Jasmine Cresswell, Final Justice

Jasmine Cresswell, Final Justice - The secretive, quasi-government agency Unit One works on destroying criminal masterminds within the United States though they never appear in court, handing over arrests to the FBI. Completing a sting, Agent Melody Beecham is shot; this upsets her partner Nick Anwar who loves her. He informs his superior he no longer wants to team up with Melody because he cannot control his emotions.

That changes when suddenly someone tries to assassinate Melody several times in different locales. Many people have motives to eliminate Melody who has insured numerous criminals tasted justice. Nick defies orders and is willing to die to keep her safe, but knows they must lure the culprit out into the open with Melody as the bait, but a personal spin makes the pair more likely to meet their maker rather soon.

Though some doubts about the legality of this Mission Impossible covert Unit One team lingers in the backdrop, fans of action-paced, romantic suspense will appreciate this fabulous thriller. The storyline is fast-paced from the opening sting to the final altercation, but it is the lead couple who makes the plot work. The support cast, especially their boss grooming Nick as his replacement if he proves not to be a fanatic, augments the insight into the duo and enhances the scenarios. Readers will appreciate this complex tale with a final, incredible spin.

Mira, May 2005, $6.99, 400 pp.

ISBN: 0778321401

Harriet Klausner