Absolution is the fourth in the Claymore Straker thriller series by Paul Hardisty. I enjoyed the first three immensely, and was really looking forward to the fourth. I was not in any way disappointed… The book opens with Clay hiding in plain sight in Zanzibar. He fled there after his traumatic appearance at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa (the subject matter of Reconciliation for the Dead). Two mercenaries come to attack him, but he escapes with his life. At the same time his erstwhile girlfriend, Raina, gets a message to him. She is now married and living in Paris with her husband – a civil rights lawyer – and her son. They have been kidnapped and presumably murdered. She asks Clay to help track down the perpetrators. Raina’s and Clay’s stories proceed in parallel, in alternate chapters, throughout much of the book. Raina heads to Cairo where her husband was working on a high profile case before his disappearance. She fears for her life, and melts into the underbelly of the city’s slums. Clay makes an arduous and dangerous journey across Africa, closely pursued by those who wish to kill him. He eventually makes it to Cairo and meets up with Raina. The story moves towards a frightening and bloody climax involving the highest echelons of Egyptian political and military society. Absolution is a great thriller but, as ever with Paul’s books, it is a great deal more. Paul is an environmental scientist and campaigner. He cares about the world in which we live, and what we do to it. The quality of air in Cairo, and the slums in which so many exist, are a cause of major concern. Thousands (if not millions) are headed for disease and early death. All this is well woven into the narrative, and we certainly don’t feel we are being preached at – but we are made aware of concerns that might not otherwise come to our attention. It is great way for a passionate man to educate us at the same time as he is entertaining us. I absolutely recommend Absolution.

It's been a while since I was last acquainted with the dynamic and dangerous Claymore Straker and oh my goodness, it seems so much has happened to him, near him and because of him in the meantime! But then this is Claymore Straker we're talking about here and he's no ordinary man. The reader only has to wait until a mere 4% into the book before the action starts and oh boy, it is a shocker! But then I would expect nothing less from the pen of this highly descriptive and thoroughly accomplished author. One of the things I always enjoy about Paul E. Hardisty's Straker books is that they are intelligent, well-researched works which the reader can sit back and immerse themselves in. As you're reading you feel that you're in safe, knowledgeable hands which only adds to the reading experience. Chapters alternate between letters from Straker's lover, Rania and life as it happens to Straker. The chapters which narrate Claymore's journey are high-octane, thrill rides which leave you wondering what could possibly go wrong next. Will Claymore survive the next gun-toting militant he has the unfortunate pleasure of stumbling upon? Well, you'll have to read the book for yourself and find out. I loved the letters from Rania. Early on the reader discovers that Rania never intends on sending the letters to Claymore, which makes them all the more candid. A fascinating glimpse into the mind of a modern Muslim woman, and how her strong belief system supports her through difficult times, and occasionally takes her life in a direction she would rather it not go. I really felt for Rania on many levels. But above all else, her character appealed to me because I always like a kick-ass female character. Would I recommend this book? If you're a fan of the thriller novel then yes, absolutely! You must read this book, along with the others in the series. As far as thrillers go, this is the most detailed, intelligent and captivating series out there with a heck of a lot of heart added for good measure! Four out of five stars. I chose to read and review an eARC of Absolution. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

This novel continues the story of Claymore Straker as his life unwinds after the events of Reconciliation for the Dead. A parallel tale about Rania also unfolds and the two come together eventually. It's one of those books where nobody can be trusted, betrayal lurks around every corner and the body count mounts up (I lost count!). With themes of exploitation, murder, abuse and terrorism, it doesn't hold back. The action is relentless, harrowing and brutal and the reader is compelled to read on despite the horrific events, just to see how this turns out. The writing is imaginative and hopefully this is the last book in the series as it comes to a reasonably satisfying conclusion. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is fast-paced, full of action, vivid and beautifully written. It’s book four in the Clayton Straker series, I haven’t read the previous novels but this one could be read as a stand-alone. Personally, I feel I have missed out by diving straight into book four, I think I would have gotten a lot more out of the story and enjoyed it a lot more if I’d read the others. The book switches between Clay’s story and Rania’s story, Rania’s being told to us through diary extracts. I liked this change of narrator, both sides of the story are equally gripping but I did particularly like hearing from Rania. Both Clay and Rania have seen tragedy, and the book opens with dramatic events in both of their lives. I do love a book that has an explosive opening and ‘Absolution’ certainly delivers on that! The exotic setting of the book is another big tick for me. I have a weakness for books that take me to new places and ‘Absolution’ has taken me to East Africa, Paris and Egypt. Paul E. Hardisty has brought these places to life with his writing. The descriptions are vivid, stunning and beautifully written. I like that such an action-packed, violent thriller can have lines so beautiful it’s like reading poetry, Paul E. Hardisty has a very skilful pen! A thriller full of emotion and heart, jammed packed with thrills and exhilarating to read.