SLEEPING WITH STRANGERS
Eric Jerome Dickey
Dutton
Fiction
ISBN-10: 0525949992
ISBN-13: 9780525949992

SLEEPING WITH STRANGERS is a departure for Eric Jerome Dickey, as most of the novel is set in England. Usually his books have an urban feel to it, often taking place in Southern California but also switching to other big cities such as New York. Characters from previous novels do show up (a Dickey trademark); in this one the standout familiar character is "Arizona," who plays a role in the life of Gideon, a contract killer.

Gideon has just murdered a famous rap singer in Florida for a fee and has fled to London because he knows things can get ugly soon. What he doesn't know (yet) is that there is now a hit on HIM. The story of Gideon's life as a professional hit man starts with the introductory chapter, in which the reader becomes acquainted with Gideon while he is on the verge of killing a highly prominent evangelist. The scene is detailed, gritty and filled with tension, and the dialogue between Gideon and the minister is fast-paced and sharp.

There are two very important women in Gideon's life: Thelma, who he loathes with a passion and remains a mystery for a good portion of the book, and Arizona, who he feels is the love of his life. Gideon "picks" his name after the minister lay dying on the floor, and as he looks at the Bible next to the man, the contract killer whispers "Gideon."

"The reverend was right. Every man needed a name.

People needed to know who to praise.

Or who to fear.

Gideon.

My name would be Gideon."

Fast forward to Gideon on an airplane headed for London. He is contemplating his latest kill (the rap singer Big Bad Wolf) and is surrounded by passengers who stand out for one reason or another. He doesn't know who to trust or who to fear. One is an overly chatty young actress, anxious to meet up with her boyfriend, who is in the London version of "Rent." Another is the opposite in temperament --- quiet, mature, in tears and dressed in black --- and Gideon is attracted to her, although he can't block out the young actress from his mind.

Also on board is a mysterious man with a broken nose who seems to exist mostly in the background. As the story progresses, however, the reader will realize the important role he plays where Gideon is concerned. Their lives almost parallel one another, as both men are in the same line of work. But what motivates each of them is quite different. The man with the broken nose wants to prove he's as good as his father, whereas Gideon feels that this is what he was taught to do from an early age --- though he blames it all on the woman who "helped" him get to where he is today.

What surprised me about this book is the amount of depth given to the character of Gideon. He could have remained a one-dimensional killer, whose sole purpose is to create action and tension in the novel. But there is a lot more to him as the reader will learn. This is his journey from his days as a child living in a broken home, to his screwed-up marriage and children, to his career as a hit man and his reasons for becoming one.

SLEEPING WITH STRANGERS is the first of a two-part novel for Dickey. The second, WAKING WITH ENEMIES, releases in August 2007, and I'm eagerly waiting for it. Both books are stand-alones, but those who read SLEEPING WITH STRANGERS are going to want to pick up WAKING WITH ENEMIES.

   --- Reviewed by Marie Hashima Lofton (Ratmammy@lofton.org)

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