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Troubleshooters #13

Into the Fire

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Suspense doesn't burn any brighter and desire doesn't run any deeper than when Suzanne Brockmann takes the helm, opens the throttle, and takes readers along for a breathless ride as she breaks the thrill barrier -- again and again. With Into the Fire, Brockmann lights the fuse on her most explosive story yet.

Vinh Murphy -- ex-Marine and onetime operative for the elite security firm Troubleshooters Incorporated -- has been MIA ever since his wife, Angelina, was caught in a crossfire and killed during what should have been a routine bodyguard assignment. Overcome with grief, Murphy blames the neo-Nazi group known as the Freedom Network for her death. Now, years later, Freedom Network leader Tim Ebersole has been murdered -- and the FBI suspects Murphy may have pulled the trigger. To prevent further bloodshed, Murphy's friends at Troubleshooters scramble to find him and convince him to surrender peacefully.

Murphy himself can't be sure what he did or didn't do during the years he spent mourning and lost in an alcohol-induced fog. He does know he occasionally sought solace from Hannah Whitfield, a former police officer and the very friend who'd introduced him to his beloved late wife.

But Hannah, still grappling with the deafness that resulted from an injury sustained while on duty, was fighting her own battles. For years Hannah had feelings for Murphy, and one painful night their suffering brought them together in a way neither expected -- and both regretted.

But finally, Murphy is ready to rejoin the living. As always, he finds himself knocking on Hannah's door, and as always, his longtime friend welcomes him back into her home. Yet even as Murphy slowly rebuilds his splintered life, he continues to fight his growing feelings for Hannah. Then he learned of Ebersole's murder and comes to believe that the Freedom Network has targeted him -- and Hannah -- to avenge their leader's death.

Now Murphy must face the terrifying prospect of losing to violence another woman he loves.

As the Troubleshooters desperately search for him, Murphy races toward a deadly confrontation with the Freedom Network and the ultimate choice: surrender his life in the hopes that Hannah will be spared, or risk everything to salvage whatever future they may have together.

477 pages, Hardcover

First published July 22, 2008

255 people are currently reading
1788 people want to read

About the author

Suzanne Brockmann

253 books3,568 followers
After childhood plans to become the captain of a starship didn’t pan out, Suzanne Brockmann took her fascination with military history, her respect for the men and women who serve, her reverence for diversity, and her love of storytelling, and explored brave new worlds as a bestselling romance author.

Over the past thirty years she has written sixty-three novels, including her award-winning Troubleshooters series about Navy SEAL heroes and the women—and sometimes men—who win their hearts. Her personal favorite is the one where her most popular character, gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy, wins his happily-ever-after and marries the man of his dreams. Called All Through the Night, this mainstream romance novel with a hero and a hero hit the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list. In 2007, Suz donated all of her earnings from this book, in perpetuity, to MassEquality, to help win and preserve equal marriage rights in Massachusetts.

In addition to writing books, Suz writes and produces indie movies and TV including the award-winning romantic comedy The Perfect Wedding. Her recent feature, Out of Body, is streaming on Amazon Prime.

In 2018, Suz was given the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her latest projects are Blame It on Rio (Tall, Dark & Dangerous # 14), available in print and e-book from Suzanne Brockmann Books, and Marriage of Inconvenience, a six-episode LBGTQ rom-com TV series, streaming on Dekkoo in April 2023.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews
Profile Image for jenjn79.
723 reviews266 followers
July 25, 2008
I've been impatiently waiting to read this book since Brockmann started talking about it in her newsletters, but it was well worth the wait. This was a fantastic book. However, if you're looking for a book with a feel-good ending, this is NOT the one. Because even though the "main" couple, Vinh and Hannah, do get their happy ending, just about every other aspect of this book will leave you feeling ragged and unsettled.

There are a lot of storylines in this book, a lot of characters - and unless you've been reading the other Troubleshooters books, you're probably going to feel more than a little confused. It's easier to keep track of everything if you're already familiar with the characters and past storylines. So I'd recommend not just randomly picking up this book.

The main storyline revolves around Vinh Murphy and Hannah Whitfield. Vinh's wife, and Hannah's best friend, was murdered in the book Hot Target and since then Vinh has been on a path of self-destruction and Hannah hasn't been doing much better. So throughout this book, both must find peace within themselves while dealing with their feelings for each other AND the fact that Vinh might just have murdered someone during one of his blackout moments.

There are two other major storylines running through the book. One involves SEAL Izzy Zanella, who finds himself mixed up with 18-year-old Eden Gillman, sister of one of his SEAL teammates. And the second involves many members of the Troubleshooters squad, but has a semi-focus on the fact that something very serious is going on with James Nash (Flashpoint). There's also parts about Sophia/Decker, Decker's "issues" and a whole bunch of other stuff.

And, as Sam Starrett would say, it's a major clusterfuck (or is it a goatfuck?) when they all end up in the same life or death situation.

There's a lot going on in this book. I've read some reviews that were really negative, but honestly, I really enjoyed all the different aspects of the book. It was kind of like coming home to old friends, reading about all the characters. And I think Brockmann did a really great job of blending all the separate storylines into one cohesive unit that actually worked. I wasn't ever confused by anything, and there weren't parts where I thought things were forced or where I scoffed. It all fit to me.

I can understand, though, why other readers weren't happy with the ending up this book, about how...unfinished...it is. Because, as I said, the ending will leave you feeling a bit drained and wanting more. Unlike some others, though, I'm not disappointed in Brockmann for doing it. I think the way everything played out was as it should have been. I can't see any of it coming out any other way (without the book being about 1000pages). And I was a bit mollified knowing that the next book isn't too far off (Feb.), and that, according to Brockmann, it will - timeline wise - begin the day after this one ended.

