Book Review: Deadly Promise

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Deadly Promise     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
B. D. [Brenda] Joyce
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Romance   Historical   Amateur Sleuth   Romantic Suspense
Series: Francesca Cahill # 6
St. Martin’s, Nov 2003, $6.99, 400 pp.

After saying yes to Calder Hart’s proposal of marriage, wealth society heiress Francesca Cahill disappears. When she returns, she meets up with Calder at a society function where he announces their engagement. Also at the party is New York City Police Commissioner Rick Bragg, the man Francesca loves and her fiancé hates. Even though Rick is married to the beautiful Leigh Anna, he feels betrayed that Francesca is going to marry his detested half-brother.

The object of both their affections is more concerned with her new case than matters of the heart. A beautiful young girl has disappeared while walking from her home to the store and her parents are frantic with worry. As Francesca, with the help of Rick and Calder, investigates the child’s disappearance, they discover that more young girls have gone missing and they fear a white slavery ring is operating in the area. Francesca is determined to find the children and discover who is behind their disappearances even if it means putting her own life in danger.

Francesca is not the typical society debutant in 1902 New York City as she is a strong-willed, feisty crusader who believes in the causes she fights for and is determined to be more then as ornament, hence her job as a sleuth. The Francesca Cahill novels are always brimming with passion and history. DEADLY PROMISE is a delightful romantic mystery that will have readers so enthralled, they will want to finish this work in one sitting.

Harriet Klausner

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