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Laws of Annihilation by Eriq La Salle
Series: Martyr Maker #3
Published by Poisoned Pen Press on October 24, 2023
Genres: Black & African American Mystery Thriller and Suspense, Murder, Mystery, Psychological Thrillers, Thriller
Pages: 432
A war is brewing in New York City, and no one can stop it.
With grit, relentless action, and twists you'll never see coming, Laws of Annihilation is the third installment in the highly-acclaimed Martyr Maker series by Eriq La Salle.
It's another blistering summer in New York City, and a sweltering heat wave stifles the area. Hostility between the Hasidic and Black communities has been steadily increasing since a tragic incident left a Black teenager dead. When two rabbis are killed in a gruesome attack on their synagogue, it has all the signs of retaliation.
The entire city is on edge.
Through it all, Agent Janet Maclin's dreams of becoming the FBI's first female director come crashing down when she receives some devastating news. In spite of it all, she's determined to help NYPD detectives Quincy Cavanaugh and Phee Freeman find the rabbis' killer as more hate crimes put the city on the brink of all-out war. As the body count climbs with the temperature and the tensions, time is running out for Maclin in more ways than one.
Apart from his critically-acclaimed thriller titles, La Salle is a masterful mystery/crime storyteller. He may be best known for his acting roles in productions such as ER, Coming to America, and Logan, but his background in crime fiction was finely honed as he directed and executive produced countless episodes of popular shows such as Law & Order, Law and Order SVU, Law & Order: Organized Crime, CSI: NY, and Chicago PD with Dick Wolf.
In Laws of Annihilation, La Salle masterfully weaves the threads of the previous two books, bringing his characters to their ultimate reckoning. The intricate and labyrinthine plot is full of unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. The relentless pacing draws you deeper into the heart of the narrative with each passing chapter.
What sets La Salle’s writing apart is his keen understanding of human nature and his characters’ moral dilemmas. He doesn’t shy away from exploring the gray areas of right and wrong, adding depth and authenticity to his storytelling. “Laws of Annihilation” is a thought-provoking exploration of justice, revenge, and the thin line that separates them.
As a reader, you’ll find yourself emotionally invested in the characters’ fates, rooting for some and questioning the choices of others. La Salle’s prose is evocative and powerful, immersing you in a world where morality is shifting and the boundaries of justice are constantly tested.
It’s hard to believe it took Eriq ten years to find a publisher, but as the saying goes, all good things come to those who wait. Eriq La Salle has found his voice as an author and crafted a trilogy that deserves recognition and acclaim. With its cinematic quality and gripping storytelling, one can only hope that these books make it to the big screen.
Laws of Annihilation stands as an exceptional achievement in crime fiction. Eriq La Salle has solidified his place as a talented and compelling author, and this final installment is a fitting conclusion to an exceptional trilogy. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading his work, now is the time to dive into the captivating world of Eriq La Salle’s “Laws” series. You won’t be disappointed.
Reviewed by: Orsayor
