Selena Montgomery Hidden Sins

Hidden Sins

Selena Montgomery

HarperTorch, May 2006, $6.99

ISBN: 0060798491

Almost six decades ago in Texas, her grandfather and his associates stole a cache of stolen gold worth millions then that con artist Mara Reed now seeks. So do others who are willing to torture and kill for information; especially Arthur Rabbe who killed a young history teacher Mary Kay Ross-Harper, a descendent of one of the associates, to obtain a journal from her.

In Detroit, Mara's beloved forensic anthropologist Dr. Ethan Stuart rescues her from two thugs though he has not forgotten that the only woman he ever loved stole his life savings before dumping him. Mara would tell you it in her genes, but hides the fact that he is the one she loves. Ethan needs Mara to allow him access to family records as corpses have been found buried in a church yard once led by her father; Mara needs Ethan to keep Arthur and his hoodlums at bay while she seeks the treasure. Love is not the issue; trust is.

The romance between the lead couple takes a back seat to the murder mystery and treasure hunt as the exciting story line is more of a suspense thriller than a tale of love. Mara is a fascinating character as she earns her living conning others including at one time her significant other. Though some might question her morals, she makes the tale fun as Ethan still desires her, but does not trust her and Arthur wants her first in bed and then dead. Selena Montgomery provides an action-packed suspense thriller that grips readers from the moment Ethan comes to the rescue and never slows down as the audience wonder if the couple survive will she fleece him again.

Harriet Klausner