This is the first in Steven James' Patrick Bowers Thriller series. A fast-moving, multi-angle, American set thriller with a subtle injection of Christian perspective. Addictive reading material with clever & unpredictable plot twists & turns. Made me eager to read the next in the series.

Good fiction can tackle questions in ways that other authors and speakers struggle to do. The Pawn is an American thriller in the style of CSI and Patricia Cornwell that does just that to effect – the question here being when does evil start and good stop? Is motivation a real excuse? Does the end really justify the means if the detective breaks the law? The strength of Steven James’ book is that it doesn’t preach, instead it takes the reader on a roller coaster ride where the detective’s daughter is in danger. One where he will do anything to protect her. While this book is a page turner it is not a comfortable to read – while I am not a parent can I either condone or condemn the hero’s actions? The Pawn does not give easy answers, but challenges us to consider our behaviour in a world which lacks moral certainties.