Checkmate (The Bowers Files)

"Justice wrestles with the darkness and we are, each of us, caught up in the fight."--CheckmateSix agents are killed at a covert FBI facility. While he watches the injured and holds the hand of the dying, Patrick Bowers can do nothing to stop it. He has seen evil, he has fought to keep the demons at bay, but with this vicious attack on his colleagues and friends Patrick finds himself facing nemeses from his past. In his quest for justice, will Patrick be able to hold on to that which he holds most dear or will he give into the haunting desires that have been with him for decades? With great twists, excellent suspense, deep themes, fabulous writing, and a great attention to detail, Checkmate is the perfect conclusion to this chapter of the Patrick Bowers series.There are very few authors who can consistently write at the high level Steven James has maintained throughout the Patrick Bowers series. From the Pawn to Checkmate, each story in this series has been complex, entertaining, fresh, intriguing, and loaded with suspense. While some books in the series are `who done it' mysteries, others are more straight-up suspense/thriller. With Checkmate, we get a little bit of both along with a side of motive.One of my favorite parts of this series has been the characters and the relationships they build with each other. Patrick and Tessa's relationship has grown and the bond that has developed between them is truly remarkable. Checkmate continues the trend of allowing the reader to really get to know the characters involved and care about their lives. Tessa remains a fabulous conduit for introspection and again gives readers fantastic themes and ideas to work through. We also get to watch Patrick wrestle with the demons he's fought for most of his life and better understand not just him, but ourselves.Checkmate does an excellent job of bringing together the various themes and plots that have been running throughout the series. In addition to having a wonderfully complex plot by itself, this story also wraps up many of the dangling storylines from previous books. While prior books in this series could be enjoyed as a standalone or read out of order, Checkmate should be read last. In closing out the series, it references of other books, resulting in substantial spoilers for some of those stories.Checkmate has some very shocking twists, but not all are in a typical way. At times, the surprise is in the reader's reaction to a character or the execution of a plan. However, throughout there is a good balance between reveal and guessing that keeps the story moving and the pages turning.Throughout this series, Steven has excelled in producing well-researched, high quality books. Like its predecessors, Checkmate isn't a story with a good idea but sloppy execution. Instead, there is a great attention to detail in not only the plot, but also in creating the environment. Charlotte, North Carolina is well researched and its history and current culture blend nicely into the story. Everything works together and the pieces form a coherent picture rather than asking the reader to just go with it.This is a very special series. At times it's dark and takes the reader to places they don't necessarily want to go. However, through this journey there are fabulous truths revealed and ideas to contemplate that are highlighted by a story that explores the complexity of being human. Checkmate encourages the reader to think, to consider, to examine, and to see more than just a story of a violent crime and the psyche of a brutal killer.It's a little sad to reach the end of this chapter of the Patrick Bowers series. It's been a fun ride and a joy to watch the overarching story come together. Great job by Steven James of closing out what has been an absolutely fantastic series!Review copy provided courtesy of Signet Select

I remember when I picked up my first book from Steven James. It seemed like everywhere I went, the cover of the book Pawn--bright yellow with a tipped over pawn from the game of chess--jumped out at me from the bookshelf. Eventually, I had to pick up the book and give it a read. Pawn was released back in 2007 and I can't believe that eight years and eight books later, I'm writing a review of the final book in "The Bowers Files" series.In my opinion, Steven James is an excellent example that you can create a fast-paced, edgy, real-to-life crime drama without the need for excess profanity or gore. That said, I certainly wouldn't suggest these books for younger readers. In fact, I didn't allow my children to read them prior to adulthood, assuming that happens at 18. Steven deals with some very real challenges that face both adults and teenagers.Aside from the disappointment that the series is really done, Checkmate will in no way disappoint readers of the prior books in the series. With twists, misdirection, and clues galore Checkmate, and the rest of the series, will appeal to both mystery and thriller fans alike. Steven exhibits a mastery of the ability to create believable characters, including frighteningly realistic psychotic antagonists. As an author, I find at times I'm intimidated to reveal the truth of the darkness that a creative mind is capable of dreaming up for stories such as these. I can only imagine Steven must feel this at times as well.Along these lines, I loved the struggle Patrick Bowers, the protagonist of the series, deals with as he faces his own demons while hunting down some of the worst criminals imaginable. What is justice when dealing with serial killers? How different are these psychopaths from the rest of us? How close to the line does one dare go before the pull of darkness drags them across?Perhaps, my favorite line in the series appears near the end of the last book:You strive for justice, you move toward the light when you can, and you shake off the darkness that clings to you from living on this fractured planet of lost dreams and sharp heartache.This is a great illustration of the phrase in John 1:5, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." We all should remember that if it weren't for the grace of God, we all would find ourselves on the short end of being able to control the darkness that permeates our souls. Only the true light of Christ is capable of driving out the darkness and giving us an opportunity to pursue righteousness. Not our own, but that of Christ.Thanks you Steven James for this intense, yet insightful series.

I have read all but one of his novels. I am at the moment reading Opening moves. Dont know what ill do when ive read this one because i dont think there are anymore to read. They have all been an excelllent read and find it hard to put my reader down. Really good author. Keep on writing more.

I honestly get excited when a new Bowers book is published as I'm normally guaranteed a brilliant read. Checkmark was no exception. Thriller, loyally, family, friendship this book has it all. My only complaint about Steven James book is the time between each of them. Steven please write quicker.

All good

Great read. Have read all the Bowers Files book and enjoyed everyone.

True to form, Steven James keeps his reader turning the pages. Short chapters with a teaser at the end of each chapter enticed me to read just one more! He uwrapped the plot ingeniously and got me absorbed in the mind of Agent Bowers. Fantastic!