A Different Lie
A Novel
Published on 4. December 2015
Book
Hardback
272 pages
978-1-60598-899-3 (ISBN)
Description
Now a new dad, the infamous Silver Bear finds himself staying up late for feedings and changing diapers-all while leading the double life of a contract killer. The struggle is not with his conscience. He enjoys his gig. But a child forces him to weigh selfishness versus safety. Continue his line of work, and he'll always wonder if he's putting his child's life at risk. His partner, Risina, serves as his fence. Like Columbus, she's good at her job and likes doing it. An unusual take on working motherhood . . .
When the next assignment comes in, both Columbus and Risina are surprised to find that the mark is another assassin: a brash, young killer named Castillo. Castillo is an assassin on the rise. Even Columbus is impressed by his tenacity and talent-and as he closes in on his target, he realizes that Castillo is a younger version of himself. It's almost like looking in a mirror. Castillo has even studied Columbus's work.
But Columbus's assignment is clear: kill the young man. However, Castillo learns that his hero and unwitting mentor has a family-a revelation with enormous ramifications.
When the next assignment comes in, both Columbus and Risina are surprised to find that the mark is another assassin: a brash, young killer named Castillo. Castillo is an assassin on the rise. Even Columbus is impressed by his tenacity and talent-and as he closes in on his target, he realizes that Castillo is a younger version of himself. It's almost like looking in a mirror. Castillo has even studied Columbus's work.
But Columbus's assignment is clear: kill the young man. However, Castillo learns that his hero and unwitting mentor has a family-a revelation with enormous ramifications.
Reviews / Votes
"Haas's absorbing fourth thriller featuring the contract killer known as Columbus (after 2011's Dark Men) tests the proposition expressed in the book that 'lies are popular and truth is the uninvited guest who spoils the party.' The well-constructed conclusion packs a powerful punch." -- Publishers Weekly "Columbus' charm and dark humor offer a refreshing break from the sociopathic-assassin mold, and Haas' gutwrenching tale moves at breakneck speed. Pairs nicely with Jeff Lindsay's Dexter series and Shane Kuhn's The Intern's Handbook." -- Booklist "A page turner. A spare thriller fueled by a sinewy plot. Propulsive plotting and compellingly written." -- Boston Globe "Haas builds characters who are complicated, memorable, and sharply drawn. His spare, lean prose wastes no words. Haas develops a powerful and compelling voice and spends his scant 200 pages building suspense, creating atmosphere, and telling a compelling yarn. An unflinching little gem of a story: violent, dark, and unrelentingly entertaining." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "[Haas has] an intense prose style. From the very first lines we are pulled into a forceful emotional storm as Columbus reflects on his life, his calling, and the endless ambiguities of earning a living by ending the lives of others. Perhaps the best news is that Haas leaves Columbus' door wide open, so we can look forward to more adventures." -- Bookgasm "A devastatingly cool series." -- The New York Times Book Review "A protagonist is only as strong as his opponent, and Columbus and Castillo are a formidable pair. Haas keeps the action flying while deftly juxtaposing Columbus's work with the realities of his home life. The duality makes him an accessible antihero." -- Shelf Awareness "Haas doesn't know how to write a boring page." -- David Benioff, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of CITY OF THIEVES, co-creator of GAME OF THRONES on HBOMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Dimensions
Height: 236 mm
Width: 165 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
364 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-60598-899-3 (9781605988993)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Derek Haas is the author of the novels The Silver Bear, Columbus, and Dark Men, which make up The Assassin Trilogy, as well as the novel A Different Lie, also featuring Columbus. Derek co-created "Chicago Fire" and executive produces "Chicago P.D." for NBC. He also co-wrote the screenplays for 3:10 to Yuma, Wanted, and The Double. Derek is the creator of PopcornFiction.com and lives in Los Angeles with his family.