Mystery Book Reviews

Book Review: Blue Heaven

By Sandy Amazeen Dec 30, 2007, 21:14 GMT

Twelve-year-old Annie Taylor could scarcely have imagined the consequences of taking younger brother William out for an impromptu fishing trip along the banks of Sand Creek one rainy spring afternoon. Besides, nothing much exciting happened in North Idaho, nicknamed Blue Heaven because of the influx of retired California cops that moved in looking for peace and quiet. That peace was shattered when the children witnessed three men murder someone execution style and worse, the murderers spotted the kids looking on from the underbrush. Annie and William are suddenly thrust into a struggle for survival in a world where no one is quite what they seem and trust is a scarce commodity.

Jess Rawlins worked the family ranch all his life but thanks to a self-serving ex-wife, is due to lose it to the bank headed up by childhood friend Jim Hearne. Soon, losing the ranch will seem like small potatoes as two terrified children turn up in his barn. Keeping them safe will demand every bit of Jess’s knowledge of the land and its people as a brotherhood of corrupt ex-LAPDs close in on their prey.

Box’s seventh novel is a gripping thriller with an intrinsic feel for small town life, its people, their concerns and problems. The well developed characters, steady pace and multiple subplots build the suspense to a satisfying conclusion that will leave readers looking for more from this talented author.