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A KIDNAPPED CHILD. A DEADLY ENEMY.
Bud Mac Phearson's job is to protect Mallory Christiani and her young daughter, Emily-not to get personally involved with either. But after Emily disappears and the trail leads directly to a well-known crime boss, Mac can't refuse the beautiful single mother's pleas for help. With assassins hot on their trail and danger around every corner, the tentative partners race to find the missing key needed for the ransom…even as they try to fight the attraction blooming between them. But when Mac trades his own life for Emily's, Mallory must risk it all to save the man she's come to love…
Bud Mac Phearson's job is to protect Mallory Christiani and her young daughter, Emily-not to get personally involved with either. But after Emily disappears and the trail leads directly to a well-known crime boss, Mac can't refuse the beautiful single mother's pleas for help. With assassins hot on their trail and danger around every corner, the tentative partners race to find the missing key needed for the ransom…even as they try to fight the attraction blooming between them. But when Mac trades his own life for Emily's, Mallory must risk it all to save the man she's come to love…
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1990
87 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Anderson
102 books2,959 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
(1)romance author:
Adeline Catherine was born and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon, USA. She always yearned to be a writer like her mother. The morning that one of her professors asked if she could use samples of Catherine’s creative writing on an overhead projector to teach was a dream come true. In 1988, she sold her first book to Harlequin Intrigue and went on to write three more before she tried her hand at a single-title historical romance. Nine books later, she did her first single-title contemporary.
Catherine married Sidney D. Anderson, an industrial electrician and entrepreneur. They had two sons, Sidney D. Jr. and John G. In 2001 she and her husband purchased a central Oregon home located on a ridge with incredible mountain views and surrounded by forestland honeycombed with trails. It was her dream home, a wonderland in the winter and beyond beautiful in the summer. She named it Cinnamon Ridge after the huge ponderosa pines on the property, which sport bark the color of cinnamon.
Sadly, Catherine lost her husband to a long-term illness in 2014. She has kept Cinnamon Ridge as her primary residence but divides her time between there and her son John's farm, where she has the support of her loved ones and can enjoy his horses, cows, and raise her own chickens.
Catherine loves animals and birds, both wild and domestic. She presently has two Australian shepherds, six cats, and a very old canary. She is very family oriented as well. Her older son has lived in Japan, Australia, and now resides in New Zealand. Catherine and her stateside family will celebrate Christmas on the north island with Sidney, his wife Mary, and their two sons, Liam and Jonas.
(1)romance author:
Adeline Catherine was born and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon, USA. She always yearned to be a writer like her mother. The morning that one of her professors asked if she could use samples of Catherine’s creative writing on an overhead projector to teach was a dream come true. In 1988, she sold her first book to Harlequin Intrigue and went on to write three more before she tried her hand at a single-title historical romance. Nine books later, she did her first single-title contemporary.
Catherine married Sidney D. Anderson, an industrial electrician and entrepreneur. They had two sons, Sidney D. Jr. and John G. In 2001 she and her husband purchased a central Oregon home located on a ridge with incredible mountain views and surrounded by forestland honeycombed with trails. It was her dream home, a wonderland in the winter and beyond beautiful in the summer. She named it Cinnamon Ridge after the huge ponderosa pines on the property, which sport bark the color of cinnamon.
Sadly, Catherine lost her husband to a long-term illness in 2014. She has kept Cinnamon Ridge as her primary residence but divides her time between there and her son John's farm, where she has the support of her loved ones and can enjoy his horses, cows, and raise her own chickens.
Catherine loves animals and birds, both wild and domestic. She presently has two Australian shepherds, six cats, and a very old canary. She is very family oriented as well. Her older son has lived in Japan, Australia, and now resides in New Zealand. Catherine and her stateside family will celebrate Christmas on the north island with Sidney, his wife Mary, and their two sons, Liam and Jonas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 12, 2018
When Private Investigator Bud MacPhearson got a message from Keith Christiani, he knew it was urgent. Keith said if anything happened to him, Mac had to get his daughter-in-law, Mallory, and his granddaughter, Emily, to safety. Now he has found Keith in the hospital, unable to communicate after a massive stroke. Mac also tracks down Mallory who is frantic because Emily has disappeared. Mac and Mallory receive a call from the kidnapper. They have to play by the kidnapper’s rules. No police or the little girl is dead. They have to find the package that Keith hid and turn it over to the kidnappers or Mallory will never see her little girl again.
