Vicious Circle

 Vicious Circle by Wilbur Smith is the second of a three-book series regarding his protagonist, Hector Cross. Recently, I favorably reviewed the first book, Those in Peril. We quickly learn in this second book that not only has his step-daughter Cayla been murdered by the evil forces with which Hector had contended in the first book, but also Cayla’s mother, his wife, Hazel Bannock was murdered. Hazel is quite the remarkable woman in all regards. We learn much more about the death of her husband, oil baron Henry Bannock from whom she inherited billions and his significant net worth. The story dives deeply in the Bannock family history to help understand the horrible tragedies to which Hector was subjected. Importantly, more details about Henry’s death are revealed.

 

The plot is just as intense and fast paced as the first book. However, I must say that this is probably the darkest story that I’ve ever read with regard to human cruelty, torture, perversion, sexual trauma and hate. So, be forewarned about that if you choose to pick up this book. I need not write more except that I probably will eventually get to reading the third book in this series, entitled Predator. However, I need a break from the depravity before I get to that.