Amanda Gleason’s infant son, Justin, is fighting for his life, and only his father can save him. But his father, Paul Everett, is dead. Or is he?
Former romance novelist Kane (The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, 2011, etc.) offers the second installment in her Forensic Instincts series. Forensic Instincts is an unusual private investigative team. Headed by Casey Woods, a profiler, FI is staffed by a psychic, a technological genius, a former Navy SEAL, a former FBI agent and a dog. Each is a maverick, dedicated to FI and to their clients but willing to break all the rules to solve the case. Kane’s thriller begins with an intriguing premise. Paul Everett was the love of Amanda’s life. Romantic and successful, he swept her off her feet and was poised to transform the run-down pier area into an elegant casino and hotel. Without warning, however, he is gone, leaving behind a smashed, bloody car. He never even knew about Amanda’s pregnancy. Months later, however, Amanda is emailed a photo of Paul, and she realizes that he may be alive, and he may be able to save Justin, if only she can locate him. Enter the FI team. With Justin deteriorating, the team races against the clock, quickly discovering that all is not as it appears to be. And what’s with Amanda’s seemingly benevolent yet aloof Uncle Lyle Fenton? Why is Fenton meeting with the man who took over Everett’s grand real-estate development? Why is Fenton meeting with Congressman Mercer? Why is Mercer offering to be tested as a stem-cell donor for Justin? Meanwhile, romance is brewing between two members of the FI team, and Casey’s beloved Hutch has come to visit. With its twists and turns, the story is compelling. The fast-paced, dialogue-driven plot, however, cannot conceal the thin characters.
A light thriller with romantic elements.
