Informant

Written by Larry A. Winters

Narrated by Xe Sands

Prosecutor Jessie Black has an airtight case against Tyrone Nash, a gang thug who shot a man behind a bar in West Philly. But what should be an easy trial turns complicated when Nash somehow intimidates her eyewitness, and he recants his testimony on the eve of the trial. Now Jessie's only move to stop the killer from walking is to call a witness she had hoped to avoid-Reggie Tuck, a smooth-talking jailhouse snitch who claims Nash confessed to him during a short time they shared a cell. Worse, there are other people with an interest in the trial-people intent on silencing Reggie's big mouth, permanently.

Soon Jessie and Reggie find themselves trapped in a courthouse taken hostage by armed assailants. She must find a way to keep both Reggie and herself alive long enough to learn who they are, and how to stop them. But is Reggie Tuck's life worth protecting at the risk of her own?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Jun 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781541473638

Reviews for Informant

[susandennis-139327 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thomas Perry respects his characters so much. They are never sappy or predictable or sentimental. They are strong and smart and sharp. In this story he brings back the Butcher's Boy from his earlier books and matches him up with Elizabeth Waring of the Justice Department. It's a brilliant match and a great story.

[lewilliams-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Butcher Boy is back. This time he's after the Mafia boss who put a hit out on him. Elizabeth Waring of the Justice Department wants the Butcher Boy to turn informant, but he's bent on eliminating as many Mafia bosses as he can after they agreed to put a hit out on him. This book has enough action and tension to keep you turning the pages.

[rwt42 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The last (maybe) of the Butcher's Boy series. A page turner, as they say. Still hard to believe that a hit man was the "hero" of a series. Morality aside, the suspense over his survival made this a very good read. Perhaps there will be another?

[ecw0647 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Advanced reader copy.

The Butcher’s Boy, retired assassin, wants nothing more than to be left alone. Having found a woman he loves, in a country removed from his former territory, he has no other aspirations than to leave things be. I understand that. He’s getting older, slower, and has everything he needs; until an up-and-coming Mafia chief thinks that by killing the Butcher’s Boy he can claim more power.

The adopted son of a hitman/butcher, the acolyte, now calling himself Schaeffer, embarks on a campaign to eliminate the mafia boss who has put out a major contract on him. It’s virtually the entire crime world against him for having set up and destroyed Belacontana, a major crime figure, mostly as a way to protect himself. Now everyone seeks to ingratiate himself with Frank Tosca, the new Belacontana wanna-be. Schaeffer needs to make searching for him too expensive. (Parker does something similar in The Outfit by Richard Stark, if less violently.)

I have read several of the Butcher’s Boy series. This, while the latest, could stand alone, although I recommend reading them in order for a better historical sense of the characters, particularly that of Elizabeth Waring, the Justice Department investigator who is beginning to have the best sense of just who the Butcher’s Boy is. Some of the scenes might strain credibility, e.g., his running up the hill (he’s fifty) to get away from the lodge. Then again, there’s something to be said for staying in shape. (Personally, my idea of staying in shape is conforming to the contours of my reading chair.) Waring wants to get Schaeffer in a corner where his only protection will be to turn informant against those who formerly hired him.

I’ve also read several of Perry’s Jane Whitefield series and the similarities are obvious: the lone, competent, anti-hero competing successfully against large odds. It’s an appealing scenario, especially with Perry’s love of the outdoors and use of natural resources in the denouement.

I must admit to having become quite a fan of Thomas Perry and am reading my way through all his titles. Not Crime and Punishment, but very enjoyable. The order of the Butcher series is Butcher’s Boy, Sleeping Dogs, and The Informant. Read them all.

[dyarington_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is another great Thomas Perry book. It has all the signature Thomas Perry attributes of a Perry novel. He describes the killer's mindset before every action--how the person prepares, how he was trained by the Butcher, Metzler and his knowledge of the consequences of his actions. It reminded me of the Jane Whitfield novels in that the thinking, always thinking aspect of the main character is described in detail. I did not like the abrupt ending, but I realize that the Butcher's boy will be back again. I hope so. I've read every one of Thomas Perry's books and I must say I was not disappointed. Five stars.

[crazybatcow · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There are several "recaps" of things that happened in earlier books, and perhaps more about the Butcher Boy's childhood than expected - both are well handled and don't feel repetitive. And it means you can enjoy this book without having read either of the other two. though, why you wouldn't want to read the other two is beyond me.Waring is a more fully fleshed character in this book - more distinctive and developed enough that you become just as concerned about what will happen to her as you are about what will happen to the Butcher's Boy. This was a very pleasant surprise because she seemed to be right on the edge of being a "real" character in the earlier books, and it was nice to see her have a place in this story other than as someone to hinder the Butcher's Boy.This is the best of the 3 in the series - the characters are all so engaging that it's hard to believe you're not really supposed to be rooting for the Butcher's Boy. If you like this book, you'll probably enjoy Lawrence Block's Keller series. And, maybe, even Lee Child's Jack Reacher books. The "justice" being delivered is similar in them all.

[martinhughharvey_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My second Thomas Perry book and another superb one. I have a few of his on my Kindle backlog to read now!Like the first book of his I read there's a prominent woman in the story - the goodie - who shares center stage with the baddie. She's a justice dept analyst, he's a (very good) assassin. Superbly paced story, intriguing story line, great detail (especially the many assassinations!), and an abrupt for good ending. Lots of nasties with Italian "family" names! Set mainly in the US.Highly recommended.