Going Gone-Sharon Sala

Going Gone

Sharon Sala

Harlequin MIRA, Sep 30 2014, $7.99

ISBN: 9780778316596

In Mexico though still hurting from his confrontations, the retired Stormchaser feels euphoric after he slaughtered the FBI agents pursuing him.  However, his elation turns to rage when he learns his enemies not only survived but are with women he unsuccessfully tried to kill.  This time he targets someone he worked with at disaster relief, Red Cross volunteer Laura Doyle, who survived a plane crash in the Rockies when her fiancé FBI Agent Cameron Winger led a rescue.

The Stormchaser begins a killing spree to get him closer to his intended victim, but uses a different M.O. to conceal he’s back.  However, his setbacks, desperation and injuries lead to mistakes he never made before as the Stormchaser increasingly loses control.

The final Forces Of Nature romantic suspense (see Going Twice) is an exciting thriller as the audience anticipates the confrontation, but not a surprising third party hero.  What makes Going Gone a winner is the mental deterioration of the villain from his Going Once diabolical brilliance.  Sharon Sala provides a taut finish to this engaging trilogy.

Harriet Klausner

A Sudden Light-Garth Stein

A Sudden Light

Garth Stein

Simon & Schuster, Sep 30 2014, $26.95

ISBN: 9781439187036

As he nears his fortieth birthday, Jones Riddell separates from his wife Rachel.  For the first time since his father exiled him after the teenager’s mother Isobel died over two decades ago back in 1967, Jones, accompanied by his fourteen years old son Trevor, heads to his family mansion, Riddell House in Washington State; Trevor arrives for the first time.  Financially strapped Jones and his sister Serena want to sell the estate, but first they must remove their uncooperative father Samuel to a nursing home.  Though he is not mentally what he once was, Samuel refuses to leave his home where generations of Riddell’s have resided since they made a fortune in timber.

Trevor hopes his parents reconcile as he misses having both parents.  Meanwhile, fascinated by the estate and his ancestry, the teen learns about his paternal family when he finds the diary of his late great-Uncle Ben’s lover Harry and of the curse that began with Samuel’s avarice grandfather Elijah.

A Sudden Light is a fascinating family drama that looks closely at several generations of Riddell’s still residing, some as ghosts, in the mansion as told by Trevor assisted by timely spirits’ soliloquys.  Although at times Trevor’s narration seems to mature and accepting for his youth (in spite of a coda explanation) more insight into the hauntings would be welcome. This is an intriguing epic.

Harriet Klausner

Chained By Night- Larissa Ione

Chained By Night

Larissa Ione

Pocket, Sep 30 2014, $7.99

ISBN 9781476700182

In the Seattle area, the ShadowSpawn and MoonBound vampire clans have been at each other’s throats for centuries; as each possesses polar opposite philosophies of life.  However, recently the respective leaders agreed to a marriage of convenience pact.  MoonBound chieftain Hunter will wed the ShadowSpawn leader Kar’s daughter Rasha in exchange to the latter returning the captive wife of a member of the former’s clan (see Bound by Night) and other peaceful considerations.

Though he detests what he must do as he knows of the brutal reputation of his fiancée, her father and her clan adhering to the vicious Way of the Raven, stoic Hunter accepts an eternity with her.  That is until he meets her gentle rejected twin Aylin; his heart knows who he should be engaged too.  Soon afterward, Rasha refuses to join her future mate on a trial quest, but Aylin offers to go.  As the couple fall in love, each realizes that a marriage between them means a return to the clans’ hostilities that remain boiling just below the surface.

The second Moonbound Clan Vampires paranormal romance (see Bound by Night) is a fabulous action-packed star-crossed urban fantasy.  The diversity between how the two clans survive amidst the humans makes for an intriguing drama as readers will accept the existence of vampires in the Pacific Northwest.  Additionally there is also a terrific forbidden love story.

• Harriet Klausner

The Promise-Beth Wiseman

The Promise

Beth Wiseman

Thomas Nelson, Sep 30 2014, $15.99

ISBN 9781401685959

Teen cousins Mallory and Kelsey were more like sisters ever since they were born three days apart.  However, Kels is dying and in desperate need of a kidney transplant.  Extensive tests prove Mallory is the only match and she plans to donate a kidney to save the life of her BFF.

A dozen years later to fulfill a vow she made to her late cousin, Mallory informs her parents and her boyfriend Tate that she will donate a kidney to save the life of Majida, the daughter of her Pakistani pen pal Abdul.  Her three loved ones fear for Mallory’s safety in Lahore, but she stubbornly travels to Pakistan.  In country, Mallory reluctantly agrees to wed Abdul so Majida can come to America for treatment.

