Walking Dead begins in Kobuleti where Atticus and Alena are cautiously but happily living and Alena is rehabbing from serious injuries to her leg. However, even in this tiny, remote village violence finds them when their closest neighbor Bakhar Lagidze, his wife and young son are brutally attacked and murdered. Their fourteen year old daughter, Tiasa, who is being taught ballet by Alena, is kidnapped.

Disregarding Alena's advice, and that of the local authorities who are calling it a murder/suicide, Atticus goes searching for Tiasa only to learn that Lagidze trafficked in slavery and sold out his colleagues which was the reason for the brutal attack. He also learns that Tiasa has been sold to pay her father's debt. He follows the trail to Dubai but still cannot find Tiasa. When the men he is chasing burn Atticus and Alena's home to the ground, Atticus is warned by the local police inspector that he is "Walking Dead" -- the sex traffickers will avenge his interference.

Fortunately, Alena is able to escape the fire and Atticus enlists the help of private detective (and his former lover) Bridgett Logan to protect Alena while he flies off to Amsterdam and then Las Vegas to continue his search for Tiasa. There are some surprises at the conclusion well worth the read.  

Greg Rucka has delivered another five star novel with non-stop, brutal action. Atticus Kodiak has evolved over the years. To really appreciate the character growth it would be most helpful to read all of the previous books.  Written in classic Rucka first-person narrative with clear, concise prose that is not overly descriptive, Rucka has become a skilled writer who holds the reader's attention with global action, a timely plot and a protagonist who is both a stone cold killer and a man with a conscience.

--Jerry Solot