Customer Reviews

Superior Position

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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.

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.

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.

I rarely pick up mystery books, but do get interested in books that pertain to the military. What caught my attention with this book was how an ex-soldier used the skills taught in the military in his civilian job. Would sniper skills be useful in tracking down a killer. I say yes. Waiting for a killer to make his next move and find clues takes extraordinary patience, attention to detail, and physical and mental acuteness. The mystery itself was well developed as I thought I had the answer numerous times throughout, only to be cleverly tricked. That kept me interested to keep reading, and find the answers at the end. I greatly enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to the next installment. Looking forward to another trip to Mineral County with Mr. McNamara's second book Fair Game.