King of Paine - Larry Kahn

Title: King of Paine
Author: Larry Kahn
Genre: Mystery
Published: 2011
Formats: Paperback/Ebook

Available at:
Amazon
The Book Depository
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Amazon UK

When I saw the cover of "King of Paine" I really wasn't sure about it, a woman who appears to be on a leash and a synopsis about kinky internet activities left me a little bit wary. However, as always this is a good example of not being swayed by a title or a cover as I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable novel.

The story follows Frank Paine, a newbie FBI agent who has given up the glamour of being a Hollywood actor in an attempt to atone for actions committed in his secret past. However, when Paine is targeted by an email giving him information on a crime he is surprised to note that the sender has used phrases from his past that only one person is meant to know, the very person who he wronged the most. Acting on this information, the agents are drawn into a world of BDSM and internet chat rooms, the very world which Paine has been trying to escape. Now he must try and delve back into this world and find out if the only woman he has loved is in danger or is she really the criminal they are trying to hunt down.

I found the story to be an intense, complex and fast paced which kept me glued to the book every evening. The thrills keep on coming from start to finish as the novel takes your emotions on a enjoyable roller coaster ride of twists, turns and red herrings. The writing is also clean, concise and flows smoothly which really helps to keep the reader hooked. However, the novel isn't for the prudish as it does take you into a world of sexual games and role play. However this is all described tastefully enough and is actually a small part of the novel so don't let it put you off.

The characters were all very well developed and whilst they may come across as being rather jaded, they were all likable. In particular I found the charisma of Frank to be very visible throughout and I found that this really drew me in. I really wanted him to succeed in his quest for redemption and forgiveness. Although I will admit that when Jolynn, the woman he wronged appears to forgive him it does all seem a little bit too quick and easy but that was a minor quibble.

Overall this novel was an enjoyable thriller that had me hooked from start to finish with an interestingly complex plotline and engaging characters. Whilst one of the plotlines is focussed around some sexual issues, this is actually quite a small part and it shouldn't bother anyone reading the book. Basically, if you enjoy a good thriller/mystery novel then you won't go wrong by picking up "King of Paine" for a read.