The Black Silent
by David Dun

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Book Reviews of The Black Silent

Book Review: Men would murder for the secret
Summary: 4 Stars

In the black silent of the depths of Juan de Fuca Strait, which lies halfway up the North American continent, there are ancient microbes. They bear a message of longevity - they've been around for nearly four billion years. How do they do it? That's the question Ben Anderson is more than asking - he's trying to find out. Others also seek that answer and the competition is fierce, and deadly. The stakes are high - what's the worth of extending your life? Conversely, what would you pay to prevent being snuffed out by the accumulated flatulence of billions of ancient bugs? Ben must maneuver in the twisted environment of corporate espionage, government indifference and paid assassins.

To add a dash of extra concern, Ben's adopted daughter Haley wants to follow where his research leads. Living in a coastal community has toughened Haley, but when the hired thugs seeking Ben's research add her to their other targets, her abilities are severely tested. She has support from "Sam" who has "walked out of a dark closet" to settle in the isolated community. Although crippled, Sam has reserves of skills and insight that make him an effective buttress - if the odds aren't too great. While Ben's situation is serious and worth concern, it's Haley's and Sam's adventures that keep this narrative moving. And move it does with auto, aircraft and boat chases out-classing any Indiana Jones film.

Dun's a captivating writer, drawing his people as carefully as he imports the vast research supporting the narrative. He's keen to entertain and inform at the same time. He has a sense of finesse lacking in too many thriller writers. His only fault seems to be that he doesn't feel satisfied until he's wedged in all aspects of what he learns. Auto chases in the forest or high-speed boat maneuverings are depicted down to the metre. Still, these little transgressions are expected in a thriller and we needn't condemn them too harshly. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

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