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Ex-Special Branch agent Dominic Elder comes out of retirement to aid with the investigation of a boat explosion when it appears that his long-time nemesis, a chameleon-like assassin dubbed merely Witch, may be responsible. The fishing boat sank in the British Channel during the wee hours of the morning, and the evidence points to murder. Using the boat as transportation from France, Witch left a subtle trail to announce her arrival in England. But she also left a message --- a personal one for Elder. Bluntly, she warned him: Don't bother looking for me. You won't find me. I will find you.
But that is the least of Special Branch's worries, if Elder's intuition proves correct. He has seen her work firsthand and knows her to be a truly frightening enemy, an enemy who always seems one step ahead of the authorities. Who does Witch have in her crosshairs this time?
It is due to the sharp eyes of young Michael Barclay that the investigation is launched at all. His thoroughness, however, lands him in hot water with his boss, who sends him to France in Inspector Doyle's footsteps to meticulously retrace his every move. Finally understanding the need to think outside the box, Barclay uncovers a new lead --- with the help of a resourceful police escort, Dominique. Aside from her invaluable translation (his French is, at best, meager) and guidance around Paris, Michael finds her deliciously attractive. But he manages to conduct a fairly good investigation despite his growing personal interest.
Back in England, Elder badly wants to capture Witch. It almost seems like a personal vendetta. In an effort to cover all bases, he takes Doyle and another inspector under his wing, realizing his own skills have softened during his years away from the game, years off after an abrupt retirement following an operation tersely referred to as Silverfish, nothing more.
With the upcoming summit of world leaders to be held in London, Witch's target seems obvious. Maybe too obvious. Elder and his team follow the leads she feeds to them, but wonder whether they are gaining on her or if it's all a merry chase.
WITCH HUNT is a well-paced thriller with something for everyone: drama, mystery, romance, and humor.
--- Reviewed by Kate Ayers
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