Closing in

by Kerry Blair

Libby James, the new librarian for Alma Elementary School , has come to the small, quirky town of Amen , Arizona to spend her life in solitude. But is she hiding from more than an outside world she finds painful and unforgiving? David Rogers thinks so. As a new semester begins at Alma Elementary, Captain Rogers, a dashing young naval officer and former astronaut, arrives to teach sixth grade, courtesy of a government grant to impoverished school districts. At least that’s his story. He’s actually been sent undercover to find out all he can about the woman who calls herself Libby James, but is in reality Elisabeth Jamison, one of the richest women in the world…and a suspected spy. David quickly learns that while Libby probably isn’t selling classified defense information to Middle Eastern terrorists, she probably is next on the list of whoever’s guilty—and is systematically eliminating the people who get in their way.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Mystery, Lds, Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Mystery Thriller

280 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

Kerry Blair is a successful mystery author who weaves infectious humor throughout her work.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby is trying to start a new life in a small town in Arizona. Only Bishop Wheeler, who is also the principal of the Alma school where she is a librarian, and her eccentric neighbor, estelle, know that she is really the heiress to one of the world riches companies. She is in the process of selling the company and living in the small town forever when things change and she finds that she is being followed by David Rogers the new 6th grade teacher at the school. Being the small town that it is, David, a CIA undercover agent doesn't find many people that will open up to him about Libby. Her company is being looked at for selling their secret weapon information to Iran for diamonds and she is looked at as the brains of the operation. As he learns more about her, he finds that she is being set up and determines to find the real criminal, but the pieces just don't add up. Libby's brother-in-law, Frank and his wife Geneva admit to knowing of the scandal, but they don't say who the main brains are. When Libby's old fiancee comes back to town he is thought to be the guy, but when he comes up dead, the puzzle still isn't solved. Libby's life is in danger and David finds he wants to protect her now and forever, but doesn't know how and he is running out of time because she is going to be put in protective custody with her niece, Chelsea and Unlce Leo ( a longtime family friend). The longtime family fried ends up being the culprit and David figures it out just before leo decides to take out Libby. Libby is falling in love with David and tries to talk herself out of it because even "good, returned missionaries" can be untrustworthy as she found out with her lastest fiancee. Eventually David proves that he can be trusted even though he thinks Libby won't ever come around to his way of thinking.

[Hila · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 rounded down. Elisabeth Jamison is one of the richest women in America, thanks to her father who started Jamison Enterprises, a microchip company. But now her parents have died in a mysterious way, and Elisabeth is ready to sell the company and live a peaceful life in the small town of Amen, Arizona. Unfortunately someone isn't happy with that choice and is intent on preventing it. Meanwhile, CIA agent David Rogers is sent undercover to Amen to spy on Elisabeth. Because someone has been selling microchip technology to terrorists, and Elisabeth is their top suspect. But the more David gets to know Elisabeth, the more certain he is that she's innocent... and the more he falls in love with her.

It was a cute, easy, sweet romantic suspense type story. Predictable to me. Also, it's dated (2002), so all the talk of secret microchip technology doesn't really stand the test of time. But still a cute palate cleanser.

I don't really like the cover. I don't think it really implies anything about the book.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun mystery with good romance

Fun mystery with good romance. I enjoyed this book especially the way faith in God was always involved. Very believable characters, that I really enjoyed.

[Laurie D'ghent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb in its field. Left absolutely nothing to be desired.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, sweet romance with a bit of mystery and suspense thrown in. At times the romance was a bit over the top but overall and enjoyable story.

[Bonnie Mcintyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't give a review because I read this so long ago that I can't remember the story.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. It took me awhile to have much sympathy for Captain Rogers... I now want to read Chilly's email epilogue, but maybe not enough to write to Covenant and ask for it. :) (published in 2002)

[Megan Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very humourous, intriguing, and faith-filled story with great characters! I would also like to claim my title as a VPP, haha (:

I will look forward to reading more by Kerry Blair!

[AlexaFA1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Librarian CIAs March Book review
This book is honestly the most amazing book I have ever read, because of it's character's and plot line the book captures unexpected reality and twists your emotions. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read mystery or a life under cover book. Because one of the book's main character is an undercover ex-navy seal with the CIA, however, Libby isn't completely innocent either, she runs her own business under her real name and goes by her undercover and false name. Comparing this book to "The Lucky one" by Nicholas Sparks, they both have 2 main characters who are trying to figure something out, one is trying to find the girl who's picture saved his life and the other is trying to prove a girl (Libby) of being guilty until he finds out that she has no idea what's going on in her company. I recommend both books, however, Closing in takes the cake and finds adventure where most wouldn't.

