Nick Fox is a world-class con man. Kate O’Hare is a kick-ass FBI agent. The two began working together when Kate eventually tracked down and arrested Nick. Together their job is to bring down the bad guys—those that always stay one step ahead of the normal law-enforcement channels.
The characters, both Nick and Kate, tend to be somewhat one-dimensional. He’s a dashing, handsome, and brilliant playboy type who is as smooth with the ladies as he is with a set of lock picks. Kate is tough, smart, and beautiful, capable of catching the eye of any man she wants, especially one with a love of life such as Nick.
The premise, finding the worst of the worst, as far as criminals go, and bringing them to justice, is popular with today’s writers as well as readers.
The problem with “The Chase” is that it, much like the characters, falls flat in several ways. Where the banter between the characters should be sharp and witty, it feels like a huge cliché. Dialogue is not crisp and sharp, but convenient and designed to move the plot forward in obvious ways. The other major issue is changes in point of view. The authors alternate point of view constantly, which removes any element of suspense.
The good news is that plotting and pacing are well done. This story moves quickly from scene to scene to a final climax that puts both characters at risk. Readers who want the equivalent of a TV series on the written page should enjoy “The Chase.”
