THE STOLEN

Author: Jason Pinter ISBN: 9780778325727 8/2008 SUSPENSE Publisher: MIRA

Five years ago the boy vanished without a trace. Today he came back. Five years after he disappeared, young Daniel Linwood returned to his suburban home for dinner as though he'd never left. It's a blessing for both his family and their community. And I've snagged the exclusive interview. But it turns out Daniel is just one of a string of abducted children who have mysteriously returned to their families with no memory of their lost years. Some people want me to leave it be. Some want me to simply let the healing process begin. But these wounds are deeper than anyone realizes. To get the story on these bizarre kidnappings, I need the help of the one woman who owes me nothing. I've got to find answers before another life is snatched away from sight and time and memory. But doing so means we could be the next ones to go....

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Henry Parker, Jason Pinter's murder and mayhem magnet, is back for another spirited mystery adventure. Powered by a spectacular lead male character, an increasingly intriguing female character and a twisty stumper of a mystery, this third Parker suspense is a charmer.

Pinter pulls readers into this lively, child abduction suspense quickly and keeps the pace moving smoothly while giving more insight into an ever delightful Henry Parker. The sometimes naive, inquisitive, honorable, slightly goofy Henry, is shaping into a thoroughly adorable character. In the often humorous THE STOLEN, Henry's plate is full as he and Amanda endure kidnapping as well as attempted murder while he helplessly watches the agonizing fall of his idol.

Some snappy dialogue and the richly detailed plot add to the overall appeal of THE STOLEN. This novel stands alone, but readers not familiar with the Parker series will benefit from reading the previous two works to fully appreciate Henry and Amanda's character growth.

I loved THE STOLEN and would highly recommend the exciting, chilling suspense to mystery fans.

Debbie Jett