Escape with a whodunit -- book review of Fatal Judgment

From the Publisher

U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward Liz haven't warmed in the five years since she lost her husband--and Jake's best friend--to possible suicide. How can Jake be expected to care for the coldhearted workaholic who drove his friend to despair?

As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, his feelings slowly start to change. When it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life--and his heart--are in mortal danger.

Full of the suspense and romance Irene Hannon's fans have come to love, Fatal Judgment is a thrilling story that will keep readers turning the pages late into the night.

My Take

Irene Hannon, author of the Heroes of Quantico series, has done it again! She has taken the mystery & romance together to make the start of another excellent series—Guardians of Justice.  The story dives right in at the beginning to get the reader hooked.

Federal Judge Liz Michaels’ sister is shot in the judge’s home and it soon becomes apparent that bullet was meant for the judge. In walks, US Marshal Jake Taylor, straight from another case. He had no clue that the Judge was actually the widow of his best friend. With all the unflattering stories Jake had heard about the Judge from his embittered best friend, how was he going to protect her with unbiased professionalism?

Hannon develops the characters a little at a time to keep the reader’s interest in their developing friendship. Both the Judge and Marshal Taylor have their demons they have to work through.  But it’s those demons that have made them who they are and gotten them to this point in their lives. They each have preconceived notions of each other and, as they spend time together, they realize those notions are wrong.

This is one of those books you just “need” to keep reading---that you “need” to know what’s going to happen next. The characters draw you in so you have a hard time putting the book down. There is a faith-based undertone, but you know both characters rely on God to guide their way. I really liked this book and would highly recommend it! Hannon does it again!

About the Publisher

Irene Hannon is the author of more than 25 novels, including the CBA bestsellers Against All Odds, An Eye for an Eye, and In Harm’s Way. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier award, and the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine. She lives in Missouri.

Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.