Superior Position [Paperback]

Evan McNamara (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 5, 2005

When a reporter investigating "mountain sprawl" is shot dead, a small-town Colorado deputy and former Army sniper must catch a ruthless sharpshooter who is locked, loaded, and ready to kill again.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (July 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425203905
• ISBN-13: 978-0425203903
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,775,068 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Decent Mystery from a Promising Writer, March 19, 2006

By 

westmedic531 "westmedic" (Gig Harbor, WA; United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Superior Position (Paperback)

Evan McNamara's Superior Position tells the story of a secluded Colorado mountain town and it's sheriff's department's investigation of a murdered journalist. As the investigation progresses, key witnesses also turn up dead and it isn't long before the main character, ex-82nd Airborne sniper Deputy Bill Tatum, is questioning the relationship between the events and the rural mountain town's recent "boom" of housing development. Having lived in a small mountain community in the western United States for a few years I felt the description of a rural town was right on target. I also felt that there was a strong sense of place but, like other reviewers, I felt that McNamara struggled to convey key elements of the story in the characters' dialogue. Much of what we learn as the story unfolds is divulged to the reader through the main character's thoughts, not his interviews with potential suspects or through interaction with other characters. In addition, I got a sense that McNamara was a bit too long winded in descriptions of action versus just letting the scenes unfold. There are a few twists and turns in the story and overall it did keep me interested. I would imagine that McNamara's style will evolve as he writes more and I will certainly read his work again. If you like rural Western mysteries I would strongtly suggest books by C.J. Box and/or Clinton McKinzie over this one but I can say that this book is worth a look.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Decent Debut, November 6, 2005

By 

J. Hill (Wyoming) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Superior Position (Paperback)

Evan McNamara's Superior Position is a first effort. The plot entertains, and the drive to solve the mystery keeps the pages turning. However, McNamara's writing is awkward at times and bears the marks of a writer trying to hone their style and understand the nuances of fiction writing. McNamara poorly developed Deputy Sheriff Tatum, the protagonist. Filled with other flat characters, caring about the story's outcome was hard. The ending satisfied only in that we knew all the answers, not because I felt relief and joy for the characters. Also, McNamara gave all of his characters the annoying habit of referring to each other by title and first name-constantly. I grew very tired of reading about "Deputy Bill," "Dr. Ed," and "Mayor Jeff." I have never met anyone who talked like this and to have everyone in town use this annoying address added to the awkwardness. McNamara excelled during the action sequences, but fell short when dealing with his characters. McNamara shows potential in Superior Position and I will probably pick him up again in hopes of improvement.

5.0 out of 5 stars If you want excitement, this is the book for you!, July 18, 2006

By 

Marilyn Meredith "Author of Lingering Spirit,... (Springville, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Superior Position (Paperback)

Superior Position is a thriller set in a mountain community that thrives on tourists. Though the scene seems serene and beautiful, when a reporter is murdered, Deputy Tatum begins to unravel a complicated plot that reveals a deadly and hidden undercurrent he never expected.

Author McNamara has done an expert job of leading the reader on a rollercoaster ride of shocking twists and turns in an idyllic setting, perfect for murder. Highly recommended!

Marilyn Meredith, author of Wishing Makes It So and Wingbeat, the latest in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series.