A Review of Snake Skin: A Lucy Guardino FBI Thriller

For any fan of thrillers there is CJ Lyons' Snake Skin: A Lucy Guardino FBI Thriller. This is the start of a series, and this is wonderful, as it does leave one wanting more books. Right from the cover, the reader gets a feel for the kind of tale beyond that coiled snake and stark, red lettering. A good choice. As an artist, I fully appreciate the choices made behind that cover.

Lyon's sense of character is dramatic. From the very first sentence until the very last page, we know these characters as complex individuals. With biting nails and slouching bodies, we quickly delve into the characters and how they interact with one another. Even the bits of characterization one would lump into flaws or turn into a trait only a villain or a victim could have become instead decidedly human. Neither good nor bad, these traits are simply other aspects to well rounded characters. Characters, for me, are the most important part of any story. If I don't feel personally connected to a character, why would I care what happens to him or her?

As much as this is a character driven piece, the story itself is a spell, pulling us without a physical touch through this dramatic rush of a tale. The writing itself has a lot to do with that. For example, we are shown setting right away each time, which allows the reader to sit right in the scene without question. The descriptions used highlight, but do not dwell on each crack or breath. We know what the room looks like at any given point by other little details tucked within the story, as though we are noticing things around us as the characters do themselves. The style of writing allows the story to flow naturally while cramming in a lot of information. We know how everyone holds themselves and what it may mean, both outwardly and deeply into each person. Lucy Guardino herself is a strong personality, but obviously, she is not the only person or concept moving this story along.

Lastly, the use of archetypes, even religious ones, and then tearing them down again creates a moving and surprising piece of literature. I am all for delving into topics that may be considered more taboo, and this was done effortlessly throughout this book. I'm trying not to give anything away with this review, but I will say one more thing. This is a perfect introduction to the character of Lucy Guardino for those who do not know her. Realistic dialogue, a pounding plot, beautiful, vivid descriptions and deep, complicated characters make Snake Skin worth a read... Or several reads.

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