Dark of Night: The Troubleshooter’s series

by: Suzanne Brockmann

Published by: Ballantine

Reviewed by Sarah Nagle

Dark of Night begins almost immediately after Into the Fire, the previous book in the author’s Troubleshooter series, ended in a violent cliffhanger. No sooner has one major adventure wrapped up than another begins, with all of the plot twists, couplings, split-second action, and heightened emotional and sexual tension that fans of Suzanne Brockmann have come to expect.

Jimmy Nash is dead – or is he? Troubleshooter Lawrence Decker must fake the death of his good friend in order to help Nash escape the retribution of The Agency, his former covert ops employer. Nash’s fiancée Tess, in on the deception, must appear to find solace with Decker, thus paving the way for Decker’s former flame Sophia to turn to uber-nerd Dave. However, Tracy the Troubleshooter’s receptionist, proves that she has a brain behind her flashy exterior by figuring out what Decker is up to.

In Dark of Night, Brockmann places front and center the relationship of two characters – Decker and Sophia – which has had readers guessing and agonizing since Flashpoint was published five years ago. “Deck” and Sophia, with their deeply troubled pasts and hit-and-run encounters, are sorely in need of romantic and emotional stability, though whether they find it with each other is not resolved until the very end. Hints of the author’s planned resolution of who finally ends up with whom had bulletin boards and chat rooms flaring for months as “Suz” fans fiercely debated the merits of their favorite Troubleshooter couples.

With 14 books in the Troubleshooter series now available, there is a lot of “history” in this latest group. Newcomers to the series may find references to previous storylines and relationships a little overwhelming and may wish to start with an earlier book. Be aware as well that Brockmann’s all-too-human characters live in a world where violence is the norm and relationships can be intense and explicit.

Armchair Interviews says – For loyal Troubleshooters fans, Dark of Night provides yet another rollercoaster ride through romantic suspense territory.

Author’s Web site: http://www.SuzanneBrockmann.com