The Multima Saga: Unrelenting Peril

Power, betrayal, and crime collide again in Gary D. McGugan’s Unrelenting Peril. It’s the dawn of a new era at Multima Corporation as McGugan kicks off the third installment in his corporate drama series with a changing of the guard. Suzanne Simpson is now in the corner office, and her ailing father, former CEO John George Mortimer, has moved into the position of advisor and Chair of the board. Despite being new to her role, Suzanne isn’t treading lightly. Instead, she’s jumping into her next chapter with both feet as she explores opportunities to expand Multima’s supermarket business—likely through a merger or acquisition—at home or abroad.

While it’s clear she’ll turn to friends and trusted advisors to guide her, verify her judgement, and offer support, anyone who thinks the tone of the books may soften with a female leading the charge is sorely mistaken. If anything, the Multima story takes a darker, more violent turn as the baton of power passes, and increasing parts of the story focus on the seedy underworld of kingpins and mob bosses. McGugan’s ability to blend corporate drama with criminal suspense is second to none.

Since the first book in the saga, updates on members of The Organization—a powerful North American crime syndicate—have kept readers hooked. This time around, these characters step into the spotlight, moving from guest stars to series regulars. McGugan takes his focus on organized crime to a global scale, introducing a gripping new cast of ruthless characters in Asia. With its Godfather-esque atmosphere and high-stakes tension, Unrelenting Peril is impossible to put down, leaving readers wondering if you can expect a visit to Italy and the Mafia in the fourth installment.

While the increase in violence does deviate slightly from the style of his previous books, McGugan is also consistent about many things. He continues to take readers inside the minds of his core characters, showcasing their motives, innermost thoughts, and, in many cases, their cold-hearted calculations. Despite being a work of fiction, there are times when it feels as if McGugan is offering a real-life, behind-the-scenes glimpse into how some less legitimate business decisions (and transactions) come to fruition—which is equal parts terrifying and enthralling.

Blackmail, backstabbing, and body bags are just a few of the ingredients in this latest recipe for an edge-of-your seat thriller you won’t want to miss. Gripping from start to finish—just as both predecessors have been—McGugan scores a hat-trick with Unrelenting Peril.

—CANREADS BOOK REVIEW

Purchase The Multima Saga: Unrelenting Peril at major retailers

www.garydmcguganbooks.com