Edwin J. Sprague's The Point Guard is based on an intriguing premise. Protagonist Mike Lane's wife was killed in a gang initiation drive-by shooting, but the three teens involved received more of a slap on the wrist than a suitable sentence. As a result, Lane creates a mindblowing document, The Point Guard, that would revolutionize the criminal justice system.

The Point Guard plan is based on a system similar to that used for motor vehicle misdemeanors in Pennsylvania and many other states. Convictions are awarded a certain number of points based on the crime's severity, thereby eliminating injustices in the penal system.

After Lane, an accountant, creates The Point Guard, he takes it to his client, Senator Jeff Wheatly, in the hopes of bringing it to fruition. Thus begins the heart of the book, a political thriller based on greed, power and hoodwinking. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the politicians in the novel are the adversaries, particularly Wheatly. Sprague depicts them as ruthless individuals, not above conspiracy and murder in order to further their agenda - to implement the Point Guard plan while appropriating credit for its creation.

The Point Guard takes place in both Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, Sprague's hometown. It involves numerous factions, including the CIA, the Secret Service, the Senate Ethics Committee and the Philadelphia Police Department.

It's a fast-paced book, rarely pausing for a breather, and some of the violence in it is so desperate and cold-hearted, it is difficult to read. Sprague's depiction of political figures veers on cynical, and it is actually frightening to consider that the conspiracy and immorality in the novel may actually exist - although hopefully to a lesser extent. The Point Guard is a quick read, with plenty of twists and turns. The ending comes suddenly and is somewhat ambiguous; it's difficult to determine whether Sprague is leaving room for a sequel or wants readers to come to their own conclusions.

Sprague has an easy-to-read style and tends to rely on conversation to keep the plot moving. He is heavy on the descriptors, though, down to the most minute details. But it's an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. In fact, one of the first and biggest questions it brings up is how Sprague came up with the idea of the Point Guard plan in the first place.

- Ashley

Read PCM's interview with author Edwin J. Sprague, as well!