This was a very good category romance with an excellent suspense plot. Not only does Mac and Mallory have to find the package and get it to the kidnapper, they also have to avoid the three men who are trying to kill both of them. The romance portion of the story was not so good. Mac continually believing he was not good enough for Mallory got old very fast. So, I knocked off a full point for the lame romance story, but absolutely loved the suspense story. My rating: 4 Stars.
This was a very good category romance with an excellent suspense plot. Not only does Mac and Mallory have to find the package and get it to the kidnapper, they also have to avoid the three men who are trying to kill both of them. The romance portion of the story was not so good. Mac continually believing he was not good enough for Mallory got old very fast. So, I knocked off a full point for the lame romance story, but absolutely loved the suspense story. My rating: 4 Stars.
October 10, 2008
Rating: 3.5 / 5
This is the 2nd of Anderson's 4 Harlequin Intrigue books that I've read, and I liked this one much better than "Without A Trace" but I still didn't really love it. Neither of these books have had Anderson's special magic, at least in my opinion.
In this one, Mallory father-in-law has gotten himself in trouble with some bad people. He leaves a message for good friend/mentee Mac to please get Mallory and her daughter out of town. But Mac is a day late in getting home from a trip, and the father-in-law has a devastating stroke before he can warn Mallory. The bad guys kidnap Mallory's daughter Emily, and because of a debt owed to her father-in-law, Mac insists on sticking by her side and helping her rescue Emily. Even if he has a personal reason for intensely disliking her.
Most aspects of the book were just average. The romance lagged and didn't pick up till late in the book. The characters were okay. The plot was okay, but there were some procedural/logic things that could have been done better...like not having the H/H stay at the heroine's house where the bad guys know you live and have a key to get inside (not the smartest choice). There wasn't really anything great or awful about the book. It was just kinda and average short romantic suspense.
I really wish there had been an epilogue. The ending left the book feeling a bit incomplete for me. There's only an implication that IF this happened and IF that happened, then MAYBE everything would be okay and they'd get their HEA. It was all conditionals and when I finished I was like, umm, okay...so there's only a chance everything will work out? It was a bit irritating.
But for you diehard Anderson fans, this is probably one you'd want to add to your collection. It's the reason I read it and even though I have been all that impressed with the 2 Intrigue books I've read, I'll read the other ones when I can.
This is the 2nd of Anderson's 4 Harlequin Intrigue books that I've read, and I liked this one much better than "Without A Trace" but I still didn't really love it. Neither of these books have had Anderson's special magic, at least in my opinion.
In this one, Mallory father-in-law has gotten himself in trouble with some bad people. He leaves a message for good friend/mentee Mac to please get Mallory and her daughter out of town. But Mac is a day late in getting home from a trip, and the father-in-law has a devastating stroke before he can warn Mallory. The bad guys kidnap Mallory's daughter Emily, and because of a debt owed to her father-in-law, Mac insists on sticking by her side and helping her rescue Emily. Even if he has a personal reason for intensely disliking her.
Most aspects of the book were just average. The romance lagged and didn't pick up till late in the book. The characters were okay. The plot was okay, but there were some procedural/logic things that could have been done better...like not having the H/H stay at the heroine's house where the bad guys know you live and have a key to get inside (not the smartest choice). There wasn't really anything great or awful about the book. It was just kinda and average short romantic suspense.
I really wish there had been an epilogue. The ending left the book feeling a bit incomplete for me. There's only an implication that IF this happened and IF that happened, then MAYBE everything would be okay and they'd get their HEA. It was all conditionals and when I finished I was like, umm, okay...so there's only a chance everything will work out? It was a bit irritating.
But for you diehard Anderson fans, this is probably one you'd want to add to your collection. It's the reason I read it and even though I have been all that impressed with the 2 Intrigue books I've read, I'll read the other ones when I can.
