The Shimmer by David Morrell

Title: The Shimmer
Author: David Morrell
Publisher: Vanguard Press
Source: FSB Associates in exchange for a review

Book Cover of The Shimmer

Creator of Rambo and the co-founder of the International Thriller Writers organization, David Morrell has been called “the father of the modern action novel.” Now this award-winning, New York Times bestselling author delivers The Shimmer, a novel of chilling impact.

When police officer Dan Page’s wife disappears, her trail leads to Rostov, a remote Texas town where unexplained phenomena attract hundreds of spectators each night. Not merely curious, these onlookers are compelled to reach this tiny community and gaze at the mysterious Rostov Lights.

But more than the faithful are drawn there. A gunman begins shooting at the lights, screaming “Go back to hell where you came from!” then turns his rifle on the innocent bystanders. As more and more people are drawn to the scene of the massacre, the stage is set for even greater bloodshed.

To save his wife, Page must solve the mystery of the Rostov Lights. In the process, he uncovers a deadly government secret dating back to the First World War. The lights are more dangerous than anyone ever imagined, but even more deadly are those who try to exploit forces beyond their control.

With The Shimmer, David Morrell takes readers on a brilliant, terrifying journey. Suspenseful, yet thought-provoking, it is the master at his very best.

Before reading The Shimmer I’d never heard of David Morrell although he’s most famous for creating the character, John Rambo. I suppose this is one case where the author has been eclipsed by the creation.

The lights in Rostov, Texas are based on similar lights in Marfa, Texas (someplace I’d like to visit). I liked how he took a remote, yet known place, as the setting for the book and turned it into somewhere else. The story is well plotted. It’s difficult to pin it down as a political thriller or science fiction so it’s best not to even try. Overall I found it solidly written and a worthwhile vacation read.

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