Jan Coffey, The Project

The Project

Jan Coffey

Mira, Jan 2007, $6.99

ISBN: 0778324060

A recent rash of mass killings at schools fails to fit the previous profile. Instead of bullied loners living in small towns, the murderers are intelligent, do well in school, are popular and participate in activities. The latest one is in Westfield, Connecticut, where fifteen-year-old honor student Juan Bradley fired shots at a teacher and students, but miraculously no one died. What makes this case unique is Juan is the first of the six shooters in the last month to survive; though he lies in a coma.

The FBI brings in Secret Service Agents Bryan Atwood and forensics psychologist Hank Gardner who worked together on the Secret Service Safe School Initiative project ten years ago. They are considered the experts though neither wants to return to this world. They head to Connecticut to learn why a good happy kid began shooting. There they meet Juan's adoptive parent Dr. Lexi Bradley, who insists her son is in danger from an unknown assailant. As they work the case, the two agents begin to agree with the beleaguered mother as evidence mounts that not only is Juan in danger, so are they, and that the teen is not responsible for the mass shooting; but whoever is has powerful connections.

THE PROJECT takes off at lightning speed and never slows down as Lexi and Bryan begin to uncover a horrific truth that makes the belief that Juan went over the edge seem minor in comparison. The storyline is filled with action yet the key cast members seem genuine especially the lead duo. Most frightening is the scenario that they uncover seems plausible in today's secretive America. Though the romance between Lexi and Bryan appears a forced, unnecessary subplot, readers will hold onto their seats as they learn just what THE PROJECT is.

Harriet Klausner