Sirk TV Book Review: CLAWBACK [Viking]

The essence of undercover investigations in a seemingly more digital world always dictates a sense of irony. With current news speaking on the civilian use of drones in law enforcement and business related activities, the sense of "Big Brother" is becoming more defined. The essence of a character being able to drop below the radar is seemingly more problematic with surveillance cameras and phishing scams tracking our every move.Money, of course, is the driving force behind anything clandestine. Within "Clawback" [Mike Cooper/Viking/400pgs], the idea is trying to uncover the truism without becoming a victim yourself. The lead character, Silas, is a man who doesn't want to completely cut himself off from the world but, in trying to do his job, must acquiesce to the element of only prepaid cell phones, disposable emails and cash transactions. A new client wants him to track a killer who is seemingly taking down investment brokerage bankers with an interesting proponent of not making money then turning around and making a profit on the sway in the market when they are murdered. Oddly enough our hero seems to be in the vicinity and aware of said murders as they happen.Silas functions more specifically as a modern day John McClane who understands the technology but still perfers the notion of old fashion gumshoe work. What throws a wrench in his plans is the incessant intellect of a blogger named Clara with exceptional research skills and a little bit of sexual charm to boot. Against his better wishes, she pulls him out of his skin and, as a result, puts her and her surrounding friends in danger simply by proximity.The action scenes, primarily a central one involving a chase through Downtown Manhattan in a post 9/11 world and a resounding high rise gun battle, have the dexterity of a major Hollywood production but with a sense of balance. Nothing is set to work out because the reluctant hero must maintain his notion of distance which is what gives Silas the loner factor (which plays well). Many of the actions of the characters are not unexpected to be sure. That said, some are overplayed in their importance but in keeping pace and creating a sense of intensity and merit, "Clawback" understands that the key in understanding this new world is breaking down that it moves much too fast for most people.B