Even so, there is a lot of this book that left me feeling unsettled. And when I finished, I was just like "whew, that was rough." I won't say more so as not to spoil anyone... But for the one happy ending couple, Hannah and Vinh, I really enjoyed their story. Sure, maybe they didn't get as much face time as focus-couples of past books, but I was satisfied with what they got. I really liked both characters and was glad to see them get themselves straightened out after all they'd been through. And I was really happy with the future plans Brockmann gave them. It fit perfectly.

Other good parts of the book...Izzy just cracks me up. He's got such an amusing personality. The Nash storyline - I was really glad Brockmann revisited whatever was going on with him in the last book (or was it the book before that?). And I also think, even though it's a bit heartbreaking, that what she's done with the character is very fitting. Loved the involvement of all the other Troubleshooters, the progression of some of the running storylines/relationships. I'll be very interested to see where she goes with them.

As for Izzy and the 18-year-old. Hmm, mostly I'm pretty ambivalent about the age thing there. I know some thought it was rather nasty, but I wasn't really bothered by it. It was mostly a non-issue for me. I thought more about how horribly everyone treated poor Eden. She is definitely one tragic heroine. And I'm really curious about her plans for that relationship.

Overall, this book just thoroughly snagged me. From the very beginning I was completely hooked and had to force myself to put it down and get some sleep. Then I picked it right back up again as soon as I could after I woke up. Every aspect pulled me and had me wanting to know more. I've got really no complaints about the book...I mean, sure there's a lot left open, but that's why the next book will be out quicker than normal. I can handle that.

So what's the bottomline for Troubleshooters fans? I think this is going to be a book with no middle ground for readers. They are either going to love it or or they're going to hate it. For me, I absolutely LOVED it.
Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,594 reviews1,328 followers
January 30, 2023
the setup…
Former Troubleshooters operative Vinh Murphy hasn’t been seen by any of his former teammates or his best friend Hannah Whitfield since his wife Angelina was murdered by a neo-Nazi group minion a few years ago. Tim Ebersole, the leader of that group called the Freedom Network, was recently murdered and now Murphy is the primary suspect. He turns to Hannah, unsure of anything he’s done during that time when he was consumed by grief and alcohol. Hannah is a former police officer who was seriously injured resulting in her being deaf. While Murphy is being hunted, they decide to work together to figure out if he has any culpability. Meanwhile, Izzy Zanella is in the middle of his own drama after rescuing his nemesis Dan Gillman’s baby sister Eden and spending one night with her. Now she’s returned and is pregnant, claiming him as the father. And there’s still more drama, this one involving operative Jimmy Nash who is secretly involved in some high risk activities, keeping his wife Tess Bailey and best friend Lawrence Decker in the dark. Yikes!

the heart of the story…
There’s no one good place to start in summarizing this story that feels like three separate books at times. It all seems to work rather wonderfully, the three plots eventually connecting explosively. In the meantime, the journey to that point was exciting as I was caught up in each drama. If I had to rank them, the Izzy-Eden-Dan soap opera had me the most riveted. It had everything…humor, heartbreak and romance…with no predictability as to where it would lead. Vinh and Hannah’s story comes next as we learn about his relationship with this woman who was more important to him than I’d ever imagined. I loved his relationship with Angelina but this one has its own magic. The details surrounding Nash’s issues were murky at best (no surprise there!) but the focus is on Decker as he investigates in his typical superior fashion and he was fascinating.

the narration…
There’s a change in the team who’s been narrating the series and I couldn’t be happier. Renée Raudman has joined Patrick Lawlor and I’ve loved her voice from the Kate Daniels series. She has a wonderful storytelling style and it fits beautifully here, especially with so many characters to handle. She put me in my happy place and is a perfect partner for Lawlor.

the bottom line…
This is a reread for me and listening to it the second time around is an entirely different experience. There’s a LOT going on but the pace is rapid, even at 19 hours! I whipped through the book and never had a dull interlude. It’s exciting, romantic, mysterious and downright funny at times. I love multiple plot lines so it suits my nature perfectly. While Vinh and Hannah’s story reached a resolution, there’s a twist to Nash’s situation that’s still open and Izzy & Eden aren’t even close to being settled. This was great storytelling that felt fresh and new the second time around.

Posted on Blue Mood Café
Profile Image for Robin.
1,980 reviews98 followers
January 18, 2023
After the murder of his wife, Angelina, Vinh Murphy cut off all of his friends and disappeared. Months later, he turns up at Hannah Whitfield's door. Vinh and Hannah have always been best friends. She even introduced him to Angelina. Now the FBI wants to talk to him about the murder of Tim Ebersole, the leader of the Neo-Nazi Freedom Network who is responsible for Angelina's death. Vinh can't say if he killed Ebersole or not since he has been in a drug and booze filled haze for the last several months. Now Hannah and his old team at Troubleshooters, Inc. are ready to help him clear his name.

The 13th book in Brockmann's Troubleshooters series is a very busy book with lots going on. Not only do we get Vinh and Hannah's story, there is also a new romance for Navy SEAL Izzy Zanella. This book also shows us progress in the Dave/Sophia/Decker storyline. Overall this book was a little darker than I like with my contemporary romances. But, I still couldn't put the book down. My rating: 4 Stars.

2023 Re-read: I am re-reading the series with a Goodreads group. This time I'm listening to the audiobooks. I found the first part of the story a little confusing because we jumped from the present into the past as we learned about Hannah and Vinh's friendship and how she introduced him to Angelina. I assume I missed it if we were told the date of these scenes. It took me a little while to understand we went back in time. After we were done with all of the flashbacks, the pacing of the story picked up. I liked both Vinh and Hannah and was interested in seeing how they would clear his name. I also loved the Izzy and Eden storyline. Izzy went from the slightly crazy joker among the SEALs, to a serious guy with a heart of gold. I'm looking forward to more of their story. The last part of the story was non-stop action. Even though this was my second reading of this book, I was still surprised by some of the things that happened.

