Total Immunity: A Novel of Crime

For those who have not read anything by Robert Ward, prepare to beocme addicted after reading his latest page-turner.......Wonderfully written, real, absorbing, and full of poignancy and mind blowing action, Total Immunity, is one wild ride...I am not one to be a spoiler, either to the wondeful story line, or great characterization that awaits its reasders, but, trust me, you will be hooked on page 1, by the swift moving plot, and the mysterious bad, and the GOOD?-guys. Pick up this book and be pleased that Mr. Ward is currently at work on the much anticipated sequel. Then go out and seek his amzing backlist, including the laugh and cringe out loud, Hammett award nominated, Four Kinds Of Rain. Mr. Ward is a true California writer right up there alongside the greats such as Connelly, and Parker. My only complaint?--is having to wait too long for his next book!!!. This is truly the best book I've read this year. I received it via overnight shipping and it kept me awake-(happily) turning pages until this morning. Give this book and author a try: you won't regret it...

I have loved Robert Ward since ther tantalizing RED BAKER, and would be difficult to write a better book than Four Kinds of Rain, but Ward has succeeded in giving us an exciting, action packed " noir" novel. I found myself reading this book late into the night for two nights and my time was not wasted. Jack Harper and his compadre Oscar are two captavating and charming FBI agents with different attitudes and ways of viewing life. Ward has created an exciting novel that examines the grit and grime of the LA subculture with an odd assortment of criminals, bad cops,low lifes and folks that embrace living on the edge. I will refrain from plot analysis as I would not want to spoil the read,. Jack Harper is a complex character, a man who champions the underdog, but who painfully examines his motives, and wrestles with his own demons around parenthood, love and professional choices. He is his own worst enemy. Oscar, on the other hand,his friend and professional partner is a good cop who is grounded and helps Jack deal with the "what is" factor in life. Hopefully, this is not the only book in which we will see this partnership.

Ward takes the reader on a lively noir ride through Los Angeles with dark humor, wit and great characters. I won't reveal any plot details -- that is for the reader to enjoy. I am a big fan of Ward's books (still waiting for the movie version of 'Red Baker'). He is a champion of the underdog and great raconteur. Buy, read, enjoy!

Just finished and would definitely recommend. I just had a copy sent to my mom who loves crime fiction. I also just finished the latest Connelly book and would say that if you like him, you'll like Ward. Characters and landscape are textured so that you really feel like you're driving along the same streets with these guys. Actually, I live on one of the streets where some of the action takes place and can say that the settings are right on. I'm not going to say too much about the plot right now because I don't want to give anything away but just when you think it's going one way, it goes the other. I've read so many of thrillers where I know exactly what's going to happen. This book is different. Some of the plot turns sort of blew my mind. Anyway, I'd give it thumbs up.

When Robert Ward turned his unique gifts as a novelist to writing crime fiction it was a double gift to readers. He first brought his sharp-eyed and compassionate take on the American working-class to bear on the world of grifters, cops, and whacked-out subcultures in the terrific FOUR KINDS OF RAIN, and in TOTAL IMMUNITY he launches a series about two soulful FBI agents caught up in a world of hurt. Having read some reviews, I knew there was a wild and savage twist near the end, but even armed with that foreknowledge I never saw it coming. This is a rich and compelling take on 21-st century L.A. that entertains in many ways--as a mystery, as insight into the souls of criminals and crimefighters, and--towards the end--as a deeply moving meditation on the joys (and terrors) of family. Having finished it I'm already eager for the next tale of Jack and Oscar.