Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

Franklin Holt left a life of crime and opted to write books while enjoying retirement. When it looks like he is finally making headway in his new profession, an old colleague from his past reappears with disturbing news. Members of their old charter are dying mysteriously. His former adversaries may have infiltrated the organization with a hitlist, and Franklin's name may be on that list. Franklin enlists help from the most unlikely source to counter this threat, but they find a web of death and betrayal everywhere they turn. Only time will tell if he survives the impending storm in J. Robert Kinney's Splintered State.

J. Robert Kinney's Splintered State tells a story of love in a world of lies and mistrust. The attention to detail is excellent. Kinney provides a complex backstory for each character that balances their ruthless, businesslike approach to difficult situations and poignant individual sacrifices. Readers will identify with a particular character. The antagonists are so organized when they plan their operations that it adds to the suspense and you cannot wait for either side to make their next move. The romance is captivating as Kinney uses flashbacks to explain how Franklin and Joanna's marriage fell apart and then hints at a possible reconciliation through their deeds and words. What stands out is how Franklin, Joanna, and Silas work together, blurring the lines between right and wrong to battle a common enemy realistically. Kinney's impressive storytelling and the gradually heightened pace create an immersive crime adventure where every character is a potential suspect. You will not want to put this book down.