Stories vary in the degree of effect they have on their readers. Some stories let the reader meander, send them for a swirl and exit the novel unharmed. Other stories sneak up on the reader, knock them down and then help them stand. And then there are the stories that hit the reader hard and fast, keep the reader stumbling to get up and then leave them on wobbly knees.
The novel “Iron House” by John Hart is seated deep within the last category, so consider this the warning label.
“Iron House” opens with Michael, an experienced and lethal killer embedded in a life of organized crime in New York City. However, Michael is in love with a woman named Elena: she is carrying his child and she doesn’t know about the life of crime he’s now trying to escape. The only reason Michael is still alive is because old and withering Otto Katain demanded Michael be left alone.
Upon Otto’s death, authority transfers to his son Stevan, who has no qualms about eliminating both Michael and Elena. Michael drags Elena out of town, prepared to go on the run to keep her safe until a phone call and a new threat from Stevan derails his plans. Soon, Michael finds himself on the doorstep of Senator Vane, wife Abigail Vane and their adopted son Julian—Michael’s younger brother who he hasn’t seen in 23 years.
All of this and a little more is packed within the first four chapters of this 56-chapter novel, so the excitement is only beginning. Hart weaves a masterful story; his characters all have leagues of depth which are immediately apparent.
For example, Michael is an orphan who became a contract killer within organized crime who is now attempting to live clean for the woman he loves. Each and every character has their own twisted background, allowing them to be nestled within this exceedingly complicated story.
Hart’s plotlines are intense works of sculpture as they jump, circle, flip and turn constantly, finally finding a relatively calm resting place on the very last page. Still, outside of the inexplicably human characters and the plotlines that leave readers breathless, Hart manages to make his writing beautiful. He casually places thoughtful and unique descriptions throughout the novel, giving them a subtle but affecting presence.
“Iron House” compiles issues from various walks of life into one thrilling story. The problems that each character faces are seamlessly braided together, causing readers to tingle with anticipation once the threads start to converge. There are a number of differing issues through which a reader is able to connect to this story, including the idea of being an orphan, the danger of organized crime, the undeniable intrigue of murder and the determination to know the truth.
This novel is not one for the faint of heart. In all its honesty, it is brutal and cruel in various ways. Hart doesn’t shelter readers from the realities that his characters must face, so he doesn’t shy from situations and descriptions of violence and depravity. However, Hart also highlights morality, family, honor, love and fighting for all that is held closest to the human heart.
