The Witness
by Dee Henderson
Published by Tyndale Fiction
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Reviewed by Carrie Padgett
Dee Henderson is on my short list of authors whose new books move right to the top of my "to-be-read" stack. After an uneven outing in True Courage, I picked up The Witness with a mixture of fear and anticipation. But Henderson didn't disappoint. She's back to a strongly plotted blend of page-turning suspense and ahhh-inducing romance.
Amanda Griffin holds the secret books and records that are putting a crime boss behind bars. Presumed dead, Amanda is actually on the run to keep her sisters out of danger, while feeding information to the authorities. In hiding, Amanda witness a crime and turns to Brentwood Police Deputy Chief Luke Granger who hopes to convince her to stop running. Three years later, circumstances force her to return to Brentwood--and to tell her sisters she's still alive.
As Luke works to keep Amanda and her sisters safe, his feelings for Mandy grow--as do hers. And so do her sisters, for two of Brentwood's finest detectives. The body count rises as both the crime boss and an unknown enemy target Amanda and her family. Henderson is at her best keeping the story moving with a minimum of description.
That is probably harshest criticism I could make: the city of Brentwood never came alive for me. It could have been any midwest city. Henderson's female characters are fully drawn. Each sister is her own unique person. The men however...Chief Luke Granger, Lieutenants Conner Black and Caleb Marsh are all interchangeable. The most diverse male character is the sisters' cousin, Daniel Benton, a supporting player in The Witness. But one, I have a feeling, we haven't seen the last of. At least I hope not.
And I hope Henderson is hard at work on the next of what could be another wonderful series, comparable to her O'Malley Chronicles. The Witness is a great start. I'd like to spend time with Daniel Benton and Caroline St. James and Marie Griffin and Connor Black. That would keep Henderson on the top of my short list.
Armchair Interviews says: If you like strong plots with great suspense...and a little romance thrown in, The Witness is a must-read.