VAPOR POINT

Another military thriller from Scott (The Embassy Guards, 2013, etc.) featuring a compelling female lead.

In Scott’s latest stand-alone thriller, Jenna Robinson is forced to take a new role as a police officer near Salt Lake City after her time in the Army Reserves. However, her alcoholism and undiagnosed PTSD soon create issues in her new professional life. By fate, Jenna becomes partner to Morgan North, a deputy on the force, with whom Jenna had felt a connection one night at a club. Morgan and his dog prove to be a stabilizing force for Jenna as she adjusts to a new role under the supervision of her uncle Ted. Meanwhile, Jenna assists Morgan with his ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in the area. More significantly, Jenna is recruited to help investigate a man’s disappearance, a case that ultimately leads to the person responsible for acts of domestic terrorist activities. Also on Jenna’s radar is her narcissistic mother, who threatens to destroy Jenna’s credibility and reputation. One feels a near-instant connection with Jenna and Morgan, both of whom are likable and down-to-earth, not to mention well-suited to each other. The romance between them feels natural and logical, and their chemistry is apparent. Jenna realizes she wants to live a healthy life, and readers will want the same for her. Scott’s depiction of law enforcement and military culture is accessible and not overshadowed by excessive jargon, and under her skilled hand, the plot hums along nicely as action pushes the narrative forward. Unfortunately, with the dual focus on the drug trafficking and missing person storylines, it is hard to tell which matters more. Even the final pages don’t reveal a point or message. Hopefully, the novel will be expanded further or kick off a new series.

An accessible, engaging novel with likable main characters that readers will feel good about cheering on.