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Make room on your bookshelf for this daring romantic suspense novel from Elizabeth Lowell. Add THE WRONG HOSTAGE to THE DANVERS TOUCH, TELL ME NO LIES and the Donovan family series of books that hopefully are already in your personal library. But whether you are reading Lowell for the first time or are familiar with her previous works, this story will entice you to pick up one of her books. This reviewer was reminded of how Lowell's writing and storytelling abilities have set her apart from the many romantic suspense authors. She writes with an intensity and passion that few can match.
Grace Silva was orphaned at 13. By combining her drive and intelligence, she climbed her way out of poverty and violence to become one of the most esteemed judges on the federal bench. Judge Silva is a judge personified; law is her life and maybe her religion. It is more important to her than anything, except her 15-year-old computer wizard son, Lane.
Recently divorced, Judge Silva discovers that former husband Ted Franklin has disappeared. The wealthy businessman has not been heard from for over three weeks. To make matters worse, she is summoned to their son's expensive prep school in Mexico only to learn that Lane is being held hostage. Ted's business dealings with Hector Rivas Osuna, a ruthless, violent and powerful man in Mexico, have put them both in jeopardy.
Grace must find Ted to get him to turn over millions of dollars that he stole from Hector in just two days, or their son will be killed. So she turns to ex-lover Joe Faroe. Joe recently retired from the elite St. Kilda Consultants, a global private investigation firm based in Manhattan. He left St. Kilda after being betrayed by a friend when on assignment. His experience has taught him that politicians and governments make laws, and since people run them, they reflect the good and the bad of humanity.
Sixteen years have passed since Joe and Grace were in the same room. Their attraction is instantaneous, just as it was when they first met. Their brief affair ended when Joe was arrested and sent to federal prison. After an ugly scene Grace leaves and goes on with her life only to find out later that Joe was innocent. Now as a federal judge, she has the means and know-how to get him a presidential pardon. And she hopes that this will be enough to have Joe help her. Joe takes the job because he can't seem not to.
The pair sets out to rescue Lane, find Ted and uncover the stolen money. And they need all the help they can get from the St. Kilda group. The story moves quickly, delving into all of the connections of the Mexican drug trade, the Catholic Church, and the intrigue of international politics and organized crime. This intricate tapestry unravels as all of the characters progress on their journeys. Grace and Joe, who seem to operate from different points of view on laws, governments and humanity, are tested in their encounter with Hector and his connections. And what about their relationship?
THE WRONG HOSTAGE is a fast-paced story with smart repartee and edge-of-your-chair suspense. As one character puts it, "the only way to untie a knot is with a sword." Or, as in the case of this story, the only way to untangle the many plot threads is to see it all the way through to the end. Elizabeth Lowell knows exactly what she is doing as she winds her way to a happy ending for Joe, Grace and Lane.
--- Reviewed by Jennifer McCord
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