The Rook by Steven James

 (The Patrick Bowers Files #2)

496 pages / 14 hrs, 45 mins

"An arsonist has struck a top-secret research facility at a key US naval base. But it's not just a random terrorist attack. These people were after something specific. When Special Agent Patrick Bowers is called in to investigate, he is drawn into a deadly web of intrigue and deception. With his own criminology research being turned against him and one of the world's most deadly devices missing, Bowers is caught up in a race against time to stop an international assassin before it's too late."  --from the publisher

I liked this one a little better than the first. It's a solid story with decent character development. Three out of five stars from me.

The Pawn by Steven James

 (The Patrick Bowers Files #1)

427 pages / 13 hrs, 6 mins

"Special Agent Patrick Bowers had only met one man who made him truly afraid. Until now. When he's called to North Carolina to consult on the case of an area serial killer, he finds himself in a deadly game. Cunning and lethal, the killer is always one step ahead of the law, and he's about to strike again.

"It will take all of Bowers's instincts and training to stop this man who calls himself the Illusionist. And just when the pieces start to come together, Bowers realizes they're not quite adding up. Can he unravel the pattern and save the next victim? Or will the Illusionist win the game by taking one of his opponent's pieces?" --from the publisher

It was good, but somewhat disjointed for me. There were a lot of characters, and the relationship between Bowers and his stepdaughter was not well developed, in my opinion. I'll definitely try the next in the series, though. I give it 3.5 stars out of 5.