Sunday, April 18, 2010

In Harm's Way

I just finished a great new book, and I'm scratching my head how I missed the first two! Irene Hannon wraps up her Heroes of Quantico series with the release of In Harm's Way. While it is a series, each book stands alone as it tells the story of a different character. Events from the first two books might be referred to in the last, but it's not confusing if you haven't read them. All it did for me was entice me to get them and read them as well!

In Harm’s Way by Irene Hannon
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3312-4
Available April 2010; $14.99

ABOUT THE BOOK (from the publisher):
How can she expect anyone to believe her--when she can hardly believe it herself?

FBI special agent Nick Bradley has seen his share of kooks during his fifteen years with the Bureau. But Rachel Sutton is an enigma. She seems normal when she shows up at his office--until she produces a tattered Raggedy Ann doll and tells him about a strange feeling of terror it gives her when she touches it. Nick dismisses her, only to stumble across a link between the doll and an abducted child, setting in motion a chain of events that uncovers startling connections--and puts Rachel's life on the line.

Filled with palpable suspense and heartwarming romance, In Harm's Way is the final installment of the thrilling Heroes of Quantico series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including Against All Odds and An Eye for an Eye. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, and the Reviewer's Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine.

For more information about Irene and her books, visit her website at www.irenehannon.com.

MY THOUGHTS:
This is a wonderfully suspenseful story. I'm a bit like the FBI and even Rachel herself as I wasn't sure what to think about the validity of Rachel's terror when she discovers and touches the doll. The unknown reason for her discomfort adds to the mystery of the abducted baby. I liked how Nick was portrayed, including his faith and his integrity when he realizes the conflict of interest presented his involvement with Rachel. There are a couple of mild frustrations I have with the book; attention to details is the difference between good and great. For one, the age of the abducted child is inconsistently portrayed. Sometimes she's referred to as a toddler, and the description of pictures fits this age range. Other instances indicate a baby who is 9 months old and who is still carried in a baby car seat. I don't know if the age was changed and not all of the corrections made it into the book, or if this was inconsistent from the beginning. I'm surprised an editor didn't pick up on that. The other issue, which occurs just once but is totally unnecessary, is one of the characters taking God's name in vain. While I have defended some books with questionable language when it fits the non-believing character, in this instance it seemed completely superfluous to the story. The author does follow the exclamation with the statement that "Mark's soft, shocked comment was half exclamation, half prayer." (p. 139) But while I certainly hear worse in the grocery store, I felt the language was unnecessary for this Christian novel and that another exclamation would have been just as effective.

In spite of these issues, however, I did enjoy the book and recommend it for those who enjoy a suspenseful mystery infused with romance, hope, and faith.



You can purchase this book directly from the publisher, from Amazon or your favorite bookstore.



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