When she was five years old in Ireland, Haley Callaghan's parents and her baby brother were murdered in what was believed to be a Mafia hit, and the killers were never found. She escaped, and eventually joined the Elite Guardians in South Carolina. Life was not perfect, but everything went well until Haley felt that someone was watching her. And it doesn't take Haley long to realise that someone wants her dead. Steven Rothwell, recently transferred from Chicago because of family matters, has been investigating a case which looks like the work of a serial killer right in Haley's neighborhood when she is shot at, it's Steven with his partner Quinn Holcombe -- an acquaintance of Haley's -- who take over her case.

Oh wow! What a story and what an aptly chosen title! Right from the start, the atmosphere of mystery and secrecy is palpable as Lynette Eason weaves an exceedingly intricate story where many events and lives collide. CHASING SECRETS is a carefully crafted story where the action never stops. The tone is muted and somewhat hushed, the suspense slowly builds as more players, events, and murders are introduce to culminate in an explosive crescendo. I would advise the reader to plan in advance because you will not want to stop reading when you reach the last quarter of CHASING SECRETS.

Haley and Steven have both made dreadful mistakes in the past, which both handle quite differently, and I love how the author deals with the theme of forgiveness: not by resorting to syrupy or preachy discourses, but with a very philosophical and healthy approach. Haley and Steven have riveting backstories, and their relationship is built on respect, professionalism, and understanding. Their romance smoulders a long time, that little spark of mutual attraction is always present, and for once staying alive takes precedence to making goo-goo eyes at each other. But when that spark ignites, you know it's for real.

Given everything that happens in CHASING SECRETS, it's a wonder that Ms. Eason managed to avoid melodramatic drivel, but made CHASING SECRETS a very intense, thought- provoking, and utterly convincing story. CHASING SECRETS is not your usual light romantic suspense, it's a very complex murder mystery with characters who act like the professionals they are, which gives the story so much more authenticity. A couple of new characters were introduced, which I hope means that I can look forward to at least two more books in this series that keeps getting better and better.

Book Summary

Elite Guardians bodyguard Haley Callaghan may be in South Carolina, but when a photo leads investigators in West Ireland to open a twenty-five-year-old cold case, her life is suddenly in danger. Haley knows how to take care of herself; after all, she's made a career out of taking care of others. But after an uncomfortably close call, Detective Steven Rothwell takes it upon himself to stay with her-- and the young client she has taken under her wing. A protector at heart, he's not about to let Haley fight this battle alone.

In a sweeping plot that takes them into long-buried memories--and the depths of the heart--Haley and Steven will have to solve the mystery of Haley's past while dodging bullets, bombs, and bad guys who just won't quit.

Read an Excerpt