Dangerous Illusions – Irene Hannon – Code of Honor #1 – Revell – Published 3 October 2017
♥♥♥♥/♥
Synopsis
Trish Bailey is on overload trying to deal with a demanding job, an ailing mother, and a healing heart. When a series of unsettling memory lapses leads to a tragic death–and puts Trish under police scrutiny–her world is once again thrown into turmoil.
Detective Colin Flynn isn’t certain what to think of the facts he uncovers during his investigation. Did Trish simply make a terrible mistake or is there more to the case than meets the eye? As he searches for answers, disturbing information begins to emerge–and if the forces at work are as evil as he suspects, the situation isn’t just dangerous . . . it’s deadly.
My thoughts
I knew I was going to love this book. It’s written by IRENE HANNON, after all! I love her suspense books almost as much as I adore her contemporary novels, so each of her books go immediately on my must-read list. Dangerous Illusions certainly did not disappoint. With suspense, romance, detective work and big twists – Dangerous Illusions is a thrilling read from start to finish.
The past two years have taken their toll on Trish Bailey, an art teacher. When her mother dies unexpectedly, Trish is thrown back into grief and headlong into a criminal investigation. Could she really have been so forgetful as to mess up her mother’s medication? Detective Colin Flynn is immediately drawn to Trish Bailey – who appears a strong woman despite recent events. But he has sworn to remain impartial during the investigation and knows he will uncover the truth – whatever the cost.
The suspense in Dangerous Illusions begins with a slow burn, gradually building. There is plenty of good investigation along the way, and this also leaves room for the main characters, Trish and Colin, to get to know one another quite well before the end of the book, when the action increases pace. I enjoyed the slower pace of this novel. It was still totally engaging, but the crime is not one of high-speed chases or flashing guns. Instead good detective work is needed to uncover the hidden twists and turns of this crime.
The book concludes with a satisfying ending, even if everything didn’t go quite as planned or justice was not achieved in the traditional way. The whole thing might be followed up in the next book or, equally, it could be left as it is. There were also a few other loose ends, things like the medication that got mentioned but which was never followed up, ignored, perhaps, in favour of the action.
As always with Irene Hannon’s writing, I really enjoyed the romance. Colin and Trish connect from the instant they meet – despite the difficult circumstances. And there is plenty of time for them to get to know each other, both through the investigation, and also a few times outside of it. Faith is also gently woven into the storyline. Trish is a strong Christian and uses her faith to survive both the grief of the past two years and the stress of recent events. Colin believes in God but struggles with the concept of a close relationship after the events of his childhood. Together, they work through the investigation, growing closer to one another and to God.
I’m really excited that this series will follow the Treehouse Gang, Colin’s tight group of childhood friends. I can’t wait to read more about both Rick and Kristin. And for all the teasing they lay on Colin for his interest in Trish, I think it’s only fair that they fall in love, too. It will be fun to see them interacting as a group in future books. A few characters from Hannon’s previous Men of Valor and Private Justice series also make appearances in Dangerous Illusions book, which is fun for fans of those books.
Dangerous Illusions is a strong first book in an exciting new romantic suspense series. And while you’re impatiently awaiting book two, there is always the next book in Hannon’s Hope Harbor series with which to comfort ourselves. Can’t wait!!!!
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
More information
Category: Fiction
Genre: Christian suspense.
Themes: Family, grief, death, crime, mafia, embezzlement, detective work, mystery, romance.
Published: 3 October 2017 by Revell.
Format: Hardcover, paperback, ebook. 352 pages.
ISBN: 9780800727673
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Thank you so much for the wonderful review. I’m thrilled you enjoyed this one.
Thank you so much, Irene. I always enjoy your wonderful books and Dangerous Illusions was certainly no exception. This promises to be an incredible series and I look forward to reading book two. Thank you again for your comment.