Gun Machine is an intriguing crime thriller that may just make you think twice about taking to the streets in an unfamiliar city. Written by Warren Ellis, the novel follows Detective John Tallow as he discovers a long-forgotten gun warehouse in New York City. A mysterious force compels him to delve into the secret that lies within, and what he finds is horrifying.
At the heart of the novel is Detective Tallow, a jaded and world-weary loner who was recently relocated from London. After arriving in NYC, he is immediately drawn to a derelict old warehouse that stands out from the city’s landscape. Inside, he finds hundreds of guns piled up in a seemingly infinite archive. With his partner Bishop, the two are able to piece together the twisted story behind the incredible find.
What follows is a fast-paced and gripping tale of murder and intrigue, as Tallow and Bishop must use their detective skills to unveil the truth. With odds rapidly stacking against them, their investigation soon takes them through the dark side of the city – from dealing with mobsters to the lesser-known workings of organized crime. Along the way, they learn that the warehouse holds secrets that go much deeper than anyone would expect.
The novel goes beyond the typical crime thriller, as Ellis explores themes of morality, justice, and humankind’s capacity for true evil. Characters ranging from a government assassin to the owner of a notorious nightclub are intricately woven together to create a world that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. While doing his best to stay alive, Tallow must confront his own preconceived notions and painful memories from his past.
Ellis has a knack for creating compelling characters that bring the story to life, and Tallow is no exception. His moral ambiguity and haunted past are explored in poignant detail, and readers are eager to see how he will grapple with the choices he must make. Ultimately, the novel presents a complex portrait of a law enforcement officer struggling to serve justice while still holding onto his own humanity.
Gun Machine is an adrenaline-filled and ultimately satisfying read, one that will draw you in and keep you enthralled until the very last page. As the stakes increase and the pieces fall into place, Warren Ellis delivers a fresh and complex take on the crime narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. With its carefully crafted characters and layered plot, Gun Machine is sure to appeal to readers of all tastes.
