[Review] King of Queens (Ed Maddux #1) - R.J. Patterson

Summary: When Charles Pritchett recruits Ed Maddux as a civilian asset for the CIA, Maddux never imagined the shadow world that exists around him . . . or the danger that lurks in his own city.

Maddux, whose father mysteriously disappeared, is enlisted to help provide the CIA with surveillance on a long-time friend, city councilman Nicholas Dunn. But Maddux hesitates to help, unsure that what the CIA is suggesting is true. But when he becomes suspicious of Dunn—and he sees the chance to learn more about his father’s disappearance—Maddux agrees to help.

With the help of Pritchett and Technical Services Division tech Rose Fuller, Maddux must enter into a shadowy world to stop a deadly attack that would turn the Cold War into a full-fledged conflict.

Even though I'm into thrillers, I should start by stating this is not the kind of thriller I like, so I'm sure my rating was influenced by it.

It's the middle of the Cold War. Maddux works in the publicity department of GM when he is asked by the CIA to help spy on Dunn, a friend of his from college. Would Dunn betray his country to work with the Russians? Maddux doubts it, but the chance to find out about his long-missing father inserts him in the middle of an intelligence war that could lead to the death of innocent people.

Even though I wasn't into Maddux and had a hard time believing someone like him could be so wanted by both Americans and Soviets, the story itself was quick-paced and writing easy enough to allow me to have some fun.

However, I wish the author had worked better in bringing the reader into the story. Things happen so fast in the beginning we barely know who Maddux is before the big change. I missed some more time with simple Maddux instead of newbie-spy-prodigy Maddux. The same goes to the time of the story. Patterson clearly seems to know well of this period but I kept forgetting the narrative didn't place in the present day—what's with Russia being back on the headlines since the last election, the issue couldn't be more timely.

While I didn't like how the romance began, I had fun with the subsequent scenes featuring the couple. Rose is a decent, smart female character that really made a difference for me. She was my favorite in the whole book. I hope we get to see (much) more of her.

As I said, I'm not into this sort of thriller but if you like action-packed scenes or have ever dreamed of an invitation to cooperate with the CIA, I'd say you'll have fun with the story. Even though this is a series, this first one is a closed arc so you can just try and see what you think.

Honest review based on a copy offered by the author. Many thanks to R. J. Patterson and the A Good Thriller discussion group for the opportunity.

Rating: 3 out of 5.