FBI agents look for romance, killer in ‘Hot Pursuit’ (Suzanne Brockmann)

From The Decatur Daily --

FBI agents look for romance, killer in ‘Hot Pursuit’ --

By Carolyn Brackin Orr --
12/20/09 --

My preferred way of reading a book is straight through in one sitting. I was not able to do this while reading Suzanne Brockmann’s latest novel, “Hot Pursuit.” I was, however, late for church, late to pick up my child and trying to read in a fast-food drive thru. This novel was so intense and page-turningly good that I did not want to put it down.

It is not your usual catch-the-bad-guys’ story. It is rather, a book within a book. It has sub-plots within the plot. It takes unusual turns and keeps the reader guessing until its conclusion.

The cast of characters are not your run-of-the-mill, everyday friends. In the acknowledgments, the author mentions that she is a PFLAG mom (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). This soon becomes apparent when Brockmann introduces a married gay couple.

Jules is a high ranking FBI leader, while his partner, Robin is a bona fide movie star. A second couple dances around the idea of “coming out” to friends and co-workers.

Alyssa and Sam are an interracial couple. They have a young child and are top enforcers for a security firm featured prominently throughout the saga. She is African-American and he is Caucasian. Their story line is just another unusual dynamic in this fun-filled narrative.

Assemblywoman Maria is perceived to be the main target for the killer. This idea is aborted as new information is discovered and shared with the former Navy Seals team. An independent woman, she does attempt a connection with one of her bodyguards. She meets with no success but continues trying.

Jenn and Dan round out the couples who lend diversity to this eclectic group. He is the strong, handsome, sought-after alpha male. She is the chunky, dependable best friend, chock-full of low self-esteem, who has never had a serious relationship. These two connect and it is their courtship that highlights the book.

Entering the mind of the serial killer offers few surprises. His dad was absent in much of his life. His mother died when he was two months old and he was raised by nannies. He was a killer of small animals as a child. He has vague plans of killing Alyssa and raising her child as his own.

The killer, hiding in plain sight, knows each of the individual key players. He has formed an alliance with them and this heightens the thrill of the kill. As he escalates his murders, he begins making mistakes, which lead investigators to his identity.

There is a lot of muscle flexing, male bonding, gushy female moments and boy-girl flirting. The love scenes may be off-putting for more conservative readers. I found the gay scenes too much information for my taste.

Forgive me if this review seems short, but I am headed to my local bookstore to purchase more Suzanne Brockmann novels.