ARC Review: Out of Time by David Klass

Out of Time
Author: David Klass
Publication: Dutton (July 7, 2020)

Description: In this explosive thriller, a fiendishly clever serial bomber and self-styled "eco-terrorist" hits targets across America--and a conflicted young FBI agent may be the only person possessing the unique skills needed to catch him.

A massive FBI manhunt is underway for an elusive and terrifyingly adept serial bomber. He's just struck his sixth target, Idaho's Boon Dam, killing a dozen innocent people. But the bomber, who the press has dubbed "Green Man," insists these drastic acts of violence--each one carefully selected to destroy a target that threatens the environment--are necessary to draw the world's attention to the climate-change emergency.

The FBI has no real leads. It's as if Green Man can predict every step of their investigation, skillfully evading all their standard tactics.

Until young agent Tom Smith approaches the task-force leader with an unexpected insight. Tom, a computer programmer by training, may be the only person with the unique skill set needed to catch Green Man before he strikes again....

My Thoughts: This techno-thriller is told from two points of view. The Green Man, an environmental terrorist who has caused billions of dollars worth of damage and many, many deaths, tells about why he is doing what he is doing despite his anxiety and conscience and fear for his family. Rookie FBI Agent Tom Smith, who graduated from Stanford and could be making tons more money working in Silicon Valley, has some other ideas about the course of the investigation and avenues that those involved haven't gone down.

Tom actually admires the Green Man because Tom is also concerned about the environment and fears for the planet's future. However, despite hating his FBI Agent father, Tom has gone into the family business though he isn't doing it his father's way.

The story is fast-paced and very tense as the FBI team tries to find out who the Green Man is and what his next target it. It is filled with the many minute details that make up a complex investigation. It is also filled with the politics that surround any large investigation. The President wants a quick solution that provides him with great photo ops and positive publicity for his reelection campaign and, if the FBI doesn't turn up something soon, he'll transfer the case to Homeland Security.

Meanwhile, Tom is tracking down obscure leads and actually coming closer to finding out what the FBI needs to know and the Green Man is starting to make mistakes in the run-up to his biggest act of terrorism.

I enjoyed the story and especially like Tom who is a brilliant investigator who sort of admires Green Man. But for Tom, the end doesn't justify the means and stopping Green Man is his major concern.

Favorite Quote:

He gave her his stock answer. "I went into the family business."

"And what exactly is your family business?"

"Catching bad guys," he told her with a sheepish grin.

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from Edelweiss. You can buy your copy here.