Ever since the election I have been compulsively reading thrillers. There is something very satisfying when the bad guys get their comeuppance. (Even an armchair psychologist can see what is REALLY going on here, but enough said- after all this is NOT a political blog!) Joseph Finder is also a “new to me” author and I have been dipping into some of his older books and really enjoying them! He has a way of creating tension and non-stop suspense with great twisty plots, builds engaging characters and displays a keen insight into what motivates them.

Danny Goodman is a divorced single dad to his teen age daughter. His former wife, who had custody, has recently died of cancer and now he must deal with the aftermath of grief and teenage emotional volatility. He is a historian and writer of biographies of historical figures who were influential in their time but are relatively unknown today. His current work has suffered greatly and he is months behind on his scheduled delivery of his book. To add to his financial anxiety, he is also seriously in arrears on his payment to the ridiculously expensive private school that his daughter is going to. He would like to transfer her to the local public school which give him some financial breathing room, but this is the one thing in her life that has not changed dramatically after her mother’s death, and so he has been reluctant to broach the subject.

As Danny wrestles with these issues, he and his daughter are invited to dinner at his daughter’s best friends home. Danny assumed they were wealthy, but after seeing their home and  lifestyle he realizes that Thomas Galvin is probably one of the richest men in Boston, which is saying quite a lot. So when Galvin offers to loan Danny the tuition money so their daughters can remain friends in school together, Danny reluctantly, but gratefully agrees.

However, no sooner has the money been transferred into his account, when DEA agents appear wanting to meet. They make him an offer he can’t refuse: Cooperate or you will be indicted for accepting drug money.  He reluctantly agrees and almost immediately the lies begin. He lies to protect his daughter and his girlfriend and he lies to Thomas Galvin, the target of the DEA’s investigation. At some point, though, Danny understands that this is untenable and he must decide who is really the enemy and what he really needs to do to protect the ones he loves most.

This was a great book and despite it being almost 10 years old, the story still feels fresh and timeless. I think you will enjoy it too!

Brenda’s Rating: **** (4 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Marian, Sharon and Keith 

Book Study Worthy? Yes

Read in e-library format.