The day I was introduced to Dee Henderson is a day I will never forget. Mind you, I wasn’t introduced to her personally, but rather to her books – mindbogglingly good books. Most possibly the foremost Christian suspense writer on the market today, she has earned numerous awards for her novels, and it is my pleasure to review them for you.
The first book I’d like to discuss is called “Danger in the Shadows,” and is a prequel to Dee’s award-winning O’Malley series.
Sara Walsh is running from her past. Abducted as a small child, she lives in fear, knowing that the man who kidnapped her is still after her, afraid that she will turn him in. She has been under the protection of the FBI, in the form of her brother Dave, an agent who has sworn to keep his sister safe at any cost. Part of that cost is the necessary change in her identity, living her life in secret, constantly afraid.
She has built herself a solid career writing novels, and through her writing has managed to face many of the demons from her past. Using a pseudonym, she is able to publish regardless of where she is living or what name she is using in her day-to-day life.
This carefully laid-out plan is endangered when she meets Adam, a high profile, good-looking man who takes a definite interest in her. She can’t afford to become involved with someone who is so closely connected to the media. But how long can she pretend that she doesn’t want to find love, settle down, have a family?
One quick, small and insignificant criticism: the first few pages of a Dee Henderson book are always a little rough. I don’t know why that is. But after page 3, she either gets smoother or the story is so good, you stop noticing.
Dee Henderson’s romantic passages are tender and believable. Her male characters are both strong and sweet, her women capable and loving. With a Christian message woven throughout, the books are tastefully written, but Dee never swerves in offering the reader a thrilling ride.
(This book was published by Multnomah in 1999)