5/27/2023 0 Comments Beyond the lawIn the case of the first two instalments, each reads just as well as a stand-alone book as they do as part of a series in book one there was more than enough scope for readers to hope for a sequel but without feeling cheated by lots of unanswered questions and loose ends, and in book two readers were introduced to several new characters taking the helm as it were, but with enough interwoven references to the past so as not to confuse new readers. The author also loosely connects this book with the wider world in which both the BLT series and his other thrillers take place thus ensuring that while this individual series might be coming to an end, at least some of the characters themselves have the opportunity to live on. Once again Tom Benson has introduced several new characters, keeping the series fresh and exciting while still retaining most of the original line-up for continuity despite the genre and macho world in which the story takes place, and indeed the author's own very male-dominated previous military career, Tom Benson doesn't shy away from creating strong and believable leading female characters, on both sides of the moral compass I add, putting one in mind of some of Lynda La Plante's writing (think gangster's wife Dolly Rawlings in Widows). And likewise with the BLT, eight years on from its initial formation new characters are proving their worth, and with the continuing help and alliance of the Mental Riders' biker gang, they continue to be a formidable force in combatting violent and organised crime - but now they face a new and better-organized enemy, an alliance of criminal psychopaths with comparable skills and a ruthlessness beyond anything they've had to face before, and with one aim in mind, the deaths of every member of BLT enterprises. if you get caught or anything goes wrong that might embarrass the government you're on your own!įollowing previous BLT successes in ridding Glasgow of much of the worst of its criminal element, things have moved on and once again new players have stepped up to the fill the criminal void left by the BLT group's activities those left behind want answers and revenge, and of course to be rid of the Hawk and his cohort's interference in Glasgow's criminal underworld. Unlike the traditional lone vigilante, The BLT group operate with the 'unofficial' support and backing of the UK authorities, even if at a discreet and very deniable arm's length.i.e. The third and final part of Tom Benson's BLT (Beyond The Law) trilogy, a series of books charting the formation and successes of a Glasgow based vigilante group BLT Enterprises, initially headed by ex SAS operative Phil McKenzie aka the Hawk, and then by his promising protege Jake, also after leaving the SAS. No hesitation in recommending this one -5 stars. I’ve been a Tom Benson fan for some time and it seems his books just keep getting better. They grow in stature as the author has developed his own understanding of the series. To be fair while this is a stand-alone book, I would recommend you read the books in sequence. The dialogue drives the story, something I am not always comfortable with unless managed as well as it is here. ‘The Mental Riders Motor Cycle Club’ what a great name. But it’s the small detail that matters as well. Here you get to know who you are dealing with through excellent characterisation, a solid plotline and the simple key element that I want more than anything else, a good story well told. ![]() Many books of this type suffer from over complication when it comes to characterisation. ![]() Acting outside the bounds of the law, the draw of Tom Benson’s characters is what I have come back for. The Beyond the law theme continues - without spoiling the plot, this is the one thing I guess I can safely mention as it is in the title. Short pacey segments help this tale move along and the author’s knowledge of Glasgow which is evident throughout his trilogy helps create the perfect setting. ![]() From the opening scene to the last page Tom Benson once again demonstrates his craft and particular skill in this thriller genre.
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