The Witness

January 2, 2006
This latest romantic thriller from Henderson (the two series O'Malley and Uncommon Heroes) and her first with Tyndale House has the elements that have made her so popular in the inspirational Christian market: interesting characters, an intriguing plot and fast pacing. Amanda Griffin is deep in hiding, using various aliases to fly under the radar of nefarious criminal interests. When she witnesses a multiple murder, Deputy Chief of Police Luke Granger befriends her. He fails to convince Amanda to come out of hiding, however. Three years later, Amanda's story and that of two newly minted millionaire sisters come together, and Luke finds his interest in Amanda becoming more personal. There is a foreshadowing of tragedy, and Henderson isn't afraid to kill off a beloved character in the interest of a compelling plot. She does an admirable job dispensing just the right amount of information, and her penchant for resilient women characters is endearing. Yet despite mostly strong writing, her dialogue is sometimes stiff and a few plot segments strain credibility (e.g., Amanda working incognito at a jewelry store in her sisters' hometown). Better is the well-paced action, the romance, and Henderson's integration of faith themes. The conclusion tapers off, a major disappointing note in this otherwise engrossing stand-alone entertainment.

February 1, 2006
Bests-selling author Henderson ( -O'Malley Family - and -Uncommon Heroe"s -" series) makes her Tyndale debut with this tale of inspirational romantic suspense, her first in almost two years. Police Chief Luke Granger is on the heels of a witness to the brutal murders of several coworkers at a shopping-mall jewelry store. Kelly Brown, the witness, appears to be as elusive as the killer, but Luke soon discovers that Kelly, whose real name is Amanda Griffin, is in hiding from another violent man determined to kill her and her two sisters. Luke and his two top detectives will do whatever it takes to prevent this crime. Henderson's previous novels have dominated the CBA charts, and her devoted readers will be clamoring for this one. Marked by Henderson's unique brand of action, romance, and likable characters within a Christian worldview, it may also appeal to Mary Higgins Clark fans. Purchase wherever this author is in demand. Henderson lives in Illinois.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.