Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard Book Review

About the Book:

Three years after her mother's suspicious death, forensic artist Jo Cattrel is in hiding, working at a storm-watching lodge along the Washington coast. When her father sends her a disturbing and cryptic message, Jo leaves the safety of the lodge to find him. But during the ferry crossing, Jo witnesses a murder--and becomes a target.

More surprising to Jo than being in danger is the identity of the person who steps in to protect her--none other than her ex, former Green Beret Cole Mercer. Now a private investigator, Cole has been looking into her mother's death. If he can just uncover the truth, maybe Jo can end her self-imposed captivity and the two of them can pick up the pieces and build a future together.

As Cole and Jo search for answers, the past rushes in like a dangerous tide before the truth can be revealed.

My Review:

Goddard says in her Author's Note she likes to write stories in unexpected landscapes. The setting of the rugged Olympic Peninsula was an important part of this novel's attraction. The landscape plays an essential role in the plot's suspense. The west side of the peninsula, where this novel takes place, is remote. It's a long drive from urban settings and cell coverage is spotty or nonexistent, as we learned on our recent hiking adventure there. Storms rolling in from the Pacific are frequent.

That location sets the stage for a moving plot full of dangerous events and suspense, especially near the end. The plot was a bit complex and took a long section to explain in the end. I did like learning some about the space shuttles and safety issues.

The Christian faith message is subtle so this is a good novel for readers who like an inspirational romantic suspense set in an unusual location. And there is going to be one more in the series. I'll be watching for it.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

You can read my review of the first book in this series, Storm Warning.

About the Author:

Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website, ElizabethGoddard.com.

Revell, 352 pages.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)