As the assassin continues to level his unnerving stare on her, he informs Rafael that he doesn’t want a cash bonus for the job just completed but instead he wants her… now. As she sits near Rafael one morning while he talks to a dangerous looking man she knows to be an assassin, Drea chooses to think about the color of her toenail polish rather than the conversation taking place around her. Mistress to drug lord Rafael Salinas, Drea doesn’t particularly like it when Rafael and his goons make fun of her, but she knows that behind her dumb blonde facade is a sharp mind capable of fooling them all. The engrossing scenes pass quickly and I found myself interested even when Howard takes the time to explain “availability of funds” and “cash reporting” regulations (and I worked in banking for 15 years).Ī woman willing to pretend adoration for a man she doesn’t even respect, Drea Rousseau is satisfied living a mindless existence in the lap of luxury. At one point there is a definite transition – almost as if there is a part one and a part two. It is difficult to give many plot details as I don’t want to spoil any of the twists and turns that provide readers with a truly unique storyline. When I recently realized there was no AAR review, I felt both compelled and eager to share my fascination with this book.

Earlier this year, there was a lively discussion about Death Angel, my favorite book for 2008, on our books forum.

Angel Creek by Linda Howard