April 17, 2015
I just love Catherine Anderson books with each story you get a well told romance. Usually her stories involve an abused woman and child but in this one Mallory Christiani is a widower for over a year with a little girl named Emily. What else is typical of her past stories is the father in law is a bully or a threat but again in this one Keith (FIL) is a honest and good man as was his son Darren. Keith being under a great deal of stress and pressure ends up in ICU being visited by Mallory when she learns Keith has had a visit by a priest and his son earlier and needs some rest. It all strikes her as odd because Darren was Keith's only son and he is Methodist.
She soon meets the imposter son on a routine visit and when confronted learns Bud Mac Phearson is to be her savior. It is all a cat and mouse game to escape the hospital parking lot and Mallory is alarmed to find an assortment of fake ID's in his glove compartment. Who does she trust? She knows something odd is going on and now Mac is asking her if her daughter is watched after closely. Little Emily is taken and her only hope in getting her back is Mac. I really love how the author brings it all home in little soft touches throughout her books. In this one it is Emily being separated from her stuffed dog Ragsdale. I enjoy the sweetness brought in through conversation as well.
Em is unaware that she has even been kidnapped she is under the impression that she is away from her mom because gramps is in the hospital. The neat thing about this whole suspense is we know early on Mac is indebted to gramps but are unaware why. While the search for a key goes on we find that Keith is not the only one with a history connecting him to Mac. This story only has one love scene in it and it is mild compared to the standard of most romances. The couple make a great team and both fight to keep their new family safe. While this is a contemporary it is one with heart in it. Enjoy!
She soon meets the imposter son on a routine visit and when confronted learns Bud Mac Phearson is to be her savior. It is all a cat and mouse game to escape the hospital parking lot and Mallory is alarmed to find an assortment of fake ID's in his glove compartment. Who does she trust? She knows something odd is going on and now Mac is asking her if her daughter is watched after closely. Little Emily is taken and her only hope in getting her back is Mac. I really love how the author brings it all home in little soft touches throughout her books. In this one it is Emily being separated from her stuffed dog Ragsdale. I enjoy the sweetness brought in through conversation as well.
Em is unaware that she has even been kidnapped she is under the impression that she is away from her mom because gramps is in the hospital. The neat thing about this whole suspense is we know early on Mac is indebted to gramps but are unaware why. While the search for a key goes on we find that Keith is not the only one with a history connecting him to Mac. This story only has one love scene in it and it is mild compared to the standard of most romances. The couple make a great team and both fight to keep their new family safe. While this is a contemporary it is one with heart in it. Enjoy!
August 29, 2015
I used to read Harlequin Intrigue books for several years. This is a good line of books to check out if you are into mystery/suspense or romantic suspense stories. This line of books does produce some good storylines with a mix of action, romance, male and female leads that guarantee to be quick reads. It has been a long time also since I have read anything by author, Catherine Anderson.
I liked this book. It had plenty of action that kept the storyline moving at a steady, face pace. Mac is the ultimate male hero lead. He is someone I instantly picture when I think of the hero...tall, dark, handsome, strong, quick thinker, great under pressure, and gets the job done. Mallory on the other hand I had a seesaw relationship with her. At times she was strong but other times she cracked under pressure. I thought for having such a authority male figure as a father that she would be cool under pressure. The chemistry between thee two was steady and built up but still hot.
I liked this book. It had plenty of action that kept the storyline moving at a steady, face pace. Mac is the ultimate male hero lead. He is someone I instantly picture when I think of the hero...tall, dark, handsome, strong, quick thinker, great under pressure, and gets the job done. Mallory on the other hand I had a seesaw relationship with her. At times she was strong but other times she cracked under pressure. I thought for having such a authority male figure as a father that she would be cool under pressure. The chemistry between thee two was steady and built up but still hot.
November 28, 2015
Aaaah, so, I was 8 years old when Switchback made it's debut. lol And it was quite the throwback. But a fun one as Mac & Mallory race against the clock trying to save her little girl from the clutches of a criminal who would do anything to retrieve a package he's sure they have.
