This second installment of the O’Malley series by Dee Henderson tells the story of Marcus, the oldest “brother” in the O’Malley clan. Like his sister Kate, who we met in “The Negotiator,” he feels a deep sense of responsibility to everyone in the family and is on call to meet their needs, day or night. In fact, everyone in the family carries a pager, and when one of them sends out a distress call, they all meet together to rally around and do whatever they can to help.
Perhaps it’s these protective instincts that led Marcus to his line of work: he’s a U.S. Marshal. His assignment is to run the security for a meeting of federal judges whose names have been placed on the short list to be considered for the next Supreme Court justice. The President has made the decision and the announcement will be made soon, but before the official word is given, Carl Whitmore, the man who was selected is shot dead, and his good friend Shari Hanford was a witness.
Shari turns to the U.S. Marshals and to Marcus for help, and they spring into action to find the killer. It’s obvious that they are dealing with a highly trained assassin, and he won’t be easy to catch. Marcus takes on the duty of protecting Shari. As the only witness to the killing, she’s sure to be the next target, and they have to keep her safe until they can catch the murderer.
In the meantime, something is going on with Jennifer, Marcus’s sister. She has told Kate what it is, but Marcus doesn’t know yet, and it’s driving him crazy. When he finally has the chance to talk to Jennifer, his world is blown apart, and everything he’s done to protect his family seems pointless. What’s the good of being the big brother if you’re helpless to save the people you love?
This is a fabulous suspense novel, containing the perfect blend of fingernail-biting action, heart-thudding romance, and the gentle cords of love that tie this family together. Another masterpiece from the already masterful Dee Henderson.
(This book was published by Multnomah in 2001.)
Previously reviewed books by Dee Henderson: