Title: The Gordian Knot
Author: David O. Thomas
Publisher: ReadersMagnet, LLC
ISBN: 979-8-90000-040-4
Pages: 299
Genre: Fiction
Reviewer: Arthur Thares
Pacific Book Review
The Gordian Knot may be a polarizing book to some, but one could contend that it is still an important piece of writing. The story itself is nothing earth-shattering; in fact, it is probably as realistic as it gets, which is why this book deserves recognition. Instead of another fantastical detective story that is supposed to feel like real life but has elements of fiction which the reader can’t just ignore, The Gordian Knot feels as though it could just as easily have been a retelling of a true story – instead of the work of fiction that it is. So, what makes this book in particular so appealing?
The story is honestly as benign as most detective stories. In fact, it has a late eighties – early nineties – detective movie feel to it. Two detectives are put on a case where random men with no seeming connection keep dying from shotgun wounds. Frank is a grizzled old alcoholic detective who gets paired up with an excited young rookie for a homicide case. Mike is a by-the-book young cop who doesn’t always appreciate his mentor’s vices or advice. Just as they are beginning to crack the case, fate intervenes, separating the two detectives until the final act of the story. The two cross paths again at the peak of the third act, but unlike similar stories, this one doesn’t end with the warm, fuzzy, happy ending most detective stories leave with. Instead, you are left with a feeling that this is how the story ends in 99% of real-life situations like this one.
The fact that The Gordian Knot feels so much more down-to-earth sets it apart from other books in its genre. The gritty realism of the story, with extra description in just the right spots pulls you into the story in a way which most detective stories can’t. This relatable writing style will hopefully continue to be a hallmark of David O. Thomas in future works. The courage to write real characters and not just characters readers will like is what sets true artists apart from someone with a good idea.
The Gordian Knot proves not every story has to have a happy ending to be good. That isn’t to say that the reader’s heart will be torn out; it’s just not all about the hero getting the girl and riding off into the sunset, which is all too common in detective stories. Instead, readers are left with the genuine urge to know what will become of the characters as the story comes to a close. Hopefully, this isn’t the end of the story for Frank or Mike, but if it is, David O. Thomas has left us with a realistic ending which drums up a lot of emotion and that nagging feeling in the back of our minds that there must be something more to the story. Fast-paced, relentless, and filled with razor-edge suspense, The Gordian Knot delivers a blockbuster reading experience.