The suspense was fast paced and had my palms sweating a few times as unknown assassins hinder their search for the package they've been ordered to find.
Switchback definitely had some out of date bits happening since it was written in the 90s. Ex--use of pay phones, medications that are now banned, rolodexes, slang that was used, he fought in Nam, etc. It wasn't a big deal but had an older feel to it.
Full review to come...
The suspense was fast paced and had my palms sweating a few times as unknown assassins hinder their search for the package they've been ordered to find.
Switchback definitely had some out of date bits happening since it was written in the 90s. Ex--use of pay phones, medications that are now banned, rolodexes, slang that was used, he fought in Nam, etc. It wasn't a big deal but had an older feel to it.
Full review to come...
August 4, 2015
4 STARS
This is a reprint which I did not know till the end, but I should of got details about typewriter ribbon or payphones. I remember those so it worked for me. Lots of drama, action, some love scenes. I wanted more to the ending.
The story starts right into the drama and does not let go till the end. Some of it I could tell where the story was going. Other twists I liked.
Bud Mac Phearson is asked to protect Mallory and Emily, but he gets the message too late. He is going to protect Mallory and find Emily. Bud is a private investigator.
Mallory Christiani is a rich widow. She is a nurse. At time she is a little wimpy and others so strong and smart. She is holding it together so she can get her daughter back. I was really glad we got to see more of what she is like when her daughter is not at risk.
The setting for this book is Washington state. Probably around 1990s.
I would read more books by Catherine Anderson in the future after reading Switchback.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Switchback.
This is a reprint which I did not know till the end, but I should of got details about typewriter ribbon or payphones. I remember those so it worked for me. Lots of drama, action, some love scenes. I wanted more to the ending.
The story starts right into the drama and does not let go till the end. Some of it I could tell where the story was going. Other twists I liked.
Bud Mac Phearson is asked to protect Mallory and Emily, but he gets the message too late. He is going to protect Mallory and find Emily. Bud is a private investigator.
Mallory Christiani is a rich widow. She is a nurse. At time she is a little wimpy and others so strong and smart. She is holding it together so she can get her daughter back. I was really glad we got to see more of what she is like when her daughter is not at risk.
The setting for this book is Washington state. Probably around 1990s.
I would read more books by Catherine Anderson in the future after reading Switchback.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Switchback.
November 13, 2021
Although the suspense and Mallory's reactions to dealing with her daughter's kidnapping are intense, the logic is up and down. There were too many places where I felt Mac and Mallory were doing the obvious and could easily be second-guessed by the men trying to get rid of them. Neither the good guys nor the bad guys would have behaved as they do in this book, so I frequently felt myself losing interest. I did like the references and attention to detail about the Seattle area, however.
October 21, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Even though from the 1990's the suspense was great, the tension gripping and all in all a very good read.
October 10, 2017
Mallory Christiani comes off at first as being your typical damsel in distress. She finds herself being carted off and bundled into a car by an unknown man, in spite of all her instincts and modern-day warnings about getting into cars with strangers. She recalls Ted Bundy, a handsome, charming man who deceived some of his victims by telling them that he was a cop in order to trick them into stepping into his car before he abducted them.
At every moment, I was inwardly screaming at this woman to shout, yell, do something, ANYTHING, that would mark her as being anything other than a foolish cow willing to walk placidly to her doom. If this were anything other than a romance novel, it would be a story about a cunning serial killer. Even Bud MacPhearson, the man who takes her, admits that he made some wrong moves. He talks about how he leads talks on crime prevention specifically targeted at women, so he understands her trepidation.
There is danger but it comes from another source—Mallory’s child Emily has been kidnapped. From here, Mallory starts leaning on Bud at every opportunity, falling into his arms, collapsing on his shoulder, letting him sleep (platonically) in bed beside her. My distaste at her willing dependence on a stranger was gradually tempered by the author’s adept writing of Mallory’s turmoil.
