After reading (and LOVING) Bad Elephant Far Stream, I immediately checked to see if Hawley has written anything similar. Sadly, he hasn’t published any other historical fiction novels, so I picked up Homeowner With a Gun: A Thriller.
When Jeff discovers late-night intruders in his home, he does what he has to do to protect his family. (It’s chilling just how realistic this scenario is.) The safety of Jeff’s family is compromised further when it is revealed that the intruders were members of a dangerous gang known as ‘Ain’t No Game. It turns out that ANG wants revenge, leading to an event that sets Jeff on a mission to do what the police can’t: prevent the gang from harming his family again.
In addition to Jeff’s side of the story, I-Man’s side is told as well. I-Man is a recently paroled, former member of ANG and the only person who knows why his gang friends were in Jeff’s house that night. While revenge is plotted, I-Man is busy trying to keep what he knows hidden from ANG’s leader. He is also trying to figure out a way to retrieve what his murdered friends were looking for.
Hawley seamlessly weaves back and forth between Jeff and I-Man throughout the story, expertly adding suspense along the way. I actually caught myself holding my breath a few times.
While this book was spun together just as well as Bad Elephant Far Stream, it didn’t tug at my heartstrings nearly as much. However, it was a satisfying thriller that kept me turning the pages. Hawley deserves praise for being such a versatile writer. I look forward to more from him, regardless of the genre.
K. J. Farnham 