COLD-BLOODED TRADE

In this third installment of a thriller series, an experienced government agent may have met his match in a notorious animal trader.

Nick Tanner, a United States Fish and Wildlife Service special agent, travels to Mississippi to catch an exotic animal trader named Johnny Chang. Meanwhile, Belinda Wei from the Department of Justice has been working undercover for six months for Chang. Chang has been grabbing exotic animals and selling them in China while seriously discouraging any local competition. Belinda is in charge of some of his recruits, but she finds her nefarious boss more and more threatening as her work continues. When Nick tries to buy some endangered turtles from Chang using an alias, he and Belinda meet and soon start collaborating along with Amos Cardwell, who works for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Belinda helps Nick get in touch with Chang’s suppliers in the hopes of taking over the criminal’s business and then busting him. But as Nick continues his pursuit of justice, he may find himself face to face with an exotic animal trader who is as dangerous as she is infamous: the Queen, also known as Francine Foster. Chang has had his own dealings and troubles with her. She is a formidable woman who will do anything to keep her position of power. As Amos tells Nick, “Don’t let the goofy name fool you. From what we’ve heard, we have to take her seriously.” Cox has written a rousing thriller starring the intrepid and engaging special agent. The other key characters are just as intriguing and complex as Nick, especially the two main villains, Chang and the Queen. Both are intimidating and keep the stakes high, with the author creating a compelling contrast. The pair’s intense conflict helps drive the plot along with Nick’s own perilous mission. Belinda and Amos are fun additions to the cast, as they enhance the tale and infuse it with a wide range of experiences. The story is full of unexpected turns and exhilarating action scenes and delivers a satisfying ending. Readers will thoroughly enjoy this installment.

A fun, action-packed, and exciting crime tale.