Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.

I live in a neighborhood that has anarchists.  Granted, my philosophy is different, and I don’t quite understand why an anarchist would always have the most up to date computer, but hey, they seem pretty nice even if they smell of pot much of the time.

                That’s my view of anarchists, who are usually squatters in my neck of the woods.

                Needless to say, those types of Anarchists are not the ones that Merriman is writing about.  Merriman’s history is about the bandits that committed crimes during pre-WWI France, but it is also about the anarchist movement in France at the time.

                Merriman opens his book with the holdup of the Société Générale.  This is the Bonnot Gang.  Of course, like most criminal’s people who were not involved with the crime spree where caught in the net.  It is two of these – Victor Kibaltchiche and Riette Maitrejean.

                Merriman takes him time in laying the foundation for the action.  He provides more detail of the Belle Époque period, showing the trends and political movements that gave rise to the Anarchist movement as well as the various threads of that movement – illegal activity vs philosophy.

                For that is what sometimes gets lost in a discussion of anarchists, at least in the media.  They become simply bomb throwing, gun shooting radicals who populate the media.  Merriman’s book illustrates that in some cases it was a life style, including vegetarianism and foregoing of items such alcohol and salt.

                Maitrejean and Kibaltchiche are at the heart of the story, for they seemed to have known everyone, and part of the drama of the story is the dragnet that captures are in its wake, regardless of involvement or not.  It is their fate and the fate of their family that moves the story forward.  Merriman’s prose is invigorating enough to carry the reader along.  There are also little details, such as the horror of balsamic vinegar that actually illustrate the dedication to the cause. Honesty, you must strongly believe in something if you are willing to give up such a wonderful thing.   Such small details actually make the history more interesting and in some ways more real.

                Considering the current political climate, the book might be timelier than intended.  It is also to Merriman’s credit that he does not romanticize the Illegalistes.  Despite the title the book isn’t one of the romantic retellings of an outlaw life.  In many ways, while the reader does end up feeing some sympathy for the bandits, or at least a few of them, the cost to others not involved in the Illegalistes is not ignored.  This is done by the not only the use of outsiders but also by showcasing the debates within the movement itself.

Newly trained and ready to rock her first assignment, Gwynn Reznick is about to go undercover for the first time. She will investigate one of the highly private companies who call on Ruben Dordi’s Investigation Group. Ruben is the boss—and he also happens to be Gwynn’s boyfriend.

When Ruben gives Gwynn her assignment—to pose as an accountant for the Prudell Energy Company—Gwynn resists asking exactly what she’s supposed to be investigating. She knows Ruben has his reasons—she’s just not sure why they require her to go two months without even a hint as to why she’s there.

But things change quickly when Gwynn witnesses the death of a Prudell employee. It’s made to look like an accident, but when Gwynn learns that another employee died just before she arrived, it seems like a little too much of a coincidence.

When the CFO tells Gwynn about missing project files and data that just doesn’t add up, Gwynn finds herself suddenly in over her head. Will she be able to maintain her cover, follow Ruben’s orders, and get to the bottom of the mystery? Or will the killers get to Gwynn before she cracks the case?

Review 5*

This is the second book in the Gwynn Reznick series. I loved it!

Gwynn Reznick is a wonderful character. I really liked her when I first met her in The Cost Of Crude. However, I still wanted to shake some sense into her when she took unnecessary risks. I'm surprised that Ruben's temper didn't flare more often at her recklessness. But, saying that, she is quite resourceful and thinks quickly on her feet when in stressful situations.

Having read a couple of other books by this author, I couldn't wait to read this one. I started to read and didn't put it down until I reached the end. The action starts right from the beginning and doesn't let up. There are several surprising twists full of danger and excitement. This is a fast paced roller coaster ride of suspense, mystery and action. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat during certain scenes. The story is told through mostly Gwynn's point of view, but a few other characters have their view shown too, especially Ruben and Holly.
It was nice meeting some of the members of Ruben's team again. I liked Holly, who certainly got the town talking! However, don't underestimate her, she's extremely deadly to boot! It did disappoint me that Ruben was not as prominent in this story, but I can understand why he wasn't.
I loved the way Gwynn has grown as an investigator, but she still has a lot to learn and I hope to find out what she has learnt in the next installment of the series.

Inge-Lise Goss has written an intriguing thriller full of danger, mystery and suspense. This is the third book I have read by this author, and I find her writing greatly improved compared to her first book. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow of the story was wonderful. I am now looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.

Due to some violence, although not too graphic, I do not recommend this book to younger readers. However, I highly recommend this book if you love thrillers full of mystery, suspense, danger, action, adventure and romance. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I would definitely recommend you read The Cost of Crude first. - Lynn Worton

“Cisco Bandits: A Gwynn Reznick Novel” by Inge-Lise Goss is a gripping thriller with a well-chosen heroine. Gwynn thinks fast on her feet and although new to her job as investigator she is resourceful and works her way through the investigation nicely. The plot throws a few surprises, always keeps you on your toes and the suspense is held throughout. Murder, blackmail, deceit and romance are some of the great ingredients in the mix. An excellent start to a promising series with a great heroine. Hugely enjoyable.