She’s a mother who risks losing her child and her terror becomes a palpable thing. Unless you’re a parent, you can’t truly understand what it means to be always looking out for your progeny but Ms. Anderson makes us comprehend Mallory’s intense, yawing emotions. For quite some time, the burgeoning sexual heat between Mallory and Bud is forcibly set to the side. It’s Mallory’s terror over her child’s probable fate at the hands of a ruthless criminal that takes front and center stage.
Mallory gradually shows that she’s more than a DID. She demands that Bud take her along into dangerous situations and she actually proves useful and capable in extracting herself from peril. The ending, where she rallies her available resources to save her loved ones, was an unexpected delight for this reader.
However, the romance itself is soured because Bud has a very real bigotry against the monied class in general and Mallory in particular. Years ago, Mallory’s frenemy broke the heart of Bud’s half-brother, driving the man to suicidal action, and Bud holds Mallory and all her class indirectly responsible.
This previous tragedy goes far in winning a grudging acceptance of his disdain for Mallory. However, I couldn’t help but feel annoyed and embittered by this dichotomy between wealthy women and wealthy men in romance novels. If it’s the man who’s rich while the woman is poor, we’re expected to feel as if she’s Cinderella who’s nabbed the prince at the ball. You lucky gal! The fish jumped right into the boat; all you have to do is whack him with the oar!
But, if it’s the woman who has money and the man who is poor, unnecessary roadblocks invariably arise. We’re expected to accept his contempt for the rich, his injured pride and inferiority complex at hooking up with a woman who has more money than his entire family. It’s not considered proper for a woman to possess more money, assets or her own island than her male counterpart. In other novels of this sort, I’ve seen the wealthy woman work to give away her cash because it proves that she’s more than a gold-digging fortune hunter and therefore the man can take her into his heart.
Bud tells Mallory that her money gets in the way. I wished that she (and any other female who finds herself on the wrong end of this barb) would point out that, if she said such a thing, it would make her a snob. So what does that say about him? Reverse snobbery is still snobbery.
Also, often times, the woman may have much more money but it’s usually in the hundreds of thousands (as in Mallory’s case). She’s never a millionaire or a billionaire. Such loads of cash are appropriate in the hands of a man. He’s allowed to have his own private yachts, trust funds, mansions in different countries (or his own country) but she isn’t.
I suppose I should be glad that Mallory proves herself to be clever, rich and resourceful. But Bud’s nearly unrelenting bigotry taints this romance. Even the touch of humor at the end is strained and unconvincing. So this novel is brilliant in the crime aspect. In the romance department—not so much.
At every moment, I was inwardly screaming at this woman to shout, yell, do something, ANYTHING, that would mark her as being anything other than a foolish cow willing to walk placidly to her doom. If this were anything other than a romance novel, it would be a story about a cunning serial killer. Even Bud MacPhearson, the man who takes her, admits that he made some wrong moves. He talks about how he leads talks on crime prevention specifically targeted at women, so he understands her trepidation.
There is danger but it comes from another source—Mallory’s child Emily has been kidnapped. From here, Mallory starts leaning on Bud at every opportunity, falling into his arms, collapsing on his shoulder, letting him sleep (platonically) in bed beside her. My distaste at her willing dependence on a stranger was gradually tempered by the author’s adept writing of Mallory’s turmoil.
She’s a mother who risks losing her child and her terror becomes a palpable thing. Unless you’re a parent, you can’t truly understand what it means to be always looking out for your progeny but Ms. Anderson makes us comprehend Mallory’s intense, yawing emotions. For quite some time, the burgeoning sexual heat between Mallory and Bud is forcibly set to the side. It’s Mallory’s terror over her child’s probable fate at the hands of a ruthless criminal that takes front and center stage.
Mallory gradually shows that she’s more than a DID. She demands that Bud take her along into dangerous situations and she actually proves useful and capable in extracting herself from peril. The ending, where she rallies her available resources to save her loved ones, was an unexpected delight for this reader.
However, the romance itself is soured because Bud has a very real bigotry against the monied class in general and Mallory in particular. Years ago, Mallory’s frenemy broke the heart of Bud’s half-brother, driving the man to suicidal action, and Bud holds Mallory and all her class indirectly responsible.
