Tracing a Kidnapper (Behavioral Analysis Unit, Bk 3) (Harlequin Intrigue, No 2019)
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Fantastic book. I read it in one sitting - finished at 3 am because I couldn't put it down. The intensity of the suspense kept me turning the pages, and the sparks between Madeline and Jackson added a different kind of tension.
CEO and single father Jackson's daughter Emma is the center of his life, with his business a close second. His life upends when Emma is kidnapped from right under his nose at the company's Family Day. Accustomed to being in control of his world, relying on others for help is a struggle. His attraction to Madeline, the FBI's kidnapping specialist, is a distraction he doesn't need.
Madeline's work for the FBI stems from personal experience. Her little sister was kidnapped when Madeline was eight years old and never found, and she wants to keep other families from suffering the way hers did. Her success rate speaks for itself and her determination. Staying focused on the search takes precedence over any attraction she feels for the child's father.
The twists and turns of this story kept me guessing right to the end. The kidnapper clearly had a very personal motive, and their vindictive demands and taunting succeeded in tormenting Jackson. Because of his control issues, Jackson can't sit back and leave it all in the hands of the experts. He frequently gets an idea and rushes to pursue it, much to Madeline's frustration. Attempts to rein him in partially succeed, only because Madeline insists that he work with her. Every time it looks like they have a viable suspect, something proves them wrong. Meanwhile, the kidnapper alters the demands, changes timelines, and carries out attacks that serve as distractions, misdirections, or just plain taunting.
I was glued to the pages as the team closed in on the kidnapper's identity. The intensity picked up as Madeline went off to follow a lead while the rest of the group pursued another. Unsurprisingly, Madeline had the right one and found herself facing the kidnapper on her own. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Madeline went up against a psychopath determined to kill her. The resolution was excellent, with Jackson playing a critical part.
I liked the romance between Jackson and Madeline. They connected over their determination to rescue Emma. Madeline's personal experience added to that connection. As they worked together, each found a partner who understood the stresses and requirements of the jobs they do. This opened their eyes to the possibilities of the future. The sparks between them continue to grow though they work hard to keep it under control. They mostly succeed, except for one time when attraction and relief combine in an explosive encounter. I liked that both agreed on poor timing but the potential for the future. One of my favorite things about this story is that there was no three-day journey to "I love you. Marry me." However, the ending gave me a satisfying feeling that this couple has a realistic chance of a happy future together.
CEO and single father Jackson's daughter Emma is the center of his life, with his business a close second. His life upends when Emma is kidnapped from right under his nose at the company's Family Day. Accustomed to being in control of his world, relying on others for help is a struggle. His attraction to Madeline, the FBI's kidnapping specialist, is a distraction he doesn't need.
Madeline's work for the FBI stems from personal experience. Her little sister was kidnapped when Madeline was eight years old and never found, and she wants to keep other families from suffering the way hers did. Her success rate speaks for itself and her determination. Staying focused on the search takes precedence over any attraction she feels for the child's father.
The twists and turns of this story kept me guessing right to the end. The kidnapper clearly had a very personal motive, and their vindictive demands and taunting succeeded in tormenting Jackson. Because of his control issues, Jackson can't sit back and leave it all in the hands of the experts. He frequently gets an idea and rushes to pursue it, much to Madeline's frustration. Attempts to rein him in partially succeed, only because Madeline insists that he work with her. Every time it looks like they have a viable suspect, something proves them wrong. Meanwhile, the kidnapper alters the demands, changes timelines, and carries out attacks that serve as distractions, misdirections, or just plain taunting.
I was glued to the pages as the team closed in on the kidnapper's identity. The intensity picked up as Madeline went off to follow a lead while the rest of the group pursued another. Unsurprisingly, Madeline had the right one and found herself facing the kidnapper on her own. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Madeline went up against a psychopath determined to kill her. The resolution was excellent, with Jackson playing a critical part.
I liked the romance between Jackson and Madeline. They connected over their determination to rescue Emma. Madeline's personal experience added to that connection. As they worked together, each found a partner who understood the stresses and requirements of the jobs they do. This opened their eyes to the possibilities of the future. The sparks between them continue to grow though they work hard to keep it under control. They mostly succeed, except for one time when attraction and relief combine in an explosive encounter. I liked that both agreed on poor timing but the potential for the future. One of my favorite things about this story is that there was no three-day journey to "I love you. Marry me." However, the ending gave me a satisfying feeling that this couple has a realistic chance of a happy future together.
