coolreads# Saint Death @definitelybooks

Saint Death
Author: Mark Dawson
Publisher: Welbeck
ISBN: 9781787394780

Saint Death is the second novel in Mark Dawson’s thriller series featuring ex-assassin and drifter John Milton. Six months after the end of the previous novel, The Cleaner, Milton is now working as a cook in a low end restaurant in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and trying to make amends for his previous life as a government assassin.

The opportunity arises when drug cartel assassins who control the borderlands storm his restaurant,  to silence a young journalist and her informer. Milton takes it upon himself to save the online journalist from the cartel and smuggle her across the border into Texas to safety.

Working with the only untouchable cops in the city, and a bounty hunter whose motives are unclear, Milton must keep her safe until the crossing can be made.

But when the man looking for her is the legendary assassin Santa Muerta - Saint Death - Milton knows the mission is fraught with danger.

Along the way, the ex-M16 agent finds himself drawn into a vicious battle with the Mexican drug lords.

The book offers a really quick and action packed read. The general plot of the story is interesting, although it may be abit too cliche. The best thing about the mystery and thriller genre is guessing what is going to happen next and how the story will end, but unfortunately, the mystery element is missing here.

Having said that, the book is still an interesting read. There’s something about the Mexican drug cartels that fascinates many readers and Saint Death offers an interesting take on that. There’s also a lot more action than expected.

One of the best things about Dawson’s writing is that the characters come across as pretty realistic, and therefore can be more relatable.

Milton’s guilt about his previous life as an assassin and his desire to make amends for all the bad things he has done may look like a simple backstory, but it is quite different and is interesting and engaging. Also the story about Anna is intriguing as well.

If you’re looking for a quick read with a strong male character having a moral compass to save the day, then Saint Death is your pick.