A Jeff Abbott novel is always well planned with a great plot, and peopled with a set of interesting characters .This book is no exception. It is a murder mystery but placed on a stage that is world wide and takes in international intrigue, conspiracy and spies. Iris Pollitt and her husband Kyle have a daughter, but find that Iris cannot conceive another child. They make the decision to adopt and go with an agency that specializes in children born in other counties. Danielle Roberts becomes their representative from the agency and moves them to an adoption from Russia. The couple travel to Russia guided by the knowledge of their guide and in due course take home a boy whom they name Grant. The Pollitts become an even happier couple than they were prior to the entrance of their son. They live quite well in an upscale community of Austin, Texas with Grant becoming quite Americanized. He goes to local schools, plans on attending a U.S. University, has friends and retains no memories of his birthplace. Several years after the adoption Danielle Roberts moves into the Pollitt's community and into a house not far from where they live. She indicates that she no longer works for the adoption agency but has taken a domestic oriented job and quickly indoctrinates herself into the community. The situation changes radically,however, when Danielle is found murdered apparently killed by a blow to the head. The community naturally goes into shock, forming a group of parents to patrol the area at night and cooperating as much as they can with the police. The solution to Danielle's murder becomes a fascinating, complex puzzle with Mr Abbott pulling his readers through the factors involved with the consummate skill he always shows. I can't see any reader putting the book down until the end is reached and probably forgoing coffee until that time. Another five star book by the author and another reason to continue seeking out his work.

I've been a fan of Jeff Abbott for a few years now and followed his career with interest, so when the opportunity came up to read and review this book before publication day I wasn't going to miss out. The book starts with a punch. I like it when a book starts like this as I know it's going to keep my interest. Young friends Ned and Julia are out catching critters; a young persons craze like Pokemon. They head to the park and come across a woman slumped over on a bench. When they check on her they discovers she's dead. What they don't realise is that she's been murdered. The book then picks up pace from here. The book is fully of family dramas; secrets and lie upon lie. Who has killed the woman and why? Who keeps leaving cryptic messages in a tree? It was a slight diversion from regular Jeff Abbott novels and this time involved the subject of overseas adoption and corruption. It's full of intrigue and suspense and much more. I didn't connect with some of the characters like I normally would, and found some a little narcissistic. However I really enjoyed the novel nonetheless and would recommend it to those who like thrillers and books that keep you guessing, which this one certainly did.