Book Review – The Devil's Quota

The Devil’s Quota by Tom Avitabile (2014, Story Plant) – Murder isn’t simple when it kills an NYPD detective’s partner and drags him into a conspiracy involving the economic 1%.  Detective DiMaggio follows the trail through the offices of a sexual behavior specialist and onto the international stage.  On the other side of the world an American Special Forces sergeant risks everything for the Afghan woman he loves.  Their path eventually leads back to the murder investigation in New York.

This is a solid mid-level thriller with decent story telling and some interesting twists.  I was a little worried when the author introduced the character of Cassandra Cassidy, the sexual behavior psychiatrist, who specializes in some kinky modification procedures.  He handled it well, allowing the concept to titillate without going completely over the top.  The relationship between the doctor and the detective never quite comes off the way I think he hoped but again he manages to make some interesting choices there as well.

I will admit to struggling a little with this book.  There’s an early section concerning the Afghan story line that slips over into romance novel writing that did nothing for me.  The romance is necessary to the story line but the story felt like it veered off course at that point.  Honestly, I think he undersold that half of the story.  There was more to be created in that part of the novel that never felt like was fully explored.  The book is only 338 pages so there was certainly room for the growth of that story.

If there’s a serious weakness to the book it’s when Avitabile tries for snappy dialogue.  DiMaggio and Cassidy have the potential for some flirty, flinty back and forth in the tradition of Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn, or even Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd in “Moonlighting”.  In the end it just feels like he’s trying to be clever rather than letting it happen.

Tom Avitabile admits to an enviable editing practice for his novels.  He takes them to a beach in Puerto Rico and does his work surround by the ocean, the sand and the occasional bikini.  I honestly can’t think of a better place to read this novel.  On a sandy beach or wrapped in a blanket in a cooler clime.  This is the kind of book you want to snuggle up with for a quick and quiet thrill.

“The Devil’s Quota” hits the bookshelves October 28, 2014.  You can pre-order it today.

Rating – *** Worth A Look