Using Article I, Section 8 of the American Constitution as a
launching pad-which section provides the government with the power
to bestow letters of marque to privateers-Steve Berry weaves a
complex, plot-driven thriller that allows him to explore the
present challenges legal intricacies of the past can create while
theorising a story that links together the four presidential
assassinations. The novel revolves around the theme of revenge, as
well as exploring the theme of endings and new beginnings. With his
usual aplomb, Berry has written a novel that titillates the reader
with action, intrigue, and the personal growth of his characters
that leaves the reader satisfied with a good read and the sense of
a job well done.
The most memorable aspect of Berry's novels is his characters. The
Jefferson Key is the seventh in a series of novels following the
protagonist Cotton Malone, as well as a fair cast of reoccurring
characters. The author has a vested interest in his main
characters, who by the seventh book are like close friends to the
reader. This is not, however, solely the result of long exposure,
but brought to fruition through the development and care Berry
shows toward them. One of the particular strengths of Berry's
writing and his character depiction is that the reader does not
need to know what happened before in order to see the characters
walk on the scene of the novel fully formed.
Character development is important to Berry's novels, and creates a
satisfying journey for the reader. The author does an excellent job
of highlighting any previously revealed character traits and
development, repeating just the right amount of backstory every
novel, so that the reader can fully appreciate the characters'
actions and reactions. Such examples include Cotton's dislike of
small, cramped spaces (since childhood) and the number of times he
has had to face this fear, every time getting over it a bit more;
or Stephanie Nelle-Cotton's former boss-who is ever tormented by
loneliness and the tragic loss of her husband and only child. These
character developments-the latter particularly-can tie closely into
the plots of the novels.
The primary themes running through The Jefferson Key are revenge
and endings and beginnings. The novel begins with a bang of
suspense where Cotton is set up (as a result of a personal vendetta
held by a former co-worker, Jonathan Wyatt) in order to avert an
assassination attempt on the President of the United States (a
revenge plot concocted by a group of privateers, called the
Commonwealth). This establishes the main plot whereby Cotton,
Wyatt, and the Commonwealth are all competing on a quest to find
missing Congressional documents legalising the Commonwealth's right
to exist and operate.
The sub-plot of the novel focuses on the internal struggles of the
First Family. The revenge theme is reflected here through the cold
relationship between the President and the First Lady as the result
of a long past tragedy. The theme of endings and beginnings
permeate the sub-plot. It is the end of the President's term and
the end of his marriage, but both he and the First Lady are
involved in secret new relationships. This theme also creeps up in
the other characters as well: Cotton and his girlfriend,
Cassiopeia, explore their new relationship; Stephanie finds an end
to her grief and opens herself up to love again; and Wyatt leaves
behind his vendetta, ready to start his life over. The theme of
revenge provides the entertainment for the reader, while the
endings and beginnings provides some closure for what will be, for
a time at least, the last novel in the Cotton Malone series.
The settings are various locations in the eastern United States
(and one in Canada), which influence the plot because of the topic
of the novel. All of the locations used impart appropriate
atmospheres for the events taking place and characters that reside
there. For instance, the isolated, sea-adjacent compound of the
Commonwealth reminds the reader of a hidden pirates' den, and the
climatic showdown between Cotton and Wyatt amid the wind and
sea-swept ruins of Paw Island evokes the dangerous tension between
opposing forces.
Berry's writing style is concise without being choppy, telling the
reader exactly what is necessary without weighing down the reader
with unnecessary detail. This works well with the thriller genre,
keeping the reader from trying to read faster than the brain can
comprehend. The dialogue suits the situation, either developing
character or providing information, and the shortness of the
chapters, always ending with a cliff-hanger, keep the reader
turning the pages to find out what happens next.
Steve Berry's The Jefferson Key is an exciting and satisfying read,
appealing to both lovers of action and well-developed characters
while keeping the levels of suspense high. This is a definite
page-turner and will be difficult to put down. A highly recommended
read.