HEAD ON

Author: Colleen Thompson ISBN: 0505527138 7/2007 SUSPENSE Publisher: DORCHESTER

Hell On Wheels... The full moon brings out the crazies; anyone in emergency services knows that. But for hospice nurse Beth Ann Decker, the gruesome murder that rocks Hatcher County is shockingly unexpected. As is the return of the Texas community's most hated prodigal son—Mark Jessup. Sixteen years before, the town's bad boy was behind the wheel of a pickup that left three cheerleaders dead and Beth Ann so badly injured that people whispered she'd have been better off in the grave with them. Jessup is all man now—tough, uncompromising, rich—and a possible suspect in this new killing. Beth Ann knows he's the last person she should be spending time with, especially when a nighttime intruder makes it clear that she herself is a target. But in Mark's heated gaze, Beth Ann sees something a lot more exciting than pity. No matter how dangerous the road ahead, she's dead set on meeting life, and love... Head On.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

HEAD ON is a complex book that deals with some pretty heavy subject material. Prejudice, unresolved family conflicts, police cover-ups, corruption, and the murder of the town floozy are just the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot going on in this small Texas town, but most of it has to deal with the fall-out of a tragic car accident that took place sixteen years prior, to some promising teenagers.

Though the good citizens my not realize it, nearly everything that is or has happened in their town is a result of that fateful night sixteen years before. I love the way HEAD ON deals with all of the complexities the accident brought to the town and looks at all of the relationships that have been effected. The consequences are terrible indeed, but amongst all the tragedy comes a few embers of forgiveness, understanding, and even love. But, there is more heartbreak and brutality as well.

I admit to guessing who is involved in part of what plays out in HEAD ON, but not everything. Knowing a little does nothing to distract from the rest of the story, and believe me, in Eudena, there is a lot to tell.

Shannon Johnson