Alister Knight and Griffin Knight, dubbed “the Knight Chasers,” are renowned for enforcing justice when the law fails. When Seattle Police Sergeant Valentina Romero dies in a suspicious car accident conveniently dismissed, Alister is tasked with thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Seattle is rife with drug trafficking, dangerous gang wars, corrupt officials, and covert illegal transactions. The Webhead gang is quickly gaining control of Seattle’s dark underground drug dealing after defeating other rival gangs. Alister’s investigation uncovers a web of connections between corrupt police officers, dangerous Webheads, and a web of lies. The path to justice is treacherous and serpentine, but he will not stop until the Webheads are no more and Valentina’s case is solved.

From the get-go, Spider’s Bait, by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr., grips you with its fast-paced action and complex characters. Hernandez does an excellent job setting the scene in the Prologue, where bullets fly, and gang loyalties are tested. Max’s leadership and ruthless tactics come alive, especially in moments that reveal both his strategic mind and his cold-blooded nature. An especially brutal introduction sets the tone for the relentless pace of the book.

One of the strengths of the novel is its character development. Alister Knight, the other protagonist, brings a contrasting perspective to the chaotic world of the Webheads. His moral ambiguity and relentless pursuit of the truth add layers to the narrative. The scene where Alister navigates the Cyberverse to track illicit financial transactions showcases his intelligence and determination, providing a stark contrast to the raw aggression of the gang members. These dual narratives enrich the story, offering readers multiple angles on the central conflict. I do feel the dialogue in some high-tension scenes is less intense where a natural flow is crucial. I am a fan of raw authenticity when it comes to characters’ conversations. I would like to have seen a bit more from some of the exchanges between the hardened criminals. However, this does not take away from Hernandez’s well-crafted and immersive reading experience.

Hernandez’s ability to weave intricate plots and develop compelling characters makes Spider’s Bait a standout read, especially for fans of gritty, action-packed stories. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy intense, fast-paced narratives with a mix of street-level crime and cyber intrigue.

Pages: 120 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CTXVR5RV