TEMPTING EVIL

Author: Allison Brennan ISBN: 9780345502728 5/2008 SUSPENSE Publisher: BALLANTINE

An escaped convict with a deadly obsession... Haunted by the tragic loss of her husband and son, best-selling author Joanna Sutton now lives in near seclusion in the rugged, snow-covered mountains of Montana. But unbeknownst to Joanna, her haven is soon to become hell when Aaron Doherty, escaped from prison during a huge earthquake, arrives at her door. Having read all her novels, Doherty is dangerously obsessed with Joanna, and now he wants to claim her as his own. Local sheriff Tyler McBride's world is also shaken when his son goes missing in a massive snowstorm in the mountains. But when he discovers that his one-time lover Joanna has spearheaded a search-and-rescue mission—aided by Doherty—his world sinks even lower. Two people have already been brutally murdered, and now those he cares about most are in the company of a psychopath—and in very mortal danger...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Imagine being stuck in a remote Montana lodge during an horrific snow storm while two escaped convicts may—or may not be—on their way to the lodge. Imagine the two convicts—both dangerous men—actually hiding within easy reach of the lodge. Imagine these two creepy guys killing guests from the lodge while the rest of the staff and guests are unaware. TEMPTING EVIL takes this nerve-racking premise... and runs with it.

Allison Brennan, who burst on the suspense scene in 2006 with three back-to-back bonechilling thrillers, certainly has the imagination to deliver evil. TEMPTING EVIL is the latest of Ms. Brennan's devilishly well-executed, superbly character tailored excursions into terror.

Ms. Brennan has made a name for herself by meticulously delving into the psyche of a fractured mind. In other words, her bad guys are really, truly scary monsters—hiding in a human body. Aaron Doherty will not disappoint TEMPTING EVIL readers. This delusional stalker (and more) is guaranteed chill bump material. As is his traveling mate, the twisted Doug Chapman. TEMPTING EVIL gives readers two wackos for the price of one.

Along with these two loonies, the two lead characters, Jo Sutton and Tyler McBride, are well-sketched. Aside from these four, the rest of the fairly large cast is purposely given minimal exposure to not distract readers from the main event... the murder and mayhem. This cat and mouse chiller boasts some clever twists and numerous surprises.

TEMPTING EVIL is a solid, exciting, terrifying thriller. Ms. Brennan is at the top of her game... again.

Debbie Jett