ARIEL'S ISLAND

After successfully defending a patent case for the Milano Corporation, Paul McDaniel is ready for a weekend at the beach. But his victory quickly sours when Paul suspects that Anthony Milano used the case as a way to get his hands on brother Placido’s stocks in the family business after the two inherited a controlling share of it. Despite news that Placido has been missing since the trial ended, his daughter, Melissa Milano, tells Paul that her father is hiding, as he’s convinced Anthony is trying to kill him. Paul agrees to help Melissa—whom he dated in the past—track down Placido. But a coverup is already underway, and Paul is soon a suspect in not one but three homicides. He goes on the run but grows determined to prove his innocence. At the same time, he learns that Anthony is holding Melissa captive to draw out Placido. Fortunately, Paul has a few allies, from recently befriended, retired Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent Bill Grey to Placido’s artificial intelligence “assistant,” Ariel. As they concoct a plan to rescue Melissa, Paul struggles to avoid authorities so he’ll have time to vindicate himself. McKee’s novel is grim throughout. Paul, for example, distrusts even some of the people he works with and has a strained relationship with his mother, a homeless alcoholic who sees him only when she wants money. As for Ariel, she’s a savvy AI—she can access ATMs—but her “moral limitations” make Paul understandably wary. Although numerous characters die, McKee avoids excessive depictions of violence. Instead, he showcases notable scenes of suspense, as when a group sneaks onto an island to find Melissa and when a police officer stops Paul, who’s on the lam and carrying someone else’s ID. The ending takes a bit of a turn, though it’s not wholly unexpected and is certainly memorable.

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