Deadly Encounter

July 11, 2016
Inspirational romantic suspense novelist Mills (Deadlock) opens the first installment of her new FBI Task Force series posthaste. Veterinarian Stacy Broussard, a volunteer ranger making a circuit on horseback around the Houston airport, finds a dead body, a drone, and an injured dog. FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc is one of two investigators on the case as well as a potential love interest for Stacy, and just like that, Mills has constructed a complicated plot. Giving the story additional emotional heft and quirkiness is Whitt McMann, a 12-year-old neighbor of Stacy's who is highly precocious and neglected by his parents; Stacy hopes to adopt him. Mills keeps a lot of plates nicely in the air, including bioterrorism, human drama, and concern for animals. A couple of attempts to add complexity to the full story don't work, and a tragic backstory involving Stacy's parents is underdeveloped and unconvincing. Though Mills does wait a long time to uncover the evil engine driving the plot, fans of clean romantic suspense will enjoy this well-plotted winner. Agency: Janet Kobobel Grant, Books & Such Literary.

September 1, 2016

A smooth cruise around the Houston airport for volunteer ranger (and veterinarian) Stacy Broussard turns into a rough ride when she finds a dead man, a wounded dog, and a drone that is capable of shooting down a 747. The FBI is called in and Special Agent Alex LeBlanc writes it off as case of domestic terrorism. But this is just the first of several unfortunate incidents that appear to target Stacy. As her life runs off the rails, the FBI task force takes action, but it may be too late to save Stacy and her community. VERDICT Crackling dialog and heart-stopping plot lines are the hallmarks of Mills's ("FBI Houston" series) thrillers, and this series launch won't disappoint her many fans. Dealing with issues of murder, domestic terrorism, and airport security, it eerily echoes current events. An excellent read-alike for admirers of Daniel Silva's The Black Widow, James Patterson's "Alex Cross" series, and Janice Cantore's "Cold Case Justice" series.

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