The story picks up right where the first book leaves off. Bartender Rory receives a note from his father-the leader of the Irish mob right at King’s home where he had been spending lots of time. It becomes his moment to reveal his dark secrets. Before too long, he admits to the jump and run lifestyle he had with his mother after they left Ireland so many years ago. Today Rory is not a child being protected by his mother but a man fully capable of making his own decisions but his father is unwilling to take “No!” for an answer.
Before too long it becomes clear that the Jackals, King’s old gang, has thrown in with the Irish mobster. They let Rory’s father know where he could be contacted and they are willing to help capture him for a face-to-face with his father. Rory can’t help but feel that his past is drawing King into the kind of lifestyle he worked hard to leave behind. However, King discovers that it was his connection to the Jackals that made it possible for Rory’s father to learn of his whereabouts and current life. Both men are experiencing guilt and start avoiding each other.
When Rory gets cornered by his father’s minions, he goes along to hear what his father has to say. He discovers that his father is dying and wants the business to be taken over by his son. Rory makes it clear that he is happy with his current lifestyle and his father let him off the hook, namely because of the love he still feels for Rory’s mother. King comes to the rescue courtesy of the location app put on Rory’s phone, but it isn’t necessary. The Irish mobster is willing to let Rory go but warns that the Chicago police department will be a bigger challenge for King than he could have ever imagined.
I enjoyed continuing with the story of King and bottom though the angst with the self-blame and guilt quickly became tedious. But there are some things to like about the book. The writers did a great job giving resolving the current conflict with the Irish mob while giving King a new and challenging threat that will form the basis for the next book in the series. As far as character development, King and Rory regress. There’s not much trust between the men and it’s acceptable given their respective backgrounds. After years of avoiding the Irish mob, Rory complaint about his restricted freedom and careless behavior in walking about without an escort just plain stupid! The writers could have spared some time with the narrative making him less of a bratty asshat! Narrator Austin Jay is INCREDIBLE and his performance makes a decent book so much better. The writers should thank Mr. Jay for a major save.
Review from King’s Stalemate →