Book Review: The Scheduler
The Scheduler: A Howard Watson Intrigue. Joann Fastoff. Self-published, June 15, 2020, Trade Paperback and E-book, 104 pages.
Reviewed by Opal Freeman.
The Scheduler is a well-written book full of suspense, surprises, and excitement. The story reminds me of a rollercoaster ride—ups, downs, turns, but daring. JoAnn Fastoff has created a scenario with developing events while linking a group of people to solve a serial murderer's shootings. I really enjoyed reading the book. I also gained a better understanding of the book's cover with a clock, a rifle, and tennis racket. The sixth novel in the Howard Watson Intrigue series is very entertaining and held my attention as I read page to page, from beginning to end. Fastoff writes with excitement and intensity as she educates the reader in the world of investigation and research in the truest form. She educates the reader by demonstrating in great detail the culture, workmanship, and collaboration of the CIA, FBI, and the military as they all work to solve a serial killer's crimes.
Howard Watson was a participant in a friend and colleague's wedding, which was interrupted when his friend was shot at the ceremony. He is challenged with questions as to why someone would want to shoot his friend. He supports his friend through his recovery and is committed to reaching a conclusion about why the incident occurred. He is respected by his colleagues and friends for his expertise in criminal investigations and solving cases and leads the investigation as an FBI Supervisory Agent.
To properly investigate and solve this shooting, Howard collaborates with colleagues from Criminal Investigative Division (CID), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), military personnel, local police departments, and other resources to facilitate several meetings and distribution of documents highlighting facts relative to the case. This communication is essential to ensure everyone is on the same page. All participants receive assignments with schedules regarding how to proceed. While reviewing what has happened to their CIA colleague, they are notified of four other shootings. The other shootings occurred in Dallas, Chicago, Detroit, and Tempe, Arizona. After receiving this information, they use all resources available to determine what the shooters have in common. All hands are on deck to discover as much as possible about the victims, dead or alive. The story's framework provides the reader with an in-depth history of all participating agencies as they work with efficiency to identify and capture the serial murderer.
The uncertainty and excitement of what will happen next propel the reader to keep reading and turning the pages while staying engaged in the resolution to the unknown shooter's methods. A thorough investigation provides a link to why these five men are targets.
The presentation of each character as they performed their duties clearly demonstrated the knowledge of their jobs, and their individuality, motivation, and commitment to complete the tasks at hand. The author was able to bring the characters to life successfully.
I had fun reading this book, and I recommend this book to other readers who enjoy suspense and excitement.