Back in the States, music teacher Tate worries about recently orphaned Verdell, a student who steals things from the bathroom and never practices the piano.  Though he wishes he could help the grieving child, he has no idea how; matters turn worse when he becomes temporary guardian. 

Mallory’s altruistic willingness to travel to dangerous Pakistan and also marry there seems nearly over the top of K2 for a rational person whose late cousin would call her nuts; in spite of the Afterward informing the audience her subplot is based on a real person.  The Promise is a fascinating inspirational as Tate deals with a troubled tweener and Mallory struggles to help Majida and escape her own captivity.  Both turn to God to guide them through their crisis.

Harriet Klausner

The Perfect Witness-Iris Johansen

The Perfect Witness

Iris Johansen

St. Martin's Press, Sep 30 2014, $27.99

ISBN: 9781250020055

Her father recognized the advantage of his daughter having the ability to know people’s deepest secrets and used his offspring to help him become the head of the New Jersey Mafia.  At her murdered father’s funeral, Teresa Casali saw in the eyes of the new Don Rico Camano that he wants her dead.  Henchmen who attended her Sweet Sixteen last month pursue her and shoot her in the arm as she flees into a forest expecting to die before the night ends.  A stranger appears out of nowhere and persuades the frightened teen to trust him.  Aware of Teresa’s paranormal talent, Andre Mandak takes a hesitant Teresa to safety and provides her with a new identity as Allie Girard and the normalcy of a caring family.

Seven years later, Allie still wonders when her savior collects whatever he wants from her; as everyone one has a scheme.  When her past exposes her, Allie is on the run to protect her loved ones from killers.  However, she also plans to use her skill to take the fight to her enemies with Mandak’s help; even as he informs her just what he needs from her.

The Perfect Witness is Iris Johansen at her action-packed best as this dark thriller grips readers from the start to the finish.  The key players all have hidden agendas, but the heroine keeps the taut storyline focused as she matures from a stunned frightened teen on the run into a still frightened on the run fighting machine with a plan to fight back. 

Harriet Klausner

Murder at Marble House: A Gilded Newport Mystery-Alyssa Maxwell

Murder at Marble House: A Gilded Newport Mystery

Alyssa Maxwell

Kensington, Sep 30 2014, $15.00

ISBN 9780758290847

In 1895 Newport, Rhode Island, eighteen year old Consuelo Vanderbilt refuses to marry the Duke of Marlborough, the chosen one selected by her mother, Alva.  When Consuelo’s poor cousin Emma Cross arrives, Alva warns her to persuade the recalcitrant teen or else. 

Not long afterward, Madam Devereaux the psychic is found murdered in the Marble House gardens and Consuelo is missing.  Knowing her niece recently solved the Murder At The Breakers, Alva orders Emma to discreetly find Consuelo before the Duke, coming from England to New York before he arrives in Newport.  Limited by what she can do without bringing attention to the Vanderbilt family, Emma worries about her cousin’s safety as more homicides occur and clues take her to the underbelly of the affluent city.

The second Gilded Newport Mystery is an entertaining historical amateur sleuth that deftly combines a deep look at the rich and famous with a whodunit.  Emma is terrific as she deals with her demanding aunt while her inquiry focuses on finding her cousin, but doing so without anyone learning Consuelo vanished.  At the same time a killer is on the loose but seemingly not part of Emma’s increasingly desperate search. 

Harriet Klausner

French Pastry Murder-Leslie Meier

French Pastry Murder

Leslie Meier

Kensington, Sep 30 2014, $25.00

ISBN 9780758277046

TV hostess of Women Who Make a Difference, Norah Hemming provides a trip to Paris to four deserving Tinker’s Cove, Maine women (and their husbands) due to their raising money and awareness for two decades for the Hat and Mitten Fund charity.  One of the quartet Pennysaver columnist Lucy Stone also looks forward to seeing her daughter Elizabeth who works at the Cavendish Hotel in Paris. 

The eight visiting Americans enjoy the City of Lights as they tour the attractions, and Lucy and her husband are thrilled in seeing their oldest though the two females argue somewhat.  Lucy and her three friends (Sue, Rachel, and Pam) obtain lessons at Le Cooking School from renowned pastry chef Larry Bruneau.  However, at the school, Lucy finds Chef Larry dying from a knife stabbing in his chest.  Police Commissaire LaPointe leads the official inquiry starting with taking the passports from Lucy and her companions as they are suspects. 

The latest Lucy Stone mystery (see Christmas Carol Murder and Easter Bunny Murder) is an enjoyable Parisian whodunit as the Americans in Paris theme is fun to follow.  Although the mystery is over the top of the Eifel Tower, series fans will relish this bon appétit entry.

Harriet Klausner