SUDDEN DEATH - Allison Brennan
The Sacramento FBI Series, Book 1
A Perfect 10
Ballantine Books
ISBN: 978-0-345-50274-2
April 2009
Romantic Suspense

Sacramento, California, Texas and Nevada - Present Day

FBI Supervisory Special Agent Megan Elliott is in charge of the Violent Crimes/Major Offender Squad and has her hands quite full. She believes the recent deaths of three men are related even though the murders have occurred in different cities around the country. She and her colleagues are horrified because the killer has "hamstrung" the victims to incapacitate them and then torture them with needles before eventually killing them. When one of the deaths hits close to home in Hidalgo, Texas, hot and powerful soldier-for-hire Jack Kincaid is determined to get retribution and wants to team up with Megan to compare notes. Everyone knows that Jack can be counted on to get the job done and is fiercely loyal to his team, but he does have a bit of a problem when it comes to following rules.

Megan doesn't expect to meet Jack in prison, but that's where she finds him fighting for his life. He's been arrested for breaking and entering one of the crime victims' homes, but Megan doesn't hesitate to use her credentials to try to get him out. It's not until her boss, Hans, arrives with a warrant to release Jack into the FBI's custody that the fight scene calms down, but not before she's viciously tasered by the crooked Chief of Police. Jack almost laughs at Megan's attempt to help him and is immediately attracted to this gutsy, attractive and courageous woman. He's glad to have a reason to touch her, and Megan experiences a thrill at this man who literally oozes sex appeal, power, and sensitivity. She realizes that not many men have these qualities, and even though she's a little nervous, she still can't help but be intrigued. It doesn't take long before everyone involved realizes they are looking for not one but two vicious killers.

As one of the killers, Karin seeks her own brand of justice "just because she can get away with it" thinking she is righteous in her quest for vengeance. Her accomplice, Ethan, has been in therapy to get over some frightful experiences, and he's very slowly recovering. Unfortunately, he meets Karin, who successfully convinces him to kill those responsible for the torture he experienced while on a writing assignment a few years ago. Before long, he's pulled into the nightmare she's created and can't fight his way back. Karin's thirst for revenge knows no boundaries, and she uses sex, fear, lies, and kindness to learn all she can from Ethan. Regrettably, Ethan is spiraling quickly into madness, making it more and more difficult for Karin to control what he does. She needs his sadistic expertise, but his insanity will soon get them caught.

Just as Karin wants, she soon has the FBI running in circles as she continues on her quest for revenge. Jack gets a sick feeling and asks Megan's boss some very pointed questions, and they all quickly realize that the killer's agenda is more serious than either of them could have ever imagined, and someone close to them is in serious danger.

Allison Brennan grabbed my attention from page one and didn't let go until the very end of this riveting tale. This is a book filled with gritty realism and gripping and nail-biting suspense that is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. The characterization of each player is brilliantly scripted to ensure a fast and unforgettably paced plot; I found myself really getting into the story and wanting to catch these naughty villains. But while the bad guys make you ponder, the romance and lust between Jack and Megan is phenomenal and quite spicy. Jack is a hunk I'd love to meet any day, and I found myself being just a little jealous of Megan. Megan is attracted and doesn't know quite what to do with this magnificent specimen she's working with. Their ride to romance may be a little bumpy, but you just know these two energetic lovers will have a hard time living without each other. SUDDEN DEATH is a potent portrait of excitement and deserves a Perfect 10. This book is refreshingly different and a "Must Have" for your library. The first in a brand new series of FBI thrillers to be released this spring and summer, I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of her series and know you won't either.

Allegra Alston