A different cant in this latest in the series which features Andy Roark, a veteran who worked as a police officer and now, in 1986, is a private investigator. Fans know that Roark series has had an emphasis on veterans and while Roark doe help a friend this is more about, of all things, an embezzlement case that leads to murder. Roark was hired to find out who was stealing from the community bank and not to get answers about one of the suspects ends up dead but he can't let it go. There's a glimpse into his life (a girlfriend! his cat) that helps to round him out as a character. Nicely twisty. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

I have read at least one Andy Roark book previously from this author and enjoyed it. However I believe this one is the best yet. Set in the 1980s in the Boston area of USA. Andy is an ex specialist soldier, policeman and now private investigator.
Andy is employed by Harry Brock who is President of the Merrimack community bank in Amesbury Mass. He tells Andy that significant embezzlement of money is being carried out and he wants Andy to watch three senior management employees to see who is living beyond their means.
Andy spends a few weeks observing and following each one, but soon gets bored as everything appears normal. Eventually he tells Brock that he can't help him further. However a few weeks later one of the three suspects is shot and killed in a robbery at the bank.. Andy wonders what he has missed? Brock decides not to hire Andy again as he didn't do a good enough job previously, so Andy resumes at his own expense.
Andy's private life has improved. He is in a relationship with Angela Estrella. His cat sir leominster is still demanding. A friend Chris who trained with Andy in the Green Berets prior to involvement in the Vietnamese war, contacts Andy he needs a place to stay as he has upset some dangerous characters in the San Francisco area.
Andy continues to monitor the two remaing bank suspects. He comes across a suspicious Real Estate guy, falls foul of the local police and gets himself into some dangerous situations.
Can he survive to discover what is going on? Very good, enjoyable and keeps you reading. Highly recommended.

Thank you very much Peter Colt for a brilliant book.

Couldn't put it down.

John Harris, a Vietnam veteran turned private investigator. Knows nothing about Embezzlement but when the bank is robbed and one of the suspects murdered and days later the other suspect killed John Harris as to learn quickly.

A brilliant character the story gives you enough background to understand him.

Cannot wait for more.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“The Banker” by Peter Colt plunges readers into the gritty, morally ambiguous world of John Harris, a Vietnam veteran turned private investigator. Set against the backdrop of Boston in the early 1970s, the novel oozes with atmosphere, capturing the essence of a city grappling with its own identity in a time of societal upheaval.

Colt’s meticulous attention to detail brings Boston to life in a way that is vivid and immersive. The narrative is peppered with authentic references to landmarks and cultural touchstones of the era, offering a rich tapestry that serves as more than just a backdrop—it’s almost a character in itself. As a result, readers feel ensconced in the very fabric of the time and place, making the unfolding drama all the more compelling.

John Harris is a compelling protagonist, marked by complexity and depth. Colt skillfully peels back the layers of Harris's character, revealing a man haunted by his past yet driven by a code of honor that makes him a gripping figure to follow. Harris’s internal struggles and external challenges resonate on a human level, making his journey relatable and enthralling.

The plot of “The Banker” is a well-constructed labyrinth of intrigue and suspense. Colt deftly weaves multiple storylines together, creating a narrative that keeps readers on their toes. The pacing is taut, with each twist and turn meticulously crafted to heighten tension and maintain engagement. Colt’s experience as a detective lends an air of authenticity to the investigative elements of the story, enriching the procedural aspects with credibility and insight.

Colt does not shy away from the grey areas of justice and truth, and through Harris’s eyes, readers are confronted with the harsh realities of the human condition. This introspective layer adds depth to the narrative, elevating it beyond a simple crime thriller to a profound commentary on the complexities of morality and redemption.

Im“The Banker” is a masterful blend of historical fiction and crime thriller, imbued with rich character development and an authentic sense of place. Peter Colt’s deft storytelling and nuanced approach make this novel a standout in its genre, offering readers a gripping and thought-provoking journey through the dark, conflicted heart of 1970s Boston. Whether you’re a fan of hard-boiled detective tales or historical narratives, “The Banker” is a rewarding read that lingers long after the final page.

Nice to have a new series to read. This is my first Andy Roark adventure, and I’m looking forward to more. The plot and characters fit well into the setting, and the story makes sense while moving at a good pace.

I will give this book 3 stars but it just didn’t catch my attention. I had high hopes but unfortunately was let down.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!!

I LOVED this book! It was a bit slow in the beginning but then boom I was hooked!! I finished it in one sitting! My first by this author but will not be my last!!

I highly recommend THE BANKER for fans of mysteries and police procedurals. Even if you are not already familiar with this series, THE BANKER stands alone nicely and provides a great entry point. The narrative revolves around murder and embezzlement, and Colt has once again crafted a page turner. Roark continues to be a likable protagonist. There are just enough wild twists and turns to keep the suspense level high. The pacing is terrific, and I appreciate the shorter length.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

This was a strong fourth entry in the Andy Roark Mystery series, and had that overall feel that I was looking for from the previous three books. Peter Colt has a strong writing style and was invested in what was going on with the characters and story. It does everything that I was looking for and am glad I got to read this.

Embezzlement, murder, and beautiful women . . . Andy Roark, Vietnam veteran turned private investigator is on the case in this thrilling hardboiled mystery! Great read! This book had suspense, intriguing, murder, mystery, a great who done it and a few crazy twists and turns! The story was very interesting! I definitely recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!