There is a delicate balance that authors who write in a particular genre must tread. They must not disappoint their current readers and fans, but do want to attract new readers. An author may also have a certain perspective or style that their readers come to expect, which can easily become formulaic if the author is not careful. Chris Pavone has managed to negotiate both of these dangerous pitfalls quite effortlessly. Pavone is a master at writing spy novels, and yet each one is framed in a different context, with a little different perspective and while keeping the basic structure grounded in the suspense, thriller and mystery genre.

Ariel Pryce wakes up in the Ambassador Suite of a Lisbon hotel, alone. Her husband, John, invited her to come along on his business trip, as a way to celebrate their recent marriage. This marriage is a new chance for both of them; an unexpected joy in middle age, full of quiet discoveries about each other.

But she is alone in the room. John is gone, without leaving a note or saying where he is going or when he will be back. She sends a text, but there is no response. She goes down to the dining room, but none of the wait staff have seen John this morning. She calls his phone but is immediately sent to voice mail. Where is he?

Pavone begins this story with a missing person and slowly builds the suspense as Ariel tries to find her husband in a city and country that she is unfamiliar with. Surprisingly capable, Ariel, begins to untangle the dangerous web that has caused John’s disappearance and carefully follows the clues to find him. Pavone ratchets up the suspense slowly and inexorably creating a page turner that keeps you reading until the very end! This is definitely a beach read or something to read when you want to be totally distracted!

Brenda’s Rating: ***** (5 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Sharon, Marian, Keith and Ken

Book Study Worthy? Yes

Read in ebook format.