Book Review: The Guardian

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Guardian     Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada TPB
Dee Henderson
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller   Romantic Suspense   Political Intrigue
Series: O'Malleys # 2
Multnomah, Feb 2001, $11.99

While in Chicago presenting a talk at the Judges Conference, Judge Carl Whitmore learns he has made the short list for Supreme Court nominee. Other people including speechwriter and friend Shari Hanford learn in advance about the president's latest nomination. No one bothers to provide an advance warning to the U.S. Marshal's service so that the agents can begin protecting His Honor.

That mistake proves fatal as Connor Gray, who also learned about Judge Whitmore making the short list, assassinates him out of an act of vengeance. Shari and her family happen to be with Carl when he is killed. Shari's father and brother are shot and in critical condition. Shari is a witness to the killer's identity and U.S. Marshal Marcus O'Malley places her under his personal protection. As the search for the killer continues, Shari and Marcus fall in love, but the murderer knows he has one eyewitness he has to eliminate at all costs.

THE GUARDIAN is an exciting romantic suspense thriller that emphasizes the action. The story line works on multiple levels because the key cast feels genuine. Connor's need to kill the Judge especially feels authentic. The attraction between Marcus and Shari is a bonus that augments the strong plot with a bit of soft flavoring. In the second novel of the O'Malley family saga, Dee Henderson has provided a winner for fans of romantic suspense and thrillers.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner