"A powerful psychological suspense police procedural"

In Boston, Massachusetts State Police Special Tactics and Operations Team (STOP) Trooper Bobby Dodge, a sniper, arrives at a domestic dispute in which Jimmy Gagnon holds a gun on his wife Catherine and their young son. Bobby joins the local enforcement team. He observes the scenario from a distance, but when he believes that Jimmy was about to pull the trigger, Bobby fires and kills the man.

Jimmy's father Judge James Gagnon insists that Bobby used unnecessary force as he avows that Cat was the dangerous member of the family. James files a criminal complaint against Bobby. Needing to clear his name, Bobby knows Cat is the only one who can truly help him; however, he has doubts about her integrity especially when she seems so good at manipulating people. As the trooper struggles to prove he did the right thing against a powerful avenging father, others associated with this deadly domestic case are killed. Bobby wonders if he is on the hit list while also unable to see the motive.

Bobby is a superb protagonist wondering how his world could collapse when he was only doing his job. His investigation is a delight and the comparison of perspectives between James senior and Cat will fascinate the audience. Especially enthralling is Cat, whose childhood traumas run deep inside her soul. Lisa Gardner provides a strong psychological suspense police procedural that grips readers from the domestic dispute beginning until the mesmerizing surprising climax.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted December 20, 2004