Step into the shadowy streets of Montreal with the Vigilante series, where crime thrillers pulse with gritty action and moral dilemmas! Written by Canadian author Claude Bouchard, this captivating saga follows Lieutenant Dave McCall and computer whiz Chris Barry as they chase a cunning vigilante who delivers justice to the city’s worst criminals. With twists that keep you guessing and characters you can’t help but root for, Vigilante is a must-read for thriller fans craving a fresh take on justice.
From its debut in 2009, the series has hooked readers with its fast-paced plots and exploration of right versus wrong, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Montreal. Ready to dive into a world where the line between hero and villain blurs? Let’s explore the heart of Vigilante!
How Vigilante Began
Claude Bouchard, a Montreal native, kicked off the Vigilante series with his debut novel in 2009, inspired by real-world frustrations with justice systems. Sparked by events like the O.J. Simpson trial, Bouchard wondered what happens when the guilty walk free. This led to the creation of a vigilante who takes matters into his own hands, hunting down criminals in Montreal’s dark alleys. Initially written in 1995, Bouchard’s first three novels sat dormant until he polished and published them, launching a series that now spans over a dozen books.
A former human resources manager, Bouchard traded corporate life for writing, infusing his stories with a keen sense of human nature and moral complexity. His love for Montreal shines through, making the city a vivid character in its own right.
The Heart of Vigilante
The series kicks off with Vigilante (2009), set in the sweltering summer of 1996. A mysterious killer, dubbed the Vigilante, targets murderers, rapists, and gangbangers, leaving Lieutenant Dave McCall scrambling to catch him. McCall enlists Chris Barry, a tech-savvy security expert, to decode the killer’s taunting emails, sparking a thrilling cat-and-mouse game. The Consultant (2010) follows Barry as he joins a clandestine agency, tackling drug lords and kidnappers while hiding secrets from McCall.
Mind Games (2010) dives into a string of brutal sex slayings, with McCall and Barry racing to stop a twisted killer, while The Homeless Killer (2011) sees them confront a murderer targeting Montreal’s street people. Each book blends gritty action with moral ambiguity, asking whether the Vigilante’s justice is heroic or reckless. Bouchard’s style is lean and cinematic, with plots full of red herrings and cliffhangers that keep readers hooked. Montreal’s diverse neighborhoods, from gritty downtown to quiet suburbs, ground the series in a vivid sense of place.
Themes of vengeance, loyalty, and the cost of justice run deep. Chris Barry, with his sharp mind and hidden past, embodies the series’ core question: can justice exist outside the law? Fans love the dynamic between Barry and McCall, whose friendship is tested by secrets and high-stakes cases.
Why Vigilante Resonates
Vigilante stands out in the crime thriller genre for its unflinching look at moral gray areas. Readers are drawn to its relatable characters and the way it taps into universal frustrations with unpunished crime. The series has earned praise for its addictive pacing and clever twists, with fans on Goodreads calling it “impossible to put down.” Its Montreal setting adds a unique flavor, distinct from typical American or British thrillers, while Bouchard’s knack for blending action with ethical debates keeps the series fresh.
Though not a household name, Vigilante has built a loyal following, with each book climbing Kindle bestseller lists in vigilante justice. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to make you cheer for the underdog—whether it’s McCall, Barry, or even the Vigilante himself.
- First published: 2009
- Number of books: 16+
- Setting: Montreal, Canada
- Genre: Crime thriller
Grab Vigilante today and plunge into Montreal’s thrilling underworld, where justice is never black-and-white!