Between Two Scorpions by Jim Geraghty

I have a basic policy of reading and reviewing books by friends or acquaintances; even if only the friendship is an online one.  Today, I realized that last year I read a book by a longtime friend and never reviewed it.  In my defense, last year I started a new job, bought a house, and moved to a new town. But still I felt bad when this came to mind today, so I decided to rectify my error.

I have known Jim Geraghty for quite a while and have even met him in person.  We go way back into the golden age of blogging.  Jim is an excellent journalist and has really established a reputation during the pandemic as a voice of reason and information.  If you are interested in politics/public affairs I recommend The Morning Jolt.

So when Jim published Between Two Scorpions I grabbed a copy and read it.

 

As long as we are confessing, I also failed to read Jim’s novel The Weed Agency so this is my first experience with his fiction, having read his journalism near daily for years.

I don’t think I will hurt Jim’s feeling by saying BTS has some elements common to new fiction authors and first books in a series.  Despite the explosive start, literally, it takes awhile for the book to get going and not all of the characters are all that flushed out. This is also just part of the genre, however, as I have noted when reading books from book-a-year type established authors.  There is always a tension between action and color and character development.

But I also think Jim would acknowledge he isn’t going for a literary novel, but for an interesting twist on the espionage thriller, and once the plot gets rolling this is a perfect summer read.  Lots of action, political intrigue, international travel and culture (something Jim knows quite a bit about having lived in Turkey and reported on international affairs) and good-natured humor/banter between the husband and wife team; with the wife in the lead for a change. There is a hint of the paranormal/spiritual as well which adds to the mystery and foreboding.

Speaking of that, the disturbing part of the story is how the terrorist plot involves using the freedom America provides, and its own citizens, against it.  In our time of pandemic and social unrest this aspect seems even more troubling and unnerving. It is all too plausible and therefor uncomfortable.

Between Two Scorpions is a quick read and at less than $4 what do you have to lose? If you need something to spice up your summer reading, check it out.  I know I look forward to seeing how Jim builds on the strengths of this first A Dangerous Clique book and where the series goes from here.

Kevin Holtsberry
I work in communications and public affairs. I try to squeeze in as much reading as I can while still spending time with my wife and two kids (and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Michigan Wolverines during football season).

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