In Andrew Grant's debut novel, EVEN, he introduces David Trevellyan, a black operative in Her Majesty's Royal Navy. Alone in New York, David stumbles upon a crime scene and is soon the number one suspect in a murder. Abandoned by his country, David finds himself pursued by the NYPD, the FBI and someone far more dangerous with even better resources. His only connection to the life he led is Tanya, a lawyer for the Consulate, who risks her career and life to help him find the truth and clear his name.

Grant's writing is uneven and often strained. However, the pacing -- especially in the first half of the book -- is swift and keeps your attention. The narrative slows through the middle of the novel, but picks up pace and intensity near the end. Depictions of graphic torture may be difficult for some to read and do little to advance the plot. Grant, brother of thriller writer Lee Child, shows promise in this first book and I would be willing to read future installments in the David Trevellyan series.