BOOK BY: James R. Hannibal
Another great release from James R. Hannibal!
Readers are treated to the beaches of Hawaii in this suspenseful read. Gang violence is interrupting the quiet life of those living on Maui, and detective Lisa Kealoha isn’t about to let them take over her island. Having been redeemed from a life of petty crime, Lisa is determined to stop the violence and help her friends find a new way of living.
Dr. Peter Chesterfield is a workaholic sent to Hawaii to attend a medical conference as penance for calling out another colleague in front of an observing crowd (during a procedure in the teaching hospital in London). Arrogant, intelligent and possessing no verbal filter, Peter creates tension wherever he goes.
I love these two characters who end up joining forces since Peter discovers a dying woman on the beach (and works tirelessly to try to save her), who happens to be a close friend of Lisa’s. Peter is annoying to those who know him, but he proves over and over again to be an asset that Lisa can’t do without. His background is interesting adding to his ability to help Lisa stop the destruction and infiltrate the syndicate that is causing violence in Hawaii.
I especially appreciated the spiritual thread that is woven through the entire book. Peter is an atheist and an academic, relying on his knowledge and science which dictates how he lives. Lisa (and another character who is a strong secondary character) are Bible-believing Christians who live out their faith. The conversations are organic and not preachy. It’s fascinating to watch Peter’s journey unfold, and the kinds of questions he wrestles with.
The setting is beautiful and one can totally envision where Lisa and Peter are with the vivid descriptions the author gives.
It’s an intriguing story and one that will keep readers engaged from page one. There are plenty of action scenes, plenty of secrets, and plenty of intense moments peppering the pages.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.