The Burdens of Truth by Etienne
26 Oct 2011 1 Comment
in authors, Dreamspinner, Etienne, publishers Tags: Dreamspinner Press, Etienne
Title: The Burdens of Truth
Author: Etienne
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages: 240
Characters: Ian Sanderson and Randy Richardson
POV: 1st Person
Sub-Genre: Contemporary, Suspense, Series
Kisses: 4.5
Blurb:
Professor and secret government analyst Ian Sanderson’s bad day gets worse when he arrives home one miserable November evening to find an apparently incriminating photograph in a FedEx envelope in his doorway, followed by increasingly threatening photographs over the next two or three weeks. It isn’t just Ian being set up: his partner, Randy, a lieutenant colonel working on a top-secret Pentagon project, is also at risk. Someone obviously wants something, but what? And from whom?
Soon, a mysterious caller demands that Randy disclose information about the project he’s been working on. When he refuses, Ian’s and Randy’s sons, David and Paul, are kidnapped from an Amtrak passenger train. Resourceful and intelligent, the boys manage to escape—only to find themselves lost and alone in a remote wilderness. With time running out, can Ian and Randy track down their blackmailers? Or will the man known only as The Broker claim another set of victims?
Review:
The Burdens of Truth review was a difficult one for me to write. Should I just write about the things I liked, or should I also talk about the points that other readers may have issue with? If I just discussed the story and what I liked about it that would be simple. The characters were very entertaining, pulling me into their story from the beginning. The connection between the Ian and Randy is strong and I loved the flashbacks that allowed me to see how they came to be as a couple. The love they have for each other, as well as their sons, comes through clearly. The suspense that is woven through the story kept my attention and many times left me wondering about who the ‘bad guys’ could be. Although this is part of the Avondale series, the Florida locations almost became just another secondary character stopping by to make a quick appearance. For me this gave the series a breath of fresh air, keeping it from becoming predictable.
As for the points that readers may find issue with, one sticks out the most. Both Ian and Randy work for the government, at times in a secretive capacity, yet neither they nor their sons have a problem making that point known. As I found The Burdens of Truth to be a very entertaining story, this was something that I was able to overlook. At the same time, however, it was easy to see how this could become an issue for others.
The Burdens of Truth is an excellent addition to a very entertaining series and should not be missed. The characters and mystery surrounding them are sure to hold the readers attention. The author’s ability to keep this ongoing series appear fresh is sure to bring him new fans.
Reviewed By: Lydia
Dec 05, 2011 @ 17:54:32
Thank you for that lovely review.
As for the issue of the characters ‘mentioning’ their secret employment, in their defense, let me say that they are extremely selective as to their confidants, not to mention deliberately vague about details..
Etienne