The Backup Men

by Ross Thomas

First published 1984

McCorkle takes what seems like straightforward security work when siblings Wanda and Walter approach him with a job. They need protection for an Arab prince who has drawn the attention of the world's most skilled assassin. McCorkle agrees to help shield their client from this lethal threat. The assignment turns deadly when Walter ends up murdered, leaving McCorkle and Wanda to face the danger alone. Now McCorkle must figure out whether Walter's death connects to the prince's situation or signals something more complex. With a master killer still hunting their client and Walter's murder unsolved, McCorkle finds himself caught between protecting the prince and uncovering the truth about his employer's death. The stakes climb higher as McCorkle realizes the simple bodyguard job has become a deadly puzzle where the wrong move could cost more lives.

Genres: adventure, mystery, crime, thriller, action

Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking

Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family

221 pages · Paperback · Perennial Library

Content warnings: murder, violence

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