This previous tragedy goes far in winning a grudging acceptance of his disdain for Mallory. However, I couldn’t help but feel annoyed and embittered by this dichotomy between wealthy women and wealthy men in romance novels. If it’s the man who’s rich while the woman is poor, we’re expected to feel as if she’s Cinderella who’s nabbed the prince at the ball. You lucky gal! The fish jumped right into the boat; all you have to do is whack him with the oar!
But, if it’s the woman who has money and the man who is poor, unnecessary roadblocks invariably arise. We’re expected to accept his contempt for the rich, his injured pride and inferiority complex at hooking up with a woman who has more money than his entire family. It’s not considered proper for a woman to possess more money, assets or her own island than her male counterpart. In other novels of this sort, I’ve seen the wealthy woman work to give away her cash because it proves that she’s more than a gold-digging fortune hunter and therefore the man can take her into his heart.
Bud tells Mallory that her money gets in the way. I wished that she (and any other female who finds herself on the wrong end of this barb) would point out that, if she said such a thing, it would make her a snob. So what does that say about him? Reverse snobbery is still snobbery.
Also, often times, the woman may have much more money but it’s usually in the hundreds of thousands (as in Mallory’s case). She’s never a millionaire or a billionaire. Such loads of cash are appropriate in the hands of a man. He’s allowed to have his own private yachts, trust funds, mansions in different countries (or his own country) but she isn’t.
I suppose I should be glad that Mallory proves herself to be clever, rich and resourceful. But Bud’s nearly unrelenting bigotry taints this romance. Even the touch of humor at the end is strained and unconvincing. So this novel is brilliant in the crime aspect. In the romance department—not so much.
February 7, 2020
This is one of her older books, and takes us back to phone booths and typewriters. When Bud MacPhearson returns from a case and finds an urgent message from Keith Christianis. Keith saved Mac when he had no one else and he would do anything for him. Keith's daughter in law and grand daughter are in trouble. Mac has no use for Mallory his daughter in law, but owes Keith. As they try to find a missing key, to save Emily , Mallory's daughter and learn about each other Mac finds out he has been all wrong about her. There is lots of intrigue, action, and twist and turns as the try to find out who keeps trying to kill them. Pete Lucetti is the largest crime boss in Settle and hold Emily .
While working together they both feel the attraction to each other. With help from Mac Street kids, and his police friend, can they find a happy ever after ?? Can they save each other and Emily?
This is book once you start reading you can't put it down. Get your copy now and enjoy.
I read every book by Catherine Anderson that I find and love them all. Even re-read them over and over....
While working together they both feel the attraction to each other. With help from Mac Street kids, and his police friend, can they find a happy ever after ?? Can they save each other and Emily?
This is book once you start reading you can't put it down. Get your copy now and enjoy.
I read every book by Catherine Anderson that I find and love them all. Even re-read them over and over....
November 23, 2018
Even though it's a bit outdated by now, Switchback is still a fast paced suspense book. There are virtually no slow moments in the plot, and a couple of the twists and turns were completely unexpected.
The only part of the book I found less convincing was the very end. First because Mallory, who'd been depending on Mac's experience in handling difficult situations throughout the story, suddenly becomes James Bond and is able to devise a fool proof plan to rescue Mac. While I don't have anything against Mallory taking the reins and saving the day, it sort of clashed with the previous image I had of her. And second because Mac, in the space of two paragraphs, seems to change from saying he was not good enough for Mallory to asking her to marry him. Yes, I wanted the happily ever after but his sudden about face was just too rushed.
Despite my rantings above, Switchback is an engaging read and if you love a good action/suspense book with a touch of romance, then you'll like this one.
The only part of the book I found less convincing was the very end. First because Mallory, who'd been depending on Mac's experience in handling difficult situations throughout the story, suddenly becomes James Bond and is able to devise a fool proof plan to rescue Mac. While I don't have anything against Mallory taking the reins and saving the day, it sort of clashed with the previous image I had of her. And second because Mac, in the space of two paragraphs, seems to change from saying he was not good enough for Mallory to asking her to marry him. Yes, I wanted the happily ever after but his sudden about face was just too rushed.