This audiobook gave us a new female narrator, Renee Raudman, along with Patrick Lawlor. As always Lawlor does a great job. But I wasn't a fan of Raudman and her voice for Eden. Yes, Eden is only 18, but she sounded like a petulant 12-year-old in many of the scenes. My rating: 4 Stars.
Profile Image for Sandra Hoover.
1,456 reviews258 followers
January 5, 2017
How many ways can you say this is an awesome series?! I'm running out of words. Murphy & Hannah, Izzy & Eden, Nash/Tess/Decker - so many complex characters and relationships playing out in this one. Brockmann is an expert at giving readers multifaceted characters that feel so real that I hurt when they hurt, cry when they cry, and laugh when they laugh. I know the multiple plot lines frustrate some readers, but I love them as it keeps the action high, the drama intense, and the emotions always near the boiling point. Into The Fire is yet another Must Read in a Page Burning Series!
Profile Image for Anita.
2,647 reviews219 followers
January 26, 2023
01/25/2023 Reread - Izzy, Izzy, Izzy. What can I say? He stole this book. I love his irreverentness and I love his heart. His big, soft, squishy heart. The bigger they are, the harder they fall and Izzy fell so hard for Eden he may not get up again. Still 5-Stars and the action scenes are some of the best ever written.

12/242013 - Warning - do not attempt to read this book until you have read the others. Lots of the current action had its' roots in the previous books. We have a whole lot of couples, stories and situations going on.

Vinh Murphy/Hannah - Romantic focus and the only HEA in the book. Murphy checked out of tings when his wife, Angelina, was murdered. Hannah is a very old friend who introduced the couple. She also has always been in love with Murphy. We find out a lot about Angelina's character and it isn't nice. "It isn't stealing if they give it to you". Murphy crashes with Hannah occasionally and one time they have a drunken one night stand. Murphy disappears and it is 6 months until he surfaces again. A lot of that time is a blank to him. During that time Freedom Network leader Tim Ebersole is murdered and the FBI want to talk to Murphy.

Izzy/Eden - Eden is the 18 year old sister of Izzy's SEAL teammate Danny Gillman. She comes into the Ladybug Lounge looking for Gillman and finds Izzy, who is totally gone from the first sighting. Izzy takes her home after failing to find Gillman or getting Lindsey and Jenkins to take her. They get to 3rd base on his sofa. Gillman is ballistic finding them is Izzy's apartment. Eden is shipped to her dad in Germany, who deploys soon after her arrival. She returns 6 months later - pregnant. Eden tells Gillman that it's Izzy's. Izzy goes along, because he is over the moon for her, and she needs a hero.

Jimmy Nash/Tess - Jimmy and Tess have been rocky for a while and things are getting worse with him disappearing and coming back with injuries. They have a major blow up in the Troubleshooters parking lot and another while trying to track down Murphy.

Dave/Sophia/Decker - Same old, same old. Dave loves Sophia, Sophia loves Decker and Decker is in total denial about his feelings. After the mission, Sophia takes a hard look at herself and decides that maybe she has been hiding from life by being in love with Decker who won't return her love and takes a look at Dave.
Profile Image for Auntee.
1,356 reviews1,469 followers
July 25, 2008
Wonderful book! Three great plots that all converge in a suspenseful and somewhat heartbreaking ending. This is not a stand alone book--you should read "Flashpoint", "Hot Target", and "Into the Storm" first or you most likely will be hopelessly lost and you definitely won't get the full impact this book delivers. Not since "Breaking Point" has S. Brockmann written a book that I was so invested in, I was reluctant to put it down. If I could have physically read this book the 10 hours straight it would have taken me to read it, I would have--it was that enjoyable for me! And who knew that loud mouth and often so annoying Izzy Zanella could be such a sweet guy? I definitely enjoyed reading about him and his young bride Eden, and I hope to read more about them in coming books, since their storyline was left hanging. No one writes characters as realistic, or relays the male POV, better than Ms. Brockmann. After finishing her books, you feel you know each character personally. And for all you J.R. Ward fans, check out the 'hello' on page 360 that S.B. gives to JR--it had me chuckling! This was a 5 star read all the way! And for you romantic suspense fans who have never read any of S. Brockmann's books, do yourself a favor and try this wonderful series--you won't be sorry!
Profile Image for Leea.
569 reviews70 followers
March 21, 2013

Folsom Lake, Ca.

4.5 stars...

And Murphy realized, with a sudden sharp shock of awareness, that his and Hannah’s were not the only lives that had been permanently damaged by Angelina’s murder. There had been a ripple effect from the tragedy. And his friends, like Dave, had lost more than Angelina. They’d lost Murphy, too.


Into the Fire is the 13th book in Suzanne Brockmann Troubleshooter series. If you thought that the past books had you at the edge of your seat then honey hold on tight because this book takes it up a notch. Yeah, I thought we'd see all that Ms. Brockmann had to offer in suspense but she has little more up her sleeve and it's so fun!

Into the Fire Is not just the story of Murphy and Hannah...

Murphy and Hannah

He wanted Han—with a sharpness and desperate immediacy that no longer existed when he thought about his wife.


Okay, so I have to say that this was not my favorite part of the book. I love Murphy, he's amazing. The man loved his wife and his grief comes off the pages of this book. He's handsome, stronge, committed but a darkness is inside of him and he has to work that out. I have to commend Suzanne Brockmann for writing this character because I think that it taking Murphy years to get over the pain of loosing his wife was spot on. Murphy and Angelina's childhood friend, Hannah is also hurting. Also numbing the pain of loosing her best friend and living with the guilt of being the one the survive. She takes pills to numb the pain and one night she and Murphy collide and in a way it's the beginning of the end. Deeply layered, fast moving and always fun to read, Hannah and Murphy's story takes them from San Diego to Sacramento in the hopes of clearing Murphy's name.

