Chris Bunch's the Gangster Conspiracy

This is a great finale (I think) to the Star Risk series. As usual our heroes end up in all sorts of trouble. I will miss the Star Risk gang.

A quick read that was entertaining and it was nice to read Star Risk in action again. However, I thought the characterization was a little off. Another review nailed it. The thing that bothered me the most was Jasmine. She was some kind of professional knife fighter/super spy that was an expert in explosives. It has been a while since I read the last book but when did this happen? By itself was a good book and I am still happy that I got to read one more even though it wasn't Bunch. I think this book was meant to be a closure for the series. I don't anticipate another one. Maybe Perry will do a spin-off

While you can see where the authors diverged from the original series they still kept good old Star Risk in top form allowing for some characters to truly shine in their own right. That being said however not much development was done beyond what was already set down in the series which is understandable given that they are picking up where C. Bunch left off. Still, overall you can see that this may be meant to be the final chapter and allow closure to a great series. Personally I would like to see them keep going but if not then that's ok as it's been a heck of a ride from a great series.

Sometimes when an author (or authors) takes on the responsibility of continuing a series that a deceased author has started, the results can be problematic. Actually they can be gawdawful. Some of the Austen, Conan Doyle and Sayers continuations leap to mind (and are quickly repressed). I was particularly concerned since even though Star Risk is an old friend of mine, I had recently discovered and read all the Sten novels. As a result I was very familiar with Chris Bunch's style and deft touch. But I needn't have worried (and neither should you) since the Perrys deliver magnificently. The characterizations, the wry humor, the plot line and the action sequences were all handled beautifully. I feel that two points are key to the authors' excellent work. First is that the whole book seamlessly blended in with the previous Star Risk novels so you got the idea that the Perrys had actually sat down and read Chris Bunch's work. This book is not some kind of cheap clone, it is more like the Perrys are skilled and experienced authors who can enter into the spirit of the series without stomping all over it. Secondly is the ending. There is one. Not that there isn't room for further Star Risk adventures, it is just that so many continuations use a hackneyed, breathless cliff-hanger as an ending. I am never quite sure whether this is because the author just doesn't have the expertise to know when the story ends or (more likely) they want to insure you buy the next book. Overall, this is a dandy space yarn that pays tribute to the originator of the series and is well worth singing the "I don't care if it is 0200 I just have to finish the book" morning after blues.

The bottom line has improved considerably at Star Risk, an interstellar security service firm, but the company still remains in some trouble. Thus, when Josiah Williams wants to hire them, the company does not care what he needs; they will do almost anything for the right price. Williams' client, a confederation of labor unions, is in the middle of difficult acrimonious negotiations. He will pay a fortune for Star Risk to employ a mercenary force to blockade a remote system that will force management to its knees begging for a settlement favorable to the union alliance. Preventing exporting of products is an easy job for Star Risk so they accept especially since the terms include a hefty sum for the firm. However, sometimes the simple turns out more dangerous and complex as Williams has only provided an iota of what is going on. The Star Risk squad all think the same thought that those who inherit their portion of the credit fee will thank them posthumously for making them such easy money. Paying homage to the late Chris Bunch, who created the Star Risk mercenary science fiction thrillers, Steve and Dal Perry provide a terrific entry in the outer space saga. The story line is action-packed, but it is the conspiracy that makes for a fine time as the crew believes once again they feel like THE DOG FROM HELL as victims of THE DOUBLECROSS PROGRAM. Fans will enjoy this smooth well written interpretation of Chris Bunch' military mercenaries in space. Harriet Klausner