I.R.$. Book 4: The Corrupter

I.R.$. Book 4: The Corrupter, by Stephen Desberg & Bernard Vrancken

AS MENTIONED in my review of the previous volume in this series, Vrancken’s artwork reminds me of the late American artist Peter Morisi (Johnny Dynamite, Vengeance Squad) an artist whose work he’s probably never seen. Nonetheless, the style is there, with a modern edge that fits the gritty crime thriller that this series is; and he also draws women to die for... If they don't kill you first!

IRS investigator Larry B Max is hot of the trails of Silicia who’s been blackmailing cops, politicians and people with more money than sense... Aside from money, what for he asks? This is a race against time, a chase across States, political wrangling, sexual tension and small time blue-tape to get answers that lead Max onto one more clue each time until he can solve a puzzle that’s taxed to the hilt with a sense of urgency.

While as readers we assume the good guys are gonna win the bad guys (or girls), writer Desberg keeps us on the edge of our seats as to how many of the supporting cast are going to make it out alive, and keeps that happening until the very last page. Did I say this was a thriller? Good. It is.

Much more accessible than the previous volume, with deeper characterisation that makes the reader look forward to Book 5.

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