“You said you needed me. And maybe that was just part of the crazy talk, but…If you need me, bwee, I’m there. Whether it’s Sacramento or San Diego or…or…London or, shit, the tenth level of hell. I’m there. You know, you were the one who had the problem with us having sex, Murph. Not me. If it were up to me, we’d still both be using each other shamelessly. Twice a day. And three times on Sundays.”


Izzy and Eden

Umm... I'm officially a card carrying member of the Irving Zanella club. Membership in this club comes with lots of ohh's and Ahhh's and many side aches from laughing so much because Izzy is sexy, funny and honorable. Regina and Wendy, also card carrying members can attest to the Zanella love. He's amazing but in this book we get to see Izzy head over heels infatuated with this girl/women who ends up being Danny Gillmans little sister. Yeah, if it couldn't get any stranger. Eden Gillman walks into the Ladybug and right into Izzy and from that moment forward the world changes for Mr. Zanella and he doesn't even know it. Eden is a mess. She's just turned 18 and warning signs are flashing and Izzy cannot walk away. Their attraction to each other jumps off the pages and we find ourselves as readers, wanting more. I wanted this to be their book, for every moment to come back to Izzy because he shines in Into the Fire. You get to know more about him and see him not just as funny but caring and committed. This is a story line I cannot wait to read more about and this is not the end for the Zanella's.

...there was something about Irving Zanella’s quick smile. There was something, too, that gleamed in his dark eyes—amusement or intelligence or probably both—that made him good-looking. Charismatic. That was the word for him. He had crazy charisma.


Dave, Sophia and Deck

Brockmann, I beg you... please put me out of my misery. I cannot take this love triangle anymore. There has to be a resolution soon. I love these crazy kids but dang it's been several books and each person is still torturing themselves for past transgressions. At the end of Into the Fire we get a little snippet of something that might be a resolution. I don't want to ruin it for avid fans, but be on the look out for that. To say i'm ready for this madness to end would be an understatement. In the end, I just want Dave, Sophia and Decker to have some happiness and maybe some babies... just saying.

As for the location of most of this book, the Sacramento area, Folsom and the hills just past there. That's where I grew up. It's not very often that you have a book based in an area you know so well. It was fun to imagine where all these hideouts where and maybe a little fun to imagine these fine Troubleshooters running around my hometown.

In Conclusion Into the Fire was a solid example why Ms. Brockmann is a renowned author. Her ability to weave these complex characters into these nail bitting story lines makes me come back for more each time. Flawed, lovable and wildly addictive are men and women of the Troubleshooter Series. I'll be sad when this wild ride is over but grateful to share the journey.

“Hannah of the wolves,” she reminded him. “I don’t care,” he said. “Maybe we should write that into our wedding vows. Through richer and poorer, through three days without a shower…” Hannah just sat there, her heart in her throat.

Profile Image for Cyndi.
2,450 reviews123 followers
January 9, 2017
At first I thought, "Arg, I've missed too many books in the series, I'll never catch up." Then as I caught up I thought, "Thank God I didn't read the other books or Tess' pain would be excruciating." But, then I kept going. And, wow! Loved it!!! So, no matter how many times you want to throw the book across the room, hang on. You'll be glad you did.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
2,233 reviews
February 12, 2018
These books are seriously addictive! What a FABULOUS book! Once again, I was a wreck and loving every minute of it. Onto the next one! YAY! ;)
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,516 reviews159 followers
February 9, 2023
Into the Fire
4 Stars

In the aftermath of his wife's murder, former Marine and Troubleshooter Vinh Murphy has cut all ties except one - Hannah Whitfield, the friend who introduced him to Angelina. When the leader of the neo-Nazi group responsible for his wife's death is murdered, Vinh becomes the prime suspect. Afraid that the group will target Hannah for revenge, Vinh must make the hardest choice of his life - push Hannah away or risk her life to be with her.

Similar to the earlier books in this series, the focus is on three separate storylines that ultimately merge into one. Aside from Vinh and Hannah's friends-to-lovers relationship, there is a secondary romance between Navy SEAL Izzy Zanella and his teammate's troubled younger sister, Eden Gillman as well as updates in the ongoing Decker/Dave/Sophia saga.

***Spoilers ahead***

Hannah and Vinh are fantastic together. The flashbacks to their friendship provide strong insights into their abiding love and affection for one another, which was just waiting to blossom into something more. It is impossible to not root for their HEA. One interesting note is Brockmann's choice regarding Angelina's characterization. - This was somewhat of a shock.

The secondary romance between Izzy and Eden is less appealing primarily due to the fact that both are quite immature. Eden is just too young and damaged to truly be in an adult relationship at this point. and Izzy also has some growing up to do. That said, there is tremendous potential here, which will hopefully come to fruition in the future.

Finally, it would seem that Sophia is finally coming to realize that her desire for a relationship with Decker is doomed to failure. Perhaps she will now open her eyes and see that there is someone who loves her sitting right under her nose. One can only hope.

The suspense plot is one of the best in the series and it is especially gratifying that the women play an important role in the action. They are all strong and resourceful, and it shows.

All in all, an entertaining read and I look forward to the next book to see how Nash's actions will play out.
Profile Image for Gwennie.
920 reviews191 followers
March 20, 2013
Izzy Zanella. There that's my review. Those two words should sum up the fact that this book rocked, lol. Izzy Irving Zanella, yummy extraordinaire.

I'm not going to write a big huge review for this one, because I was so caught up in the book that I completely forgot to mark quotes and points. I'll just say that even though this review's tagline is Izzy Zanella, it actually wasn't about him primarily. It was about poor sweet Murphy who lost his wife Angelina a few books ago. I like the route that Brockmann took with Murphy's future much better than how Ward handled Tohr's in BDB after the loss of his wife Wellsie. (Sorry, since Ward and Brockmann are friends and since the storylines are kind of similar, I can't help but compare.) I enjoyed this story.

