TINDERBOX

An American archaeologist in Africa uncovers a dangerous conspiracy while investigating the discovery of a lifetime in Grant’s (Poison Evidence, 2016, etc.) thriller.

Dr. Morgan Adler is driving toward the U.S. military base Camp Citron in Djibouti. The base is the only place she knows that could protect the fossilized bones that she’s carrying—part of a stunning paleoanthropological discovery that could change evolutionary science. Cal Callahan and Pax Blanchard, two Green Berets, intercept her near the base, acting on a tip that a local warlord, Etefu Desta, has sent a “message” with her. As they question her, the soldiers discover that her car has been secretly rigged with a bomb. She manages to avoid the resulting explosion, but the bones are destroyed. Afterward, Adler wants to return to the United States; however, she also wants to ensure the remainder of the skeleton, which she calls “Linus,” is secure. The U.S. Navy also wants her to complete her contract, so she agrees to stay, and Blanchard is assigned to protect her. He’s impressed with her intelligence and resourcefulness, and they feel a mutual attraction; however, a romance is off-limits, as she’s a general’s daughter and under his protection. When Adler uncovers a conspiracy involving a missing geologist, Blanchard finds himself in a race against time to rescue the woman he’s grown to love. This first novel in Grant’s Flashpoint series offers a multilayered, suspenseful plot that’s strengthened by its appealing characters, strong attention to detail, and a healthy dose of romance. The story kicks off with a bang, literally and figuratively, and Grant keeps the momentum going through a series of plot twists and well-staged action sequences that plunge the heroes into the path of a vicious warlord who’ll stop at nothing to consolidate his power in the region. The author, a professional archaeologist herself, successfully draws upon her expertise to create a vivid portrait of Djibouti as well as of Adler’s work. The romantic relationship between the two main characters is similarly well-developed; it proceeds at a slow burn as they discover common ground and indulge in playful, erotic banter.

An exciting tale that offers an entertaining mix of action and romance.