"A thriller with many surprises"
Forced into an early retirement, former DEA agent Jack
Merchant wastes time passing aimlessly sailing in the
waters off Charleston, Massachusetts. He is bored and
knows he is stuck in a watery rut, but though he loathes
what has become of him, Jack seems unable to do anything
but languish in self-pity. Repo woman Sarah Ballard offers Jack a deal that if he
fails to accept he will lose his sloop the Lila as she
possesses the past due bank notes. Sarah knows Jack from
an encounter five years ago and uses his debt as a
blackmail tool to obtain his help as her own business
teeters on the brink of failure. In one week, MassBank
demands she locate former Veep Paul Baylor and his wife,
who apparently embezzled bank cash or else. Sarah and Jack
begin the quest to find the Baylors, but soon end up in the
same knotted mess that has engulfed their prey. The sleuthing is well done and exciting and that alone
should hook the audience, as the investigation is as
complex as it gets because it seems so straightforward and
simple. However, the key to this delightful maritime
mystery is the cast. Not only do the lead duo and the
vanished pair come across as genuine, especially THE REPO
woman, but the support crew provides depth whether they are
in Massachusetts or not. Bill Eidson writes such a
powerful
tale that readers will demand more rough sailing from this
talented author. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted June 12, 2003
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