The Enemy Stalks
#1 of the Hawkman series
by Betty Sullivan La Pierre
SynergEbooks, 2003
ISBN: 1591092043
174 pages
Romance/Suspense
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Tom Casey, also known as “Hawkman,” has relocated to the small community of Copco Lake. Jennifer Morgan, a freelance writer, saves Casey when he is badly wounded in a gun battle with an unknown assailant. Both widowers, the pair find themselves attracted to each other. But Hawkman is actually a retired spy, living under an assumed name. When it becomes apparent that someone from his former life is out to get him, he reveals his past to Jennifer, making her realize that her quiet world is actually full of danger.
The Enemy Stalks is a combination of romance and suspense. Featuring an unknown but persistent enemy, the story centres on the struggle of two people trying to rebuild their shattered lives. It’s a fast moving tale that is also enjoyable to read. One can tell the author tries to balance the two genres to create something interesting for the reader. But I’m not convinced she succeeds.
I’m used to reading suspense authors like Robert B. Parker (the Spenser novels) and John Sanford (the Prey novels). Betty Sullivan La Pierre doesn’t bring the depth of character or atmosphere to her story that these other novelists manage. The substance just isn’t there. And the same can be said of the romance. Her depiction is sound, but, by today’s standards, her character’s love relationship is quite tame. I even found the portrayal of the villain unconvincing.
This bothers me, as La Pierre’s writing is technically sound. How shall I put this? The Enemy Stalks was an enjoyable lunch that somehow left me wanting more than I received. I understand other books in the series have been well received. Perhaps the author solved these problems in her later novels. I hope so, as I believe La Pierre has real talent.
Copyright © Clayton Clifford Bye 2009
This is some text prior to the author information. You can change this text from the admin section of WP-Gravatar Clayton Bye is a long-time writer, editor and publisher. He has authored 8 books, published an anthology called Writers on the Wrong Side of the Road and reviewed many hundreds of other books. He offers a wide range of writing & editing services. Visit www.claytonbye.com. Read more from this author