Despite my rantings above, Switchback is an engaging read and if you love a good action/suspense book with a touch of romance, then you'll like this one.
May 30, 2025
This was tough. Probably 2.5 stars
This started off pretty interesting. But then the story started to drag and become a bit repetitive. It was published in 1990 and it shows. I just overlooked some of the clothing descriptions. But this felt like an action movie that would have been made in the 90's. I got a bit frustrated with the characters and their relationship. It didn't feel the love between them and especially at the end. I thought Mallory made some reckless decisions and seemed perfectly ok with dying and leaving her daughter an orphan.
A lot of the action sequences seemed a bit far fetched and some of the decisions made by Mallory and Mac were questionable. I did like that neither Mallory or Mac knew exactly what to do at first. They had to work together to figure things out.
I really hate to leave a CA book with a 2 star rating. But this one was a bit of a disappointment.
This started off pretty interesting. But then the story started to drag and become a bit repetitive. It was published in 1990 and it shows. I just overlooked some of the clothing descriptions. But this felt like an action movie that would have been made in the 90's. I got a bit frustrated with the characters and their relationship. It didn't feel the love between them and especially at the end. I thought Mallory made some reckless decisions and seemed perfectly ok with dying and leaving her daughter an orphan.
A lot of the action sequences seemed a bit far fetched and some of the decisions made by Mallory and Mac were questionable. I did like that neither Mallory or Mac knew exactly what to do at first. They had to work together to figure things out.
I really hate to leave a CA book with a 2 star rating. But this one was a bit of a disappointment.
October 29, 2017
This was an excellent book. It was an older book, with phone booths, telephone books, and typewriters. The time frame didn’t take away from the plot. This was an intense book that was action packed. Mallory’s little girl Emily was kidnapped. Bud MacPhearson was asked by Mallory’s dad to protect her, and her daughter. Some really nasty people were after her. Mac and Mallary had to play by the kidnapper’s rules. They couldn’t call the police. They had no idea who they could trust. I liked how they worked as a team while dodging bullets to bring Emily home. I also enjoyed how they met as strangers but the friendship grew into love over the course of the book. Loved this book.
January 18, 2018
Three stars is a little generous, but in many ways it deserved them.
In some ways the story was predictable and even a bit of a cliche'.... but it also had some very good moments. The main characters find common ground that made the ending, even if predictable, the way that it happened, out of the ordinary.
In some ways the story was predictable and even a bit of a cliche'.... but it also had some very good moments. The main characters find common ground that made the ending, even if predictable, the way that it happened, out of the ordinary.
January 30, 2024
I can really tell why this was reprinted. I loved this book, and even though this book was published in 1990, the story and the characters don’t feel dated at all (a harder feat than you might think with romance books). While much of the mystery/suspense relies on 1990s technology (no internet, no cellphones, a major clue related to a typewriter, etc.), it was not distracting. The characters were so engaging that the reader almost doesn’t notice after the first few chapters. To be honest, it was kind of like reading quality historical fiction even though this book was contemporary fiction when it was written.
Mallory and Mac are very sympathetic characters, and they had almost immediate chemistry. Their dynamic at the very beginning of the story kind of reminded me of Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese in the original Terminator. I loved that the relationship between Mallory and Mac emphasized their emotional bonding. It really felt realistic that they loved each other by the end of the story, even though their romance was over such a short period of time.
Anderson does an excellent job of getting the reader invested in the action almost as soon as the book starts and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until almost the last page. Unlike many Harlequin romances, I neither felt like the book was too short/rushed or filled with filler scenes. It was just right.
Mallory and Mac are very sympathetic characters, and they had almost immediate chemistry. Their dynamic at the very beginning of the story kind of reminded me of Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese in the original Terminator. I loved that the relationship between Mallory and Mac emphasized their emotional bonding. It really felt realistic that they loved each other by the end of the story, even though their romance was over such a short period of time.
Anderson does an excellent job of getting the reader invested in the action almost as soon as the book starts and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until almost the last page. Unlike many Harlequin romances, I neither felt like the book was too short/rushed or filled with filler scenes. It was just right.
March 