Alex Kava’s “A Necessary Evil” plunges FBI profiler Maggie O’Dell into a moral quagmire as she hunts a killer targeting priests. A disturbing online role-playing game for victims of abuse by authority figures, including Catholic priests, surfaces as a potential lead. As ritualistic killings terrorize America’s heartland, Maggie confronts a shocking revelation: Father Michael Keller, the elusive child killer who has haunted her for years, becomes a target himself.
Keller, now poisoned, offers Maggie crucial evidence in exchange for an antidote, forcing her into an unholy alliance with the man she despises. This perilous bargain forms the core of “A Necessary Evil,” exploring the theme of whether collaborating with evil can be justified in pursuit of justice. Maggie must navigate a treacherous world of malevolence, grappling with the question: is this alliance a necessary evil?
Kava masterfully weaves together multiple storylines in “A Necessary Evil.” Alongside the priest murders, Maggie investigates the killings of young women. The return of characters like Nick Morrelli, and themes of child abuse reminiscent of Kava’s earlier work, enrich the narrative. The suspense escalates as Maggie’s friend, Gwen, receives cryptic clues from the killer. The complexity of the case deepens as it becomes clear that more than one perpetrator may be involved.
The online game, with its invitation-only access and simulated killings, adds a chilling dimension to the plot. Participants, all victims of abuse, are invited to virtually kill their abusers. However, the line between fantasy and reality blurs as those nominated in the game begin to die at the hands of a mysterious figure known as “The Sin Eater.”
Maggie’s forced alliance with Father Keller presents a moral dilemma. Is collaborating with a known child killer justifiable to catch another murderer? “A Necessary Evil” doesn’t offer easy answers, forcing readers to confront the uncomfortable realities of justice and compromise. The novel’s conclusion leaves a lingering question: are some murders justifiable, blurring the lines between good and evil? Kava’s exploration of these themes elevates “A Necessary Evil” beyond a typical thriller, delving into the depths of human morality and the complexities of seeking justice.
