It seems kinda unusual to read a book about the FBI by an Australian author, though I’m not sure why. Canberra-based Jack Heath is best known for his young adult novels, though the blurb I read on the publisher’s site indicates Heath has had a myriad of careers and experiences.

In a note to readers, Heath talks about his interest in capital punishment – in those on death row and those employed to be there in the final moments… and its impact. I’m opposed to the death penalty (the good ol’ eye for an eye is so bloody subjective) but didn’t feel as if I was drawn into any ethical debate here and think Heath probably needed to go down a different route if that was his intention. That’s just an ‘aside’ however, but I hadn’t realised that was his inspiration until I read the author’s notes at the end of the book. For me, this is very much a character-driven book (my favourite kind) but with a few ethical twists thrown in when it comes to our anti-hero and lead character.