The Elevator

April 30, 2007
Prolific novelist Hunt knows how to hold a reader’s interest, and her latest yarn is no exception. As Hurricane Felix races toward Tampa, three women’s paths unexpectedly converge when they’re marooned in an elevator. The action takes place over the course of one tension-packed day. Michelle Tilson is a smart, 33-year-old headhunter who is apt to fudge the truth in the interests of more business. She’s in a passionate relationship with a widower, who’s reluctant to introduce her to his three children. Michelle’s biological clock is ticking, and when she discovers she is pregnant, she’s ready to press for a commitment. When Michelle boards the elevator to give her lover the news—instead of fleeing the impending disaster—she’s joined by office cleaner Isabel Suarez, who has a frightening secret, and Gina Rossman, who is on her way to confront her workaholic husband about his extramarital affair. Trapped, the women discuss relationships and faith, and make some startling discoveries. Although the idea of characters stuck in an elevator is nothing new, Hunt packs the maximum amount of drama into her story, and the pages turn quickly. The present tense narration lends urgency as the perspective switches among various characters. Readers may decide to take the stairs after finishing this thriller.