3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
Night Owl plunges readers into a world of espionage, high-tech sabotage, and international intrigue. The story follows Brad Trasker, a retired counterintelligence agent still reeling from personal loss and disillusionment. He experiences an abrupt shattering of his quiet life when he attends the launch of a groundbreaking aircraft by Kylie Connor, an innovative aerospace CEO. The event takes a deadly turn when the plane explodes, nearly killing Kylie and setting off a chain of mysterious events, including missing data, a vanishing engineer, and a suspicious death.
Mayne keeps the tension high with a mix of forensic detail, advanced technology, and relentless action. As Trasker dives deeper into the mystery, he finds himself in a complex web of conspiracy, unsure of whom to trust, including Kylie herself. With assassins on his tail and an ever-expanding network of enemies, Trasker must navigate a world he’s long been out of to survive.
While the novel delivers a fast-paced and engaging plot filled with twists, it isn’t without its flaws. The ambitious scope and numerous plot threads can feel overwhelming, and the first few pages are perplexing, with a confusing “Time Traveler” reference that might leave some readers scratching their heads. Despite these hiccups, the book provides interesting historical mentions and maintains a brisk pace. If you enjoy thrillers that blend modern technology and old-school detective work, Night Owl might be worth reading. However, for those who prefer a more straightforward narrative, it may prove challenging to stay focused.