Um, about Izzy's... well yeah, it just about kicked ass. Every scene with Izzy is dynamite.

We also got more of Deck/Dave/Sophia and even some Nash and Tess. We also got an introduction to someone new; that I feel will end up making an impact, a shrink named Jo. There were way too many little details, like the color of her silk nightie and the kind of novels she likes to read, for me to think she won't play a part going forward. Here's how I hope that plays out, and I'm sure I'm alone in this.... .

Wow, that was more of a review than I intended. I had a lot to say!
Profile Image for Quinn.
1,219 reviews69 followers
August 29, 2015
Another whirlwind entry into Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooters series. This is without a doubt the most enjoyable (long) series I have ever read, of any genre.

One of the great things about this series is that you get story arcs and relationships that traverse multiple books. This allows you become attached to and invested in characters before they are featured in their own book, as well as staying in touch with the characters you have come to love from previous books.

And Brockmann can write a character like no other. I just love the men in this series, and she has turned me into quite the fickle tramp. I can't choose just one!

Into the Fire sees the return of Vinh Murphy, who tragically lost his wife in Hot Target. We are also treated to a storyline featuring my favorite SEAL Izzy. Like Jules before him, Izzy steals every scene, and although this wasn't technically his book, it was great to see his character shine with more than just his incomparable irreverence. The depth and strength of character hinted at in previous novels really comes to the fore. He is amazing.

We also have an additional lesser storyline where we find out what's going on with Jimmy Nash, along with more from Decker, Sophia and Dave. All this is tied together with an action/suspense plot involving the Freedom Network, which leads to an explosive finale.

So yes, there is a lot going on in Into the Fire, but it is never overwhelming or confusing; nor did I feel shortchanged in any of the storylines. However, I daresay the same could not be said if this was read as a standalone. You really need the history and knowledge from previous books.

There were a couple of characters who I didn't find particularly likable this time around. Unfortunately one of those was Murphy's deceased wife Angelina. It is a strange thing to actually feel bad about not liking someone who is deceased, even though it is a fictional character.

Also, Danny Gillman will have to do some pretty fancy footwork in future books to redeem his behavior in this one. No doubt we will be seeing more of him and his sister Eden. Which means, yay, more Izzy too!
Profile Image for Ann (Noumena12).
477 reviews15 followers
August 10, 2008
Into the Fire is Suzanne Brockmann’s 13th book in her Troubleshooter’s series. The publisher’s standard summary does not begin to cover all of the explosive drama in this book. Tommy Paoletti has his hands full keeping up with his Troublshooters and SEAL Team 16 friends.

The primary plot catches up with former Troubleshooter Vinh Murphy. Vinh’s wife Angelina was killed by members of Tim Ebersole’s Freedom Network in Hot Target. Hannah Whitfield introduced her two best friends, Vinh and Angelina, to each other. Neither Hannah nor Vinh seem to be capable of moving on with their lives…until reports of Tim Ebersole’s death make Vinh the primary suspect. Hannah is dealing with her own problems after following a car accident that ended her police career. Can Hannah and the Troubleshooter/SEAL Team 16 operatives save Vinh before the FBI finds him? In the meantime, Jimmy Nash (Flashpoint) is still facing his own private demons and may drive the love of his life, Tess Bailey, away. Can Decker save James? Can Decker forgive himself for what happened in Kazbekistan? In addition, Izzy finally gets a key secondary story line

While I didn’t read much of the series in order, Into the Fire follows up on characters and events from several other Brockmann books. For me, Into the Fire is probably Brockmann’s best book yet because of the complex and compelling weave of stories and personalities. In addition, Brockmann deals with the emotional and mental toll that comes from life on the edge. With Into the Fire, Brockmann delivers more bang for the buck.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
October 12, 2014
This is one of my favorite books in the series. I think the reason why is because it has a large cast of characters, some of them my favorites, and some of them that have grown on me.

I wasn't too sure about this one going into it. I was shocked and heartbroken when Angelina was killed and initially didn't think that anyone would be able to take her place. But as we got to know Hannah and Angelina as kids, I realized just what a selfish person Angelina was, and even sort of hate her a little bit. She knew that Hannah was secretly in love with Vinh, and still went after him. Of course Vinh had to be attracted to her for this to work, and we learn more of that too. In the end I think that the way things ended up just the way they should have.

Another big part of the book was Izzy, who I have always thought was an ass, but did win me over with his actions in this book. I really loved that he took one look at Eden and could see past the screwed up little girl she was. I only wish that both of them could have been more honest with each other.

This book also had a bunch of characters come to some big revelations about themselves and about some of the big events that we have seen in past books. It was interesting to go on these journeys with the characters.

I can't wait to see where all of these characters go from here.
Profile Image for Laura (Kyahgirl).
2,347 reviews150 followers
November 30, 2009
This one was pretty good though not my favorite. There were an awful lot of characters floating around. However, Brockmann did a great job of weaving more threads in the long term story line without confusing things too much. Tess and Nash still annoy me though. I hope to see more of Eden...she is a character with lots of potential.
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,209 reviews69 followers
January 23, 2017
I had a tough time keeping some of the male characters straight in my mind, mostly Dave and Decker, so that really left me clueless when they met with the shrink.

For me there were too many convoluted stories and dead ends and/or cliff hangers. This is my least favorite of the series so far, by one or two stars. I hope future books work better.
Profile Image for Trina Nache Baxter.
10 reviews
October 6, 2009
I liked her earlier books. Now she has too many plot lines and they jump all over the place. I don't know if I'll read any more of her books.
Profile Image for Bona Caballero.
1,609 reviews69 followers
September 14, 2022
La 13.ª entrega de los Troubleshooters es de esas novelas solo aptas para los seguidores de la serie, por la cantidad de personajes que mete y de los que yo misma me preguntaba: este/esta, ¿quién era, Navy SEAL, marine, policía, FBI, CIA...?

