One Tenth of the Law

by Ray Peden, Gene Burch (Illustrations)

A simple quirk of fate. Two fathers bound together by personal tragedy. Now the cover-up of a cold-case fire is exposed as murder. Revenge is a relentless motivator in the hands of a man with special skills and nothing to lose . . . A chance encounter in a Georgia rest area and Patrick Grainger is the only witness to the kidnapping of a young girl in broad daylight. Soon the unexpected bond that develops between Grainger and her family opens Pandora’s box. Grainger has left his killing past behind, grieving for 12 years over the death of his wife and daughter, when the father of the kidnapping victim stumbles onto evidence, concealed for a decade—the tragic fire that killed Grainger’s family was no accident. As the blocks topple the identities of the killers and their roles in a massive wartime conspiracy come to light. The deadly gamesmanship threatens to bring down a powerful multinational empire that will stop at nothing to protect its interests. Ordinary people forced into extraordinary circumstances become unwilling participants in a lethal game of high-stakes intrigue, climaxing with one stunning personal twist none of them ever saw coming.

324 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2015

Reviews

[Ross Cavins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peden's debut novel is a rip-roaring ride through the classic American tale of "boy meets girl - boy saves girl from evil villains" ... with a twist. From the opening scene through the final act, readers are treated to the troubled protagonist that is Patrick Grainger and his quest to make right what was once wronged.

Grainger steps off the pages much like Lee Child's Jack Reacher, only Grainger is more human with a traumatized past that haunts him daily. Fans of Reacher will go for Grainger if they like their characters more well-rounded and realistic. And in that way, Grainger is more bad-ass than Reacher will ever be.

Kudos to Peden for a first novel that's very much worth reading.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ray Peden's first novel is an edge-of-your-seat story that kept me glued to the pages. He skillfully pulls you deeper and deeper into an intricate plot that blazes with action and grips your emotions. There's no fluff in this book--it's nonstop momentum all the way to a very satisfying ending. I hope there are more Patrick Grainger novels coming soon.

[Megan Iranpour · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Kentucky coworker found this book in a bin at a garage sale, complete with a handwritten note inside from the author. In her words, we both had to read it to support the Kentucky guys. The book was entertaining and well-researched. It was a combination of being not my favorite genre and my life of being married to a guy who watches predictable action movies that made this book underwhelming for me personally. I knew how it was going to pan out early on, because that’s how it works in stories like this. Not a bad book by any stretch of the imagination, and it’s a quick read. Happy to support Kentucky authors by reading their hard work!

[Tom Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fascinating novel. I could not put it down and in my mind I could visualize their faces and body types.

I would rate this book one of the best I have ever read. Absolutely in the edge of my seat all the way through.

[Kenton Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great. I hope there’s more stuff like this by Ray Peden !!!

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to believe this is Ray Peden's first novel! It is a fast-paced, action-packed ride that begins with a chance encounter and Patrick Grainger's willingness to go far beyond what almost anyone else would (or could) do to intervene in a young girl's horrible kidnapping. He bonds with the family and, in an attempt at a small attempt to repay him, the girl's father delves into the facts of the cold case that cost Grainger his wife and infant daughter.

If you like Lee Child's Jack Reacher books, I think you'll really enjoy this one.

I certainly hope Mr. Peden is hard at work on his next novel!