In blacklight, the real second book in the trilogy Swagger (Dirty White Boys, Although Stephen Hunter claims it is, is not part of the Swagger trilogy- it is only part of the Swagger universe) if victim to the middle child status, but rightfully way. Like many trilogies, the second installment is Oft subpar and serves as a bridge between Merely the original and exciting high concept opening and sets up to exciting climax for the end of the trilogy. Still, blacklight is clever in spots, reading like a good murder mystery, even though the denouement is a bit predictable. It does not depend as heavily on firearms as its predecessor, Point of Impact, and Bob Lee Swagger's character is allowed to develop naturally. He's looser, more prone to joke, but still keeps his trademark irascibility and taciturnity. In blacklight, Swagger begins to investigate the circumstances surrounding his father's death 40 years before. He is joined by some Holden Caulfield-type character who almost has no place in the novel. Personally, I feel thatthis kid, Whose father, in DIRTY WHITE BOYS, had killed the son of the man accused of killing Swagger's father, would've been better employed Merely as a Catalyst to get Swagger in action, then gracefully disappearing. Still, as with TIME TO HUNT (the close of the Swagger trilogy), Hunter Switches Back and Forth in timeframes rather adroitly in Tarantino fashion, delineating the chain of events for us. There is one particularly violent gun battle and a heart-stopping duel sniper's toward the end of the book. All in all, a not very satisfying read, but Hunter's talent and professionalism nudges it into the realm of competent novels.
