Editorial Review: Morrow’s Con: Opening Gambit by Earl James
Morrow goes from working security for a mob boss to planning his first real “job” when presented with the opportunity to steal a priceless painting. However, when everything goes wrong, Morrow finds his odds of success dwindling by the day.
Morrow’s Con introduces the protagonist as a simple man living a spartan lifestyle while working security for a mob boss’ motor pool in Phoenix. However, it soon becomes clear that there is a lot more to Morrow than what meets the eye. Far from being a simple thug, he grew up on the streets under the tutelage of a con man mentor. Working for the mob is just a way for Morrow to pass the time until he can do his first real “job.” This opportunity arises soon enough as Morrow agrees to help a friend steal back a priceless painting for a powerful client. As Morrow is a methodical planner, he is confident he can pull off the job and quickly assemble the perfect team. Unfortunately, the world he operates in is filled with thieves and deceit, which means things quickly go wrong. Undeterred, Morrow continues to try and adapt, but the price of failure could make his first con his last too.
Morrow’s Con is a book that wastes no time getting to the good stuff. While Morrow is undoubtedly the star of the show, he also assembles a ragtag group of accomplices that are hard to dislike. This is not an easy feat considering that they are all criminals. However, it is impossible not to root for Morrow and his team, as they are definitely the underdogs. Earl James is a writer who clearly knows a lot about people, and this really shines through in his characters. They all have believable motivations, and their interactions with each other quickly draw readers into the story. Morrow’s Con also sidesteps the predictable plots and obvious twists that are so prevalent in this genre. It’s hard to convey how cleverly the author resolves some situations without spoilers, but suffice it to say the book is a real page-turner.
Overall, Morrow’s Con is a fantastic read, especially for fans of heist novels and anyone who can appreciate well-rounded characters. The fact that Earl James managed to make a group of characters who are all on the wrong side of the law so likable is a testament to his skills. With plenty of action, lots of scheming, and a healthy dose of humor, Morrow’s Con is an excellent introduction to what promises to be a fantastic series. It’s the type of book that could easily be turned into a Steven Soderbergh film and is an enjoyable read from start to finish.
