DEAD GIVEAWAY

Author: Brenda Novak ISBN: 0778324796 2/2007 SUSPENSE Publisher: MIRA

The Reverend Lee Barker went missing nineteen years ago.... And the people of Stillwater, Mississippi believe they know why. They're convinced he was murdered—by his stepson, Clay Montgomery. But only Clay—and his mother and sisters—can say for sure. They were the only ones there that fateful night, the only ones who know what really happened. And they're not talking. Allie McCormick is a cold case detective from Chicago. After a particularly difficult divorce, she's returned to Stillwater with her six-year-old daughter to find the peace she once knew in her hometown, and to work for the local police force while she's starting over. But when Clay's powerful enemies join forces to put him behind bars, Allie feels duty-bound to uncover the truth. Her instincts tell her he didn't murder the Reverend Lee Barker. Maybe Clay's a dark and brooding man with more than his share of secrets, but he was just sixteen at the time. And he's not a cold-blooded killer. At least that's what Allie believes—until she finds proof that behind the preacher's pious demeanor lurked the heart of a monster. Then she has to ask herself whether justice has already been done....

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I very much enjoyed DEAD GIVEAWAY, Brenda Novak's sequel to DEAD SILENCE. I haven't had the pleasure of reading the first book, but this did not detract from or hinder telling this part in a saga of suspense. As a matter of fact, the author nicely wove the pertinent facts into the story, providing necessary background to the reader without telling the first book all over again.

For me, personally, this is a wonderful thing when reading books of a series. There is nothing worse than reading book two and being totally lost. You have no idea what is going on because the author has neglected to work in at least the basis of book one. Likewise, if I have read the first book, I don't want to be bogged down by its long, drawn out re-cap in the second. I want to get on with things—usually the reason I should buy the next book. It's not always the easiest thing for an author to accomplish, but this one seemed to with ease.

Ms. Novak, in her note to the reader, states one theme she wanted to explore was whether it is ever okay to do the wrong thing for the right reason. Clay Montgomery had to make this choice and stand by it, alone and in silence. He's an attractive, intriguing and admirable character. The author describes him as ' uncompromising in his determination to protect those he loves, regardless of personal sacrifice.' How can you not love that in guy?

Whether intentional or not, the same dilemma is faced by Allie McCormick, if not more so. A CSI, newly divorced and recently returned to Stillwater, she is already the topic of conversation in this small town that is often just as small-minded. Becoming involved with the town's infamous long-time murder suspect was not on her agenda. Planned or not, Allie is forced to make some life-altering decisions, risking public ridicule, straining her relationship with her family and jeopardizing her integrity as a member of the law enforcement community.

I was captivated by the challenges both of these characters faced and how they dealt with them. But of the two, I think Allie faced the greater struggle in answering the question of Ms. Novak's theme. It was wonderfully done. I also found myself wondering if I would be as strong as these two. I like to think so.

DEAD GIVEAWAY is a true suspense. It is made up of characters with diverse and interesting personalities, none to be wasted as an unnecessary extra in the telling. Each played a role that contributed to the weaving of this tale, and enhancing the story that is Clay's part in this series.

This book is one a reader can pick up and read cover to cover without noticing time has passed—it is that easy to get caught up in. For readers who like to escape in a book at work, DEAD GIVEAWAY would be a good choice. Readers will find that, while they may wish they didn't have to, they will be able to put it down at the end lunch and pick it up again without missing a beat. The story is strong enough to stay fresh in between.

After reading DEAD GIVEAWAY, be prepared to add the next installment, DEAD RIGHT, to your wish list. The epilogue of this second book will tease you into making sure you do not miss the third!

Sue Cloud