Sunday, September 14, 2008

Where There’s Fire-Maureen McKade

Where There’s Fire
Maureen McKade
Berkley, Oct 2008, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425224212

Norfolk Violent Crimes Unit Police detective Shoni Alexander grieves the unexpected death of her mother due to a drunken driver by diving into her work. Shomi knows she is using her job to avoid thinking about her loss.

Her current prime case she investigates involves arson and murder. She realizes homeless John may have clues to enable her to solve the case; so she takes him into protective custody. Shoni learns John suffers from amnesia; unaware of whom he is. As they are attracted to one another, both wonder if he has a wife and kids wondering what happened to their father. As they begin to close in on the arsonists, her superior removes her from the official inquiry. She continues to focus on assisting John in learning his identity and hoping by doing that uncover the arson ring.

This is an engaging police procedural romance as readers will enjoy the banter between the lead couple; both has issues at the moment but the attraction is strong. Amnesia is an overly used gimmick, but Maureen McKade makes it work on the two intended levels of solving the case and falling in love. WHERE THERE’S FIRE is in the hearts of Shoni and John.

Harriet Klausner

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