Steve Hamilton’s modern noir novel, as the title suggests, is centred on Nick Mason. His first life went royally wrong when he was put away for 25 years for felony homicide. But, guess what, he’s free! A Chicago crime lord has sprung him from jail after five inside. But, guess what… now he’s virtually owned by Darius Cole, and Cole wants him to kill people. As the killings he’s sent on get more and more difficult, Mason’s second life gets harder and harder until… well, read it to find out, but we will say this: it’s hardboiled to the core! Read the full review here.