The Diva Review:
I love Robert Crais because he's so versatile within his genre. In addition to his popular Elvis Cole series, Crais has written a number of "stand alone" novels. The Two Minute Rule is one of these. Sometimes, I even enjoy them more than the Elvis Cole stories – gasp! I realize that even thinking such a thing is detective fiction sacrilege, but Elvis and his pat one-liners get on my nerves. That, and his stupid Mickey Mouse phone.
On the surface The Two Minute Rule is a novel of revenge, but quickly becomes about police corruption, a cover up, and a father's lost love for his son who he abandoned. The two minute rule refers to how long you have in a bank to rob it and get out. Makes sense.... But don't try it at home.
A career criminal, Max Holman has just been released from a ten year stint in prison for bank robbery. He's finally decided to go straight and is committed to building a relationship with the son he abandoned for a self-absorbed life of crime when the boy was only twelve. In direct opposition to his father, the child grew up to be a respected police officer. Max discovers that on the very day of his release, his son and three other officers were murdered.
Max uses what few resources he has to figure out what really happened to his son and, as of course an ex-con, is not exactly invited in to the investigation. Something doesn't seem right and Max turns to the only person he can think of, the FBI agent who arrested him. Together they discover a conspiracy and cover-up that involves danger, angry police officers and a tremendous amount of yelling.
I enjoyed the book and Crais' development of Max as he struggles to resolve his feelings around his son's death, his freedom and his ability to stay straight.
Definitely a solid read.
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