INTO THE FIRE
Suzanne Brockmann
Ballantine Books
ISBN: 0-345-50153-0
July 2008
Romantic Suspense

Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series continues with INTO THE FIRE, and this novel focuses on Vinh Murphy, former Troubleshooter. Following the tragic death of his wife, Angelina, Vinh spends his time drowning his sorrow in alcohol, suffering blackouts, and ignoring anything to do with life. The one friendship that survives Vinh's downward spiral is Vinh's relationship with Hannah Whitfield. Hannah is Vinh's oldest friend, and she is the best friend who introduced him to Angelina. Recovering from terrible injuries she sustained on the job as a police officer, Hannah has more than adapted to being deaf and had learned to deal with her physical difficulties. Hannah doesn't know how to deal with the changes in Vinh, however, and when the Troubleshooters get in touch trying to locate Vinh, she knows it's time to help Vinh become whole again. Vinh has been implicated in the murder of Tim Ebersole, leader of the group who murdered Angelina, and it's up to Hannah to help Vinh retrace his steps and determine if Murphy might have been involved. With the FBI and the Troubleshooters right on their heels, Hannah and Vinh must do everything it takes to stay one step ahead.

In classic Brockmann style, INTO THE FIRE has multiple plotlines, including back history on Vinh's longtime friendship with Hannah, Hannah's friendship with Angelina, and a budding relationship between happy-go-lucky Izzy and Eden, Gillman's younger sister. The relationship between Izzy and Eden is clearly going to be fodder for future plotlines, and readers will be very interested to find out what happens next with the pair. The complex friendship between Hannah and Vinh is keeps tension building throughout the novel, and readers will find their story satisfying. INTO THE FIRE is extremely emotional, and readers will find much to both laugh and cry about throughout the novel. INTO THE FIRE breathes new life into the Troubleshooter series, and the novel will not disappoint!

Reviewed by Angela Etheridge
Rating: 4