Black Hat/White Hat: A Tale of Good Is Evil

 

GLENN DELLA-MONICA

Stats for my copy: Trade paperback, published 2021 by Glenn Della-Monica.

How acquired: From the author via Cozy Mystery Review Crew.

First line: This was Day One of a new era.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: The premise of this book caught my attention, and I debated whether to request it. The promise that, as the back cover copy says, “Romance between Cody and Haley ensues…” is what convinced me. We follow Alex and Lara as they explore the world of hitmen in gaming, then insert themselves into a mobster’s life and become actual hitmen, but with morals. And we follow FBI Agent Cody and Haley as they investigate a string of crimes committed against phone and internet scammers, and fall in love.

Alex and Lara are amusing as they banter with each other while punishing their hapless victims. There is plenty of action, and a lot of violence, but without being too graphic for those with weak stomachs. The contrast is well written as we are privy to both sides, the criminals and the cops. Alex and Lara put a ton of thought and detailed planning into each of their exploits, and then Cody and his team run detailed analysis of each crime scene, trying to connect dots in an effort to track down the culprits. The romance is lacking, as even the scenes that were supposed to be romantic weren’t particularly. There is not much characterization, as the two couples and everyone else are rather one note. When talking about people other than the main characters I didn’t always remember who was who.

Despite that, the story moves at a fast pace and is never boring, and there was a nice twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. If you don’t have any expectations for romance and just come along for the adventure, you’re in for a rollicking ride.

*I received a free copy of this book from the author and have voluntarily reviewed it*

Synopsis from Goodreads: Tired of endless robocalls? Victimized by ransomware attacks? Triggered one too many virus-laden spam emails?

Revenge is at hand!

Follow mob hitmen Alex and Lara Cutter as they are dispatched by a nebulous organization to visit cybercriminals around the world. But not to kill them. Alex and Lara leave them with a cell phone shoved exactly where you thought of shoving one the last time your dinner was interrupted by a spam caller.

FBI Special Agent Cody Smutters, aided by the beautiful psychologist Dr. Haley Briggs, is trying to identify the mystery pair in black. Romance between Cody and Haley ensues, but it leads to a nexus of massive proportions. Cody is read into a conspiracy between government leaders, corporate titans, mobsters, and even Black Hats temporarily turned White Hats. Is he powerless to do anything but accept it?