[Megan Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish that I could give this a four/five. I loved the story line, but it was taking too long for them to get together! For a while there in the middle I wasn't too sure that I wanted to keep reading, except that I did wan tto see them actually get together in the end. I had my suspicions about who the mastermind of the operation was, and I was right, which always makes me happy that I was smart enough to figure it out, but I don't always necessarily like knowing. I still haven't figured out what I like more. Hmmm... anyways, it was really good, but the girl was a little too slow in accepting him. Maybe I jsut lack the experience. I don't know. But I like his fairytales. :)

[Debby]

Libby James is the school librarian in Amen, AZ where her ancestors helped settle. She's also the CEO of a company she wants to sell. David Rogers, an astronaut and CIA employee is sent to Amen to investigate Libby, because someone has been selling sensitive information. David and Libby, both LDS, fall in love, but there are complications. It's an interesting whodunnit with kooky characters and church doctrine thrown in. Relatively good mystery aspect.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Jamison alias Libby James; Captain David Rogers, NASA astronaut, rookie CIA agent on assignment to investigate Libby in Amen, Arizona. Libby is so not what the government thinks she is, and David decides to prove it. Now, if he can just get on Libby's good side. I especially enjoyed Kerry Blair's wit in this book.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little apprehensive because I don't like mysteries as a general rule. But this was fun! Two people pretending to be someone their not and falling in love! I did enjoy the love story! It was a fun read. The religious aspect was a little much for me, but it wasn't overbearing, so it was tollerable. But I did enjoy this story quite a bit!

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the romance in this story--about an "incognito" heiress whose company is selling defense secrets to Iraq. She is targeted as the main suspect and a grounded astronaut is hired by the CIA to charm her secrets from her. The story reads almost like a fairy tale (which stories I love!) but the LDS references are a welcome and not-overdone part of the story. Ah, Eternal Love!

[Valerie Steimle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read Kerry Blair's book as I was in the mood for a good romance, mystery story but it took reading a couple of chapters to really get into the story. But once in, the story carried me through to the end. A great novel and some of the characters in the town where they lived were very amusing. Some were very inspirational. A great book all in all.

[Connie Dickey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Would Someone please tell me what this book is about? I had it on my "read" shelf but I don't think I really did read it. I have only read two of her books that I know of. I think I might have clicked on it "to read" but got the wrong shelf. I can't seem to find any information about it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. It is your standard LDS romance/suspense novel, so therefore a little on the predictable side. But I enjoyed the characters and the plot -- both were well expressed. I would recommend it.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this mystery/romance novel. The characters were witty and intelligent, and I loved that they were both trying to be someone they weren't and really found out who they really were! Parts were pretty predictable, but for the most part, I enjoyed the corny story anyway!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting characters-some almost too crazy to believe, but a fun read overall. I did struggle with the town being named Amen. The "bad guy" was predictable from very early on, but my hunch was thrown aside a couple of times.

[Judie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think maybe this is a 5-star book for me. It has humor, romance, and a touch of suspense. I know that if I picked it up again, it would entertain me, even though I know the ending. I also love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

[Amy Dahlke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my absolute favorite of all time. I've read it every summer since I was 14 and never get tired of it. It's the perfect mix of suspense, romance, and humor. The main characters are charming and lovable with plenty of quirky and fun side character mixed in.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great blend of action, romance and bits of fairy tales. I recommend this book to anyone who would enjoy a mix of the three. I think this is one of those six-star books for me and one I would like to re-read at some point.

[Charmaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this since it was such an easy read. I read it in a day and a half.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Own: Book

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

i thought this book was so dang awesome! i thought it was well written and it had a little bit of a certain sass to it. i thought it was cute and i would read it again.

[Whin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. It's one of favs

[Ryviera Shayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book to read of Kerry's! I thoroughly enjoyed it! Cant' wait to read the other two I got as well!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up because I know the author and was curious to see what her writing is like. I was pretty impressed.

[Karijean31 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very fun book to read! I read it in today and couldn't put it down.

[LAWonder10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kerry once again has created a fun, romantic but interesting tale.
Very enjoyable, light reading.