Tuesday 10 May 2011

Book review : Heart of Ice (A Triple Threat Novel) - Lis Wiehl with April Henry


This is the second book that I've read in the Triple Threat series (the first being Hand of Fate, which I reviewed here) but it can be read and thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone novel. In fact, I found it slightly ridiculous that the few mentions of the events in the previous tome suggest that they are supposed to have taken place just a few weeks before, which seems unlikely.



The Triple Threat of the series' title alludes to three friends, Federal Prosecutor Allison, FBI Special Agent Nicole and crime reporter Cassidy, but also the triple threat chocolate desserts they like to share on their frequent girlie get-togethers. The trio of friends work together on many levels - professionally, combining efforts to uncover the latest ruthless killers to cross their paths, but also personally, providing a support network for each other in their hour of need. The realistic interplay between the characters and their complex personalities - they are all strong characters with chinks and flaws in their armour - are what really makes these novels work. They may have glamorous jobs and get embroiled in deadly crimes but we can really relate to and empathise with them.



The criminals are not one-dimensional cartoon villains either. They are complex characters too, whose hideous acts are in part explained, if not justified, by their own personal stories. The story is so chilling because you can actually imagine it happening. The characters and plotlines are realistic and you can't help but get wrapped up in the events, mentally egging on the girls as they battle the evil criminals as well as their own personal demons.

Marketed by a Christian publisher, there are a few references to religious beliefs, such as the girls offering up a silent prayer when the going gets tough, but they are few and far between and are not an important part of the book so don't feel put off if you are a non-believer.

I'll definitely be looking out for further books in the series because I get the feeling that there are many more things to discover in the Triple Threat girls' complicated lives. Lis really has the balance between chick lit and cracking crime fiction perfectly finetuned.

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £16.99

Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (12 April 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 159554707X
ISBN-13: 978-1595547071


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