Teagan Oliver, Obsidian

Obsidian

Teagan Oliver

Five Star, January 2007, $26.95

ISBN: 1594145512

The explosion on a boat killed his best friend, Coast Guard Special Investigation Unit partner David, while leaving Jamie Rivard physically battered and mentally worse. The Coast Guard places Jamie on sick leave while he heals. However, his Commanding Officer McAlvey says that there is evidence that David illegally sold guns, and if Jamie wants to quietly and unofficially investigate to prove otherwise, he should.

Jamie travels to Chandler, Maine where he obtains work with John Case, who is the prime suspect in the weapons trafficking. He also meets John's niece harbor master Shelby Teague, whose husband died on the ocean, which her brother apparently emulates the recklessness of her late spouse. As Jamie begins to uncover the shocking truth, he and Shelby fall in love, but neither seems to trust the other with the full truth, while a behind the scenes Machiavelli type manipulates everyone involved.

OBSIDIAN is an entertaining investigative romantic suspense, that hooks readers with the boat explosion that kills David and severely injures Jamie. The relationship between the lead couple enhances Jamie's inquiries, because he does not trust her, as she obviously is loyal to and loves her Uncle John, his prime suspect, while she has doubts about men with secrets, especially after the escapades of her spouse and new her brother. Though the criminal mastermind seems over the moon, readers will enjoy accompanying Jamie as he explore coastal Maine, seeking the truth about his late partner and his heart.