Los protagonistas son Hannah Whitfield y Vinh Murphy, amigos de toda la vida y que están bastante dañados. Ella, ex policía, anda sorda y coja, bebiendo Johnny Walker como beben los peces en el río. Y Vinh, cuya esposa (y mejor amiga de Hannah) murió asesinada en Pasiones cruzadas, se dedica, cinco libros después, también a beber y endrogarse, que es lo que debe hacer un héroe de pro en Romancelandia cuando pierde al amor de su vida.

Cuando el FBI investiga la muerte del fanático a quien considera responsable de la muerte de su esposa, todas las sospechas recaen sobre Vihn. Y como se ha dedicado a la mala vida, ni él mismo sabe si lo ha hecho o no.

Esa intriga se mezcla con tramas secundarias que confluyen al final. A mi modo de ver, lo hace de forma no demasiado hábil.

En esta novela, el bocachancla Izzy Zanella se echa novia (o lo que sea) teenager, Eden. Aquí ves la crisis entre Jimmy y Tess, la pareja protagonista de Contra todas las reglas. En Romancelandia, asumes que las parejas felices lo son más o menos para siempre o, al menos, mientras dura la serie. Pues va a ser que no. Y el triángulo Sophia-Decker-Dave progresa adecuadamente,... Son historias un poco tristonas, sin final feliz asegurado.

El estilazo de Brockmann hace que sea una novela apasionante, muy entretenida, pese a sus cientos de páginas. Deja cabos sueltos. Mi impresión es que la historia le quedaba demasiado larga para un solo libro y la dividió entre este y el siguiente, Dark of Night.

Crítica algo más extensa, en mi blog.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,400 reviews70 followers
July 6, 2013
3.5-4 stars - kinda undecided....
RECOMMENDED FOR: Troubleshooters fans, Izzy fans, and those who want to know what happened to Murphy

This book... is ACTION-PACKED! And it's LONG! Not necessarily in a bad way, but I couldn't believe all that had happened and I wasn't even to the 50% mark yet! Wow. This book takes you to the edge and back, many times.

It's heart-warming, sad, healing, funny, heartbreaking, adrenaline pumping... and so much more.

We meet new characters, like Dr. Jo, the psychologist hired by Tom P at Troubleshooters, Inc. to help the team deal with all their past "stuff", especially the Dave/Sophia/Decker thing that explodes. Not to mention Jimmy Nash and Tess... and Decker and Dave explosion. But who is Dr. Jo? Is she there to help or hurt? We get a lot of insight into Dave and Decker, as they manage to open up to Dr. Jo, even against their will. And even some more additional insight into Sophia.

But frankly? I JUST WANT THE DAVE/SOPHIA/DECKER THING TO BE OVER! And it looks like, by the end of this book, it might just be resolved. And I'm HAPPY! Because the Good Guy doesn't always win. (I don't want to mark spoilers just yet, so I won't tell you who I think the Good Guy is, but you can probably guess if you've read the book.)

Murphy and Hannah... they're supposed to be the main focus of this book, but Angelina is a very real shadow/ghost. We learn so much more about Hannah and her friendship with Angelina. For that matter, we learn so much more about Angelina, and it's not all roses and sunlight, like we thought. (Or I thought.)

No one's seen or heard from Murphy since after Angelina's funeral... He just took off. We learn that Hannah has seen him, but not frequently. And Murphy is A MESS! But you'd expect him to be. Problem is, even after Murphy gets his life back together, there are gaping holes when he was too blitzed out on alcohol and grief to even know what he was doing.

And that's a problem because the jerk, Ebersole, head of that Neo-Nazi so-called Freedom Network thing that got Angelina shot is dead; his body was "just discovered", even though the murder took place 4 months ago. And Murphy doesn't have an alibi or a clue where he was. Except that he and Hannah finally determine that Murphy WAS in the area. He could have shot and killed Ebersole, he just doesn't know for sure. Hannah's in love with Murphy - always has been; but when Angelina told Hannah that she & Murphy hooked up, Hannah let go.

But now, Hannah's not about to let Murphy be taken in for questioning. She knows he'll never see the light of day. And so, despite her gimp ankle and loss of hearing resulting from an OTJ accident when she was a cop, Hannah is at Murphy's side, trying to help him piece together what happened.

Then there's IZZY! Izzy might not be the most handsome guy to cross our paths, but he's definitely got charisma in spades! And a body that won't quit. He's a SEAL, after all. But Izzy's best features are his sense of humor and deep-down honor. So when the most beautiful girl he's ever seen wanders into the Ladybug Lounge looking for Gillman, Izzy's gone. Poor thing needs a place to stay - her boyfriend dumped her in a Krispy Kreme, and her bag with her ID, cash, and clothes was in the car.

So Izzy feeds the girl, Eden, who's turning 18 at midnight, and takes her back to his apartment while he tries to get Jenk and Lindsay on the phone so that Eden can stay with them. 'Cuz Izzy's way too tempted with hot little Eden wandering around his apartment. Since they just got back from a mission, Jenk wants a little more time with Lindsay. So he convinces Izzy to keep her there for another hour or so. Jenk even thinks that Gillman will be coll with it all, 'cuz Jenk will tell Gillman that Izzy went "above and beyond" trying to find a place for Eden to stay. Izzy's thoughts?
Gillman would thank him--as a trio of pigs singing "Lean of Me" in perfect harmony flew past Izzy's apartment window.

