RUNNING FROM THE PUPPET MASTER - D-L Nelson
Five Star
ISBN: 1-59414-708-1
November 2008
Suspense

Stonefield, Main; Paris; Geneva, Switzerland - 1945 to 2007

Leah Stockbridge believes her parents do not understand her. Having grown up in a loving, yet conservative family, Leah has always followed the rules, until it is time for college. Leah refuses to go to Pembroke College. Instead, she is determined to pursue her art career. Her college of choice is the Massachusetts College of Art. To her parents' chagrin, Leah pursues her goal and marries her high school art teacher, Michael DelAngelo. Life is good. But after Michael dies in an accident, Leah is devastated. With encouragement from Michael's family, she decides to move to Paris to purse her art. Once in Paris, Leah joins the artistic community in Montmartre where she meets and falls in love with a handsome Swiss Banker, Jean-Luc Perroset. Leah marries him and has two beautiful children, Claire-Lise and Yves-Pierre. Once again life is good...until she is confronted by a reporter and learns that her husband is not what he appears to be.

Raphael St. Jacques is a well respected, investigative reporter, who confronts and questions Leah about her husband and the illegal activities that he and his powerful circle of friends are involved in. Leah has never understood why, but she has always sensed an undercurrent that has left her uncomfortable. She slowly comes to the realization that like the puppets he collects, Jean-Luc manipulates her every move. When she finally discovers the evidence of his crimes, she realizes how dangerous and powerful Jean-Luc is. Leah flees for her life, but can Leah out run and outwit Jean-Luc?

RUNNING FROM THE PUPPET MASTER is a slow, thorough read. Flashbacks to Leah's life alternate throughout the story, beginning in 1945 and ending with the epilogue in 2007. I realize a story teller likes to use this skill to balance out the story. However, I found it distracting. With so much background information the plot got bogged down. Leah is a self absorbed woman who seems to float through life until she gets a harsh dose of reality. Finally, Leah's character grows into an endearing person. Jean-Luc is truly a puppet master; he is as charming as he is manipulative. Secondary characters add to the flavor and the suspense of the story, with the majestic landscape of Switzerland as a backdrop.

D-L Nelson has written an intriguing read with twists and turns that may be subtle, but with an unexpected explosive ending. Once engaged, the reader will find this a riveting read.

Deborah C Jackson