Rique Johnson A Dangerous Return

A Dangerous Return

Rique Johnson

Strebor (Atria), May 2007, $14.00

ISBN: 9781593090432

His beloved Sasha (see LOVE AND JUSTICE) won the lotto enabling Virginia City, Nevada Police Detective Jason Jerrard to retire young and at a time the department leadership and the mayor is irate with their top sleuth. He feels even more fortunate that he re-fell in love with Monique (see WHISPERS FROM A TROUBLED HEART) since Sasha died. They go on a Caribbean vacation leisurely stopping in Aruba, Barbados, Saint Thomas, Bermuda and Puerto Rico.

When they come home to Virginia City, an enigmatic threatening note awaits them. Someone informs Jason that this is "Act 1- The Introduction- we're coming for you"; he knows he must wait for the rest of the play to unfold as he as nothing to act on.

Widower Captain Frank North meets Daiquiri Drinks and for the first time since his wife died, he goes off with a woman. However, she drugs him and with the help of her lover Poncho, places him in his car. When he awakens he turns on the ignition and his vehicle explodes. Frank is dead. Unable to stay out as Frank was his friend as well as his boss, Jason comes out of retirement retuning to the force so that he can officially investigate over the objection of Monique. As their relationship is in danger of ending, Jason begins to uncover ties to the highest state offices not yet realizing the peril he places Monique in.

This is an exciting police procedural in which Jason feels compelled to make A DANGEROUS RETURN to the force although that most likely this will end his loving relationship with Monique. The story line is fast-paced once Jason opens the first act letter and never slows down until the five act tragedy is played out. Although the hero's relationships with women will remind readers of Virginia City's Ben Cartwright, Rique Johnson provides the sub-genre audience with an absorbing whodunit.

Harriet Klausner