In the first book of the series, The Best of Evil, the reader meets Aramis Black, a coffee shop owner with a checkered past. One that likes to appear out of nowhere and bite him where the sun doesn’t shine. His arms sport twin tattoos with the motto: Live by the sword; die by the sword. He has moved to Nashville to live with his brother Johnny Ray as part of putting those years behind him. Grappling with grievous memories of his mother’s murder and his father’s abuse have proved fruitless and dangerous. Now he has once again been thrown into evil’s path.
In this, the second novel, the action begins at a party thrown in honor of Aramis’ brother and newly signed country singer, Johnny Ray. When Johnny Ray goes missing, Aramis finds him tied to a statue on Music Row. Someone has carved the letters “A X” into Johnny Ray’s shoulder. Aramis must unravel a mystery that goes way beyond his immediate family and into the past. It’s the quintessential whodunit Wilson style.
Who has an axe to grind with Johnny Ray or Aramis? Who else will be hurt as a result of a sicko’s games? Could it be the racist redneck guitarist Chigger? Or perhaps Aramis’ old flame Felicia is involved. It will take courage for Aramis to safeguard his newfound faith and resist exacting his own revenge.
The search for truth can be harrowing. Things are not always as they seem, cannot be taken at face value. Motives are often hidden, deceptions placed on purpose to derail one’s pursuit. No one is more aware of that than Aramis. However, the truth can be known. But it takes honesty and a willingness to follow it wherever it may lead.
Be prepared for a mystery par excellence, one that begs to be reread. Eric Wilson has done everything right in this book. I honestly can’t think of a negative here, and that’s saying a lot for me. There’s such a richness to this novel-layer upon layer of drama and meaning wrapped up in one heckuva story.
