Operation Stop Hate is a title that reflects the nuances illustrated in this book. From the prologue to the final chapter, Ms. Chandler has written a book that holds together rather well.
Cailin McKenna is a federal agent for a division of Homeland Security tasked with, among other duties, investigating domestic terror threats. When a second school shooting occurs in Minneapolis within a week, Cailin and her team are tasked with discovering whether there is any connection to the two. The investigation leads to a hate group, one which appears to be plotting to unleash a terrorist attack on the city.
Ms. Chandler progresses the investigation at a steady pace and populates the cast with memorable characters. A reasonably attentive reader can link clues together to figure out certain plot points but these signs aren't so blatant as to ruin the story.
The 'B' plot involves Cailin's personal life. Again, Ms. Chandler has created a cast of characters that are more than wooden placeholders. Indeed, it feels very much as if we, the reader, have been dropped into Cailin's life in order to observe her. Cailin's ex girlfriend is causing trouble for her and her new girlfriend, Alex. Despite the stalkerish behavior, Cailin can't figure out how to get her ex to leave her alone. As she observes, she's a federal agent and should be able to handle her ex without involving others. There were definitely times when I asked myself why she wasn't more proactive, but after finishing it, I can understand why Ms. Chandler wrote Cailin as she did in this matter. Overall, the B plot didn't detract overly from the central plot, but there were definitely moments that felt drawn out. Perhaps most disappointing was the resolution to the B plot line.
That is however, my only real complaint. At its heart, Ms Chandler has written a suspense novel which has a message of tolerance. I'm looking forward to reading additional books by this author, especially if they deal with these same characters.
NB: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.