The Bystander

 The Bystander is what I’m going to call an investigative-journalism thriller. I’m not sure that is a genre per se, but it aptly describes the book.

The story starts with Pete, the narrator and protagonist, explaining to the audience how modern journalism works. It’s a bit of a twist of the classic American opening, where the narrator introduces themselves to the reader, with Pete instead explaining the state of his profession, which, in a sense, is not good. Journalism now is scaled back with one person doing the work of a small team.

The story takes a turn in the first chapter. The would-be regular and perhaps dull (at least to me) reporting on a sporting event takes a dark turn when an armed man fires a gun into the air. The crowd turns to chaos when a bystander draws a gun and then shoots and kills the active shooter. Pete captures it all on video, turning him and the bystander into instant celebrities. But not all is as it seems. The book takes a fast-paced ride as Pete seeks the truth. 

The book also highlights some real issues in our society. The book discusses the quality of healthcare provided to veterans, particularly the lack thereof. The book also provides good context where needed, like mentioning that only 3% of active shooters are actually killed by an armed bystander.

Interspersed in the narrative is also a story of Pete’s love life. Will he finally go on a date with the gorgeous Rebecca? Rebecca’s introduction to the book is rather noteworthy: “... there stood Rebecca Dawes, rocking the full police uniform, standing about five foot five with a slim, athletic build and olive skin. Her straight dark brown hair was in a ponytail and her piercing expressive brown eyes bore into me. Be still my heart.” I thought it was a fabulous description and helps us both see Rebecca and also understand Pete. In addition to Rebecca, there is another love interest: Denise. Things get off to a rocky start when Pete's coworker picks him up and Denise overhears the coworker asking him if it was Rebecca sleeping over.

Pete has other explanations with vivid descriptions. He goes on about the perfect glass of beer as well as his constant struggle with carbohydrates. Pete also talks about the best fried chicken place, Dixie Chicken. I guess I’m detecting another theme here.

In any case, the entourage of characters is very compelling. Each character stands on their own and is well-written. The plot is intriguing and shifty, as everything is not what it seems. The book is an amazing thriller, and the other elements (i.e., the romance) are equally well rewritten and compelling. The book is fast-paced and enjoyable. The narrative style is approachable, and overall, the book just works.

Length: 284 pages

Perspective: first person

Tense: past

Kindle Unlimited: No

https://www.amazon.com/Bystander-Novel-Lemaster-Files-Book-ebook/dp/B0F1568GBY