Synopsis
When an English diplomat's son is kidnapped, FBI Agent Sara Pierson and her partner are assigned to the task force. The investigation leads them to the Irish community, where the past isn't easily forgotten, and ultimately to Nora de Burgh, a member of the Irish Republican Army serving time in an American prison. The last thing de Burgh wants to do is give assistance to a man that is her sworn enemy, but she finally agrees to help find the boy under her own terms. Sara wonders how far she can trust a convicted terrorist. When their investigation leads to some startling revelations about the diplomat's background, Sara realizes that the only person who can help her find the boy is Nora. The two women, representing opposite sides of the law, embark on a journey to uncover the pieces of the puzzle as they fight against time to find the innocent child. Along the way Sara discovers that her world of black and white blurs into gray, and that the good guys aren't always good.
Excerpt
Sara followed Nora into the Irish pub, tired and worn out from the long drive. She wondered if all Irish pubs looked the same. It was still early enough that they were the only ones in the place other than the bartender and the owner. The bartender took one look at Nora and his face drained of all color. Without a word, he rushed to the door at the far end by the bathrooms. In a moment, a small round figure of an old man came out. He moved quickly in spite of his size. Nora's smile almost lit up the room. She accepted his hug with true affection.
"Danny, too long 'tis been," she said in the Irish language. Sara felt completely left out not understanding the words. He pulled back from the hug and eyed Sara suspiciously.
"The word is ya broke out. Who's she?"
Review
From the opening image of the peaceful Irish countryside to the complexity of international politics, Graskey paints a vivid picture that stays in the mind. Her characters have the grit of reality, and the complexity of their relationships drew me into their lives. I found myself responding to the characters with real emotion, and I could not put the book down.
There is no way to anticipate the plot twists in this book. Just when you think you can tell the good guys from the bad, a new level of deception crops up and revenge takes on new meanings. Whether you enjoy mysteries or intrigue or romance, there is something for you in this book. I canŐt wait for her next book.