In the Heat

by: Ian Vasquez

Published by: St. Martin's Minotaur

Reviewed by Alex McGilvery

In the Heat is a mystery by newcomer Ian Vasquez that is set in Belize. Miles Young is a boxer who has just lost a come back match. He is offered a job that will not only pay well, but give him an opportunity for another try at a come back. He is asked to find seventeen-year-old Rian Gilmore, who has run off with Joey Tablada.

It doesn’t sound like too hard a task and the pay off is good. Miles wants a solid pay day so he can care for his daughter. Nothing in this case is quite what it seems. Trying to find this missing girl has made waves– and people are looking for him. Miles finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place. Yet this boxer is not ready to go down for the count.

I enjoyed the rhythm of the this story with its well-crafted dialog and interesting people. Miles is a single father who is trying to find time to train and look for Rian without taking precious time from his daughter. While we follow Miles through his days, we also learn a great deal about Belize, which is almost another character in the story. The resolution of the story is satisfying without being too easy.

This book is well worth picking up even if it is for the sole purpose of meeting the complex character of Miles, who as a boxer is always hoping for that one more fight, and yet still raises his daughter with love and compassion..

Armchair Interviews says: Good storytelling with a main character who really cares about his daughter.