A thrilling ride

Growing up I read Ludlum and Clancy, who astounded my young mind with the intricate and interesting plots they wove. Having become jaded, I still enjoyed reading spy thrillers, but I really thought there was nothing new the spy genre could offer up.

Boy, oh boy was I surprised by I am Pilgrim. It took only a few pages (which I couldn’t turn fast enough) to realise this was one of those unforgettable reads.

The story had me by the throat from beginning to end as the writing was brilliant, the plot well thought out and the characters develop along with the story.

Pilgrim, which is the codename for a man who doesn’t exist, worked for US intelligence and, before disappearing into retirement, wrote the definitive book on forensic criminal investigation.

This same book is how New York police detective Ben Bradley tracks him down to help with a murder investigation.

Pilgrim is taken to a NY hotel room where the body of a woman was found face down in a bath of acid. The acid has burned away her features, her teeth are missing and her fingerprints gone.

It is a challenge Pilgrim can hardly resist, but the investigation leads him into a more troubling and dangerous case that spans continents.

Now what are you waiting for? Go get yourself a copy and enjoy the ride.