The Bannerman Solution

When I ran across THE BANNERMAN SOLUTION a few weeks ago, its premise of a group of government assassins retiring to a small Connecticut town and trying to live in peace sounded rather intriguing. I read the reviews on it and then made the decision to give Mr. Maxim a shot. I'm happy to say that I found myself hooked in the first couple of pages and that the novel proved to be one of the most original and best spy thrillers that I've read during the past year. The story begins by introducing the reader to retired NYPD cop, Raymond Lesko, who's being visited in his dreams by the ghost of his former partner (David Katz). It seems that Katz was ripping off a certain group of drug dealers and was later murdered by them to set an example. Lesko, perhaps the toughest cop on the NYC police force, got revenge by shooting the two men who killed his partner while they were at a meeting with Elena, a beautiful, aristocratic woman who ordered the actual hit on Katz. For some strange reason that Lesko couldn't explain, even to himself, he allowed Elena to live. It wasn't long before rumors started to spread that it was Lesko who took out the two drug dealers and that he allowed Elena to walk away because she bought him off. The rumors eventually forced Lesko to seek an early retirement and to take a job as a security consultant for a local hotel firm. Now, what does all of this have to do with Paul Bannerman and his group of retired government operatives? Well, when Lesko's daughter, Susan, who happens to be a newspaper reporter, decides to investigate the unusually high number of deaths in Westport, Connecticut, she comes to the attention of Bannerman while visiting the town. Since his people are behind most of the deaths that have occurred, he makes it a point to meet Susan in order to find out exactly how much she knows. One thing gradually leads to another, and the two of them begin what will soon become a serious relationship, much to the dismay of Paul's friends. This wouldn't be so bad, except that when Bannerman refuses to work for Palmer Reid, a high-ranking member of the CIA, it's decided that Bannerman and his people are too dangerous to be left alive. Once Reid discovers that Bannerman is involved with Lesko's daughter, he sees a connection that could tie Bannerman to Elena and the South American drug cartel, giving him the excuse needed to take everyone out. Bannerman and his highly skilled team of operatives aren't going to be easy to kill, especially when Lesko joins them in an attempt to keep his daughter alive, but Palmer Reid has the resources of the Agency behind him and is a very determined man. THE BANNERMAN SOLUTION is definitely an original masterpiece in the "spy" genre. Filled with drama, action, and a mixture of humor, it explores an area that has seldom been touched on in fiction. What does happen to government assassins when they reach the retirement age? Does the DIA and the CIA take care of its own, or do they

This book took off at a run and never slowed down. Imagine a sort of halfway house for "good" assains in Westport CT. Throw in unaccountable government. Decisions made on faulty information, romance,murder,tricks,twists and a bit of a ghost story about sums up this book. This one hooked me. Now I have read them all and they only get better. WOW Maxim Rocks

John R. Maxim is an incredible story teller and The Bannerman Solution is the first of a series of 4 "Bannerman" novels that are fantastic and highly recommended ! I just discovered John maxim's work a month ago and have already began my search to acquire all of Maxim novels (I haven't been disappointed with any of his work)...run to your local bookstore now !

Quite simply, this is one of the best 'spy novels' in print. Intriguing characters, intelligent plot and fast pace combine to make this a thinking woman's book. I hope the publisher finally decides to 'promote' these books. My old copies are dog-eared from re-reading and lending them to friends. These characters would make a wonderful TV series. Try to find the other books in this series. You won't regret your time or money.

It grabbed me after the first few pages, and never let go. By the end of the book I wanted to travel to Westport and try and join Bannerman and his friends. All four books in the series are 10's, and well worth your time and money. An extraordinary thriller, a story about a man coming to grips with settling down while all about him his government wants him and his friends dead. It's just a personal observation, but this is too well written and thought out to be just a work of fiction.. I believe there is more to Mr. Maxim than he lets on.