We learn quite a bit about Eden and Gillman, as the book goes on. You see, the book starts with a brief "6 Months Ago" thing that brings Murphy/Hannah and Izzy/Eden together, and then fast-forwards. Eden went to Germany to be with her dad, while Gillman grudgingly provided the funds. Murphy left Hannah after a drunken one-night-stand that almost ended with Murphy killing himself with one of Hannah's uncle's guns. Instead, Murphy wandered out into the night.

After the 6 months goes by, though, Murphy and Hannah are trying to piece together his actions. Dr. Jo is in the mix, stirring the pot. And EDEN is 6 months pregnant. And she says that Izzy's the father, which is ridiculous, since Izzy and Eden didn't have full-on sex. Yes, they gave each other hand-jobs, but that was it.

Except we all know Izzy. And he's got a thing for Eden. So he goes along with it, and allows Gillman to drag him back to Vegas to confront Eden. Gillman's step-father has Eden locked in the bathroom, because he wants her to sign away her baby so that he (the step-father) can make some cash. Izzy is LIVID! And in saving the girl, he manages to avoid busting a few heads and proposing. Izzy's proposal to Eden is to get married so that she has medical insurance and a home for herself and Pinkie - what she calls her baby boy. If after Pinkie's born Eden wants to leave, they part ways. Problem is, Eden clearly doesn't know how to have a relationship; to her, it's all about sex, has been since she was 14. Eden only knows how to relate to guys through sex and the power and control she can have through it. So... it's a rocky road for Izzy and Eden.

In the middle of all of this, Murphy's located. And the gang, including Jules Cassidy, is involved with trying to get to Murphy and find out what really happened 4 months ago. Did Murphy shoot Ebersole?

During the hunt for Murphy, though, we discover that Jimmy Nash is doing "odd jobs" for someone other than Troubleshooters, Inc. And he's in DEEP - so deep, that his and Tess' apartment is trashed, and it's clear that not only Jimmy is in danger, but Tess is, too. A parking lot melt-down has Jimmy shouting at Tess, Dr. Jo, Dave, and Decker... and stalking off into the night. The gang can't deal with Jimmy, 'cuz they're hot on Murphy's and Hannah's trail.

SO MUCH HAPPENS! Let's just cut to the chase: Jimmy is mortally wounded at Hannah's cabin. Tess is shot, gun whipped, and drugged. Hannah and Sophia are drugged. Tess, Hannah, Sophia, and a 6-month pregnant Eden are all taken hostage by the Freedom Network. All because Hannah and Murphy infiltrated their "lair" and took some wild pictures of a very weird "ceremony" at the cabin in which Ebersole supposedly was killed.

The Freedom Network wants to discredit Murphy, so they've taken the hostages and demand that Murphy kill himself after confessing that he set it all up AND killed Ebersole. It's clever, but this team of SEALs, Troubleshooters, and FBI with Jules at the helm aren't giving up. They're going in to rescue the hostages.

Who survives? Who doesn't? What's the truth? Wow... you've got to read this non-stop book to find out!
Profile Image for Peridot_Lyoness.
83 reviews
May 9, 2017
I really liked Hannah and Vinh. Two broken people that made each other whole. Loss, substance abuse, relearning to live and love and finding peace.... yeah, I'm on board with those topics. And Eden and Izzy's side story was sweet. Who'd have thunk it? Izzy Zanella, manwh*re, impulsive extraordinaire, savior of misguided youth. I'm looking forward to seeing how that story will develop, hopefully through several books. Decker, you are breaking my heart. I want you to find your HEA. Nash and Tess, get yourselves together and talk, please. And Dave and Sophia? About f*ing time! Overall, so happy, looking forward to the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,048 reviews39 followers
June 17, 2017
Dang, it felt really good to be back in this world. Suzanne is such a master when it comes to multiple book story arcs, interweaving different characters and plot, and developing those characters over time. It's highly addictive to be in this world.
4,010 reviews10 followers
December 19, 2019
Into the Fire had complex and messy relationships, which I liked. I was a bit more invested in Izzy’s storyline, but I did like that Vinh and Hannah figured out what was best for them.
Profile Image for Nock Leighton.
371 reviews9 followers
February 13, 2022
I love this series so so much! It could honestly go on and on revisiting characters lives and introducing new ones but I’m sure it hasn’t! It was so emotional and heart breaking. Murphy and Hannah, Izzy and Eden, Nash and tess and DDS and I can’t believe how that worked out! I can’t wait to read more about these characters 10*****
Profile Image for Rachel C..
2,055 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2008
I've been reading this series since the original publication of Book 1. I'm glad Brockmann is still going strong and I will definitely keep reading, but this one wasn't one of my favorites.

While I liked A-plot characters Vinh and Hannah individually, I didn't think they had much chemistry as a couple. Izzy Zanella (hero of the B-plot and future star of his own book, I'm sure) was goofy and endearing but he reminded me A LOT of Kenny Karmody from "Out of Control." And his relationship with Eden felt like Max/Gina redux. It's still cheating if you crib from your own characters.

Structurally, I was annoyed by the constant cutting back and forth in time and among different sets of characters, some of which haven't been featured in several books and I could barely tell apart. And, as mentioned above, I've been in since Day 1. There's no way a new reader would be able to follow all the things going on in this book. It got so bad at one point I felt like I was watching an episode of 24. With this much to keep straight, how about a timeline and a dramatis personae in an annex?

I don't want this review to be filled with just gripes, so I'll say that Suzanne Brockmann is a very talented writer (particularly deft with the suspense stuff) and I hold her to a high standard. Habitual readers of romantic suspense know that there's a ton of dreck in the genre but she's the real deal. There's a lot to like about "Into the Fire" which is why it was extra frustrating that it just didn't quite gel as a cohesive whole.

(Okay, one last gripe: How about choosing some more memorable and distinguishable titles, Brockmann? "Into the Fire," "Into the Storm," "Over the Edge," "Out of Control", "Gone Too Far," "Breaking Point" and "Flashpoint" all have the same stressed out vibe.)

Profile Image for ᒪᗴᗩᕼ .
2,079 reviews190 followers
October 26, 2015
"Hope is always, always true and good."

Book Title: Into The Fire
Author: Suzanne Brockmann
Series: Troubleshooters #13
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Thriller
Publisher: Ballentine
Source: Kindle Book (Library)

❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃

Why I picked that quote: It is, hopefully anyway...

❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃


Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Breakdown of Rating

Plot: 3.5/5 While for most of the book, the story jumped all over the place (from one couples story to another), and I found that somewhat irritating, it's the nature of some books, so I dealt with it.
Characters: 3.8/5 I really liked Izzy and Eden's story. Way more than Hannah and Vinh's.
Theme: 4/5
Flow: 3.8/5
Originality: 3/5
Book Cover: 3/5
The Feels: 3.8/5
Sex Factor: Yeah there is some.
Ending: 4.7/5. Cliffhanger: to be continued

Will I continue the series: meh, I don't know???

My Thoughts :

It took me a while to read this book because it's been too long since I read the other Troubleshoooters books, I couldn't remember all of them. While, the author tried to explain things here and there, I was still lost for at least half the book, then I started getting to know who each person was and remembering bits and pieces of past books also. Then I got into it more.

If you like the Troubleshooters Series, then you should like this one also. But, seriously, are all Navy Seals hot as hell? (Of course, if they all look like Steve McGarrett, then Yeah they'd all be hot as hell.



Profile Image for Robin.
378 reviews143 followers
September 21, 2008
Everything was fantastic about this book......except the main storyline. Maybe I didn't get enough Murphy when I was into the old books, but I just didn't care about these two. No, I take that back. It wasn't Murph I didn't care about, it was Hannah. I didn't buy her story. I love the diversity that is included in these books, and I love how it makes it seem like the real world, and not some fantasy world where everyone is the same. But, I just didn't buy that whole deaf storyline. It didn't ring (pardon the pun) true for me. And, because I didn't believe that, I didn't believe in her. I wish I could have, but I just didn't.

There were a couple times where I severely cursed Brockmann while I read this book, and that means I totally bought everything else she was peddling. I may never forgive her for the turn the Izzy storyline has taken and I can only imagine the anguish the Alyssa/Sam fans must have felt when they had to wait for the next book to see what would happen. The biggest problem is that I like the third party, but I definitely wanted an Izzy/Tracy happy happy, and that just didn't happen.

There were also times when I thought I was going to choke to death (Nash.....Decker.....) and there were even times I cheered. (Dave). And Lopez? Definitely time for the peacemaker to get a piece.

A person who jumps in at this point in the series might be a little bit confused, but I think this is a book where a person could start. It would definitely make you want to go back and read other books in the series. I would highly rec this to people who hadn't read Brockmann before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for LaFleurBleue.
842 reviews39 followers
July 3, 2014
This book was much blacker than others in the series.
The lead couple first had to learn to really finally deal with death and mourning. I am usually not a big fan of the friend-to-lover trope and even less when the friend was also the best friend of a former deceased spouse, but it worked here, and did not leave me thinking that they would have less of a relationship in the end by settling with each other. That is something that I really appreciated.
There were quite a few stories intertwined in this book, all working along the same timeline, after the first few chapters taking place 6 months before. So no back and forth with different flashbacks, but still a wide range of points of view, stories and troubles. A few of those directly derive from what happened in previous books, therefore I believe this one might be more enjoyable for readers familiar with the Troubleshooters environment.
For me, everything worked perfectly, the suspense(s) increased all along. Some moments were pretty dawn awful, mostly those relating to Eden. I really liked the characters who were all true to themselves, even if some changed.
And honestly, do not attempt to read this book if you do not have the next one already available on your bookstand or reader, frustration guaranteed otherwise, as only part of the plot was solved by the end of the book and the remainder made up the plot for Dark of Night, which indeed starts exactly where this one left.
Profile Image for Mallory.
986 reviews
July 31, 2012
Okay, for starters, this book was WAY too oversexed for me. I feel that it took away from the story and added unnecessary distractions where the story and plot itself would have been plenty gripping. Maybe that aspect wouldn't bother other readers, but it began to irritate me, as did the frequent cursing and swearing. I also had difficulty keeping tabs on who liked who versus which people were actually in relationships with one another at the Troubleshooters agency. It seemed very high school at times. That being said, there were some things I liked about the book. For example, the military background of many of the characters and the fact that a number of them (both men and women) had been overseas and experienced the horrors of war. Along those lines, I also liked the one-on-one sessions that many of the Troubleshooters had to go through with psychiatrist Dr. Heissman. It was fascinating how she was able to control a situation and get a person to open up and talk about a dark part of their past, revealing the true feelings they kept hidden from everyone else. It's obvious after awhile that a lot of these characters are recurring from previous Brockmann books or will be featured in a future title. (Read: There's not closure for everyone and threads are left hanging.) However, I don't think I will read her again.
1,501 reviews9 followers
November 16, 2014
Wow, this book packs a huge emotional gut punch.

There is SO.MUCH going on in this book. Murphy has always been a favorite of mine, and to see him pull himself up from the dark was a huge bright spot in this book.

The Decker/Dave/Sophia story line is finally moving forward. I'm not sure how I feel about where it's going yet.

Izzy ... I have to say this was the main part of the book for me. I have always adored Izzy ... and I'm tied up in knots for him at the end of this book.

Nash & Tess ... so many issues I hope have been resolved ... but we'll have to wait and see.

Jules made brief appearances in this one, but not a whole lot of face time for him.

This was just a roller coaster of emotions for me with this book.

As one review states "Because even though the "main" couple, Vinh and Hannah, do get their happy ending, just about every other aspect of this book will leave you feeling ragged and unsettled."

I totally agree.
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