The Stars Shine Bright

May 28, 2012
Christy Award–winner Giorello arrives with the fifth in the Raleigh Harmon series, (after The Mountains Bow Down) which brings some closure to angst the protagonist feels about her mentally ill mother and overbearing fiancé. FBI agent Harmon, who was disciplined for stealing evidence, tries to redeem herself on assignment, but is forced to live a double life as she goes undercover in a horse race–fixing scandal. When horses die at the race track, she learns that the death of the animals is only a by-product of a more evil plot. Special Agent Jack Stephanson appears to play a lesser role, but the reader finds out he’s with Raleigh in ways she never imagined throughout the story. Giorello’s writing is poignant, concrete, and humorously descriptive yet sincere: “Crabby from salt bloat and layers of big fat lies, I grabbed my purse from the Ghost and stomped toward the track’s private entrance.” Research on geology, horse racing, and law enforcement, is vividly on display throughout the story, adding to Giorello’s reputation as a pro and a shining star. Agent: Brian Peterson.

June 15, 2012

Special Agent Raleigh Harmon (The Mountains Bow Down) has been suspended by the FBI and needs to redeem her career. Her chance comes when she goes undercover to determine who is fixing races and killing off thoroughbreds. Being separated from her family and friends could not have happened at a worse time. She's not sure she can trust FBI Special Agent Jack Stephanson, Plus, her fiance wants to marry immediately and she's not sure it's a good idea. VERDICT Featuring grit and lots of action, Giorello's latest Raleigh Harmon thriller is a sure bet for romantic suspense fans who enjoy Irene Hannon or Lynette Eason.

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