia Don, could hold themselves against any man. In fact, in a book where most characters were extremely unlikable, it was Sarah who drew me in the most. But you will have to read the story to find out why.
Dangerous Cargo was simply written and is an easy read. However, it did take me just over half the book for the story to lure me in. After that, I flew through the rest of the pages. Many twists and turns occurred which I didn’t seem coming. I would have like certain scenes to been developed a bit more, though, as it felt that some areas were too rushed in order to fit the 217 pages.
Overall, I liked this book and I would probably read more from the McRaney series should they come my way. I would recommend this as a light holiday read for someone interested in crime stories but doesn’t want any bad dreams to spoil the pleasure of reading them
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Joyful Antidotes 