Shooting at Midnight

This is the 4th, and clearly the best, in a series of books by Rucka surrounding a group of characters employed in the protection business. While the previous books had their moments, 'Shooting At Midnight' is a work of force. Bridget Logan takes center stage from Atticus Kodiak and goes underground in an attempt to clear a junkie friend from a murder conviction. Is she diving into the world of heroin dealing out of loyalty to a friend, or is she using it as an excuse to serve a long standing need. The pages fly by as we, the readers, race to determine the answer. Its dark and nerve racking, but worth every moment. A great read!

I was recommended Rucka's book, Finder, by a friend and since then I have read everything he's written. What makes Shooting at Midnight so original is its split perspective, with half of it from the viewpoint of Bridgett Logan and the other half from bodyguard Atticus Kodiak. Rucka has a very smooth, easy style: the only other crime writer currently working who he draws comparisons with is Lawrence Block. His action scenes have a sense of danger to them that's lacking in many action-driven books and his command of dialogue is superb. Shooting at Midnight displays the maturity of one of today's most striking writers.

SHOOTING AT MIDNIGHT represents a rare sort of accomplishment for any writer, even one as good as Greg Rucka. For fans of his earlier novels, this is an excellent addition to his body of work while, for new readers, this fourth book makes an even better introduction to his work than his first, the exceptional KEEPER. Bridgett Logan is a surprising protagonist, and Rucka's decision to change narrators in the middle portion of the book is a gutsy gamble that pays off.

AS with his other Atticus Kodiak books, Rucka pulls no punches and delivers incredibly honest and fully fleshed out characters who become your closest acquaintences while you're reading. Like very few other writers, Rucka has the ability to fully engulf and pull you in his words, so much so that your arms will start itching during some of the scenes in Shooting. It's not a pleasant story by any means, but nonetheless, its a book that you can't put down. Clear your schedule when you pick this one up. Rucka's work continues to get better with each book - can't wait to read Critical Mass!

Having been a big fan of Rucka's other books, I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of Shooting at Midnight. Fortunately, it was everything I had hoped for (and more!). This book takes a new direction by being told through the eyes of Bridgett Logan, whereas the other books were told by Atticus Kodiak. Rucka makes up for the fact that Logan was barely in Smoker by letting us know her history and how she thinks. I highly recommend this book (and all of Rucka's others, which I now plan to re-read)!