Final Finesse

by: Karna Small Bodman

Published by: Forge (May 12 release)

Reviewed by Shawn Remfrey

In Oklahoma a strange explosion that damages a natural gas line leaves people with no gas to heat their homes. It’s the middle of winter and even the hospitals are evacuating people. As the death toll rises, Samantha Reid suspects something’s up. She fears it may be a terrorist attack.
Samantha works for Homeland Security in the White House. When she brings the explosion to her boss’s attention, he quickly brushes her aside. Taking matters into her own hands, she starts an investigation that leads her to her old college crush, Tripp Adams.

After more explosions, Samantha and Tripp decide they have to find out what’s behind this before more people die.
Normally I’m not a fan of political thrillers, but I actually enjoyed this book. It’s fast-paced, full of action, and you don’t have to be a politics major to understand what’s going on. There is information that most “civilians” don’t have about what happens at the White House. The characters are interesting and realistic.

My only problem with this book is that it was just too easy to put down and too hard to pick back up. There wasn’t enough of a hook to keep me flipping page after page in search of answers. It was an enjoyable read though and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys political thrillers.
Karna Small Bodman actually worked at the White House for six years and was once the highest-ranking female on the White House staff. Previous to Final Finesse, Karna wrote Checkmate and Gambit.

Armchair Interviews says: Bodman is currently working on her fourth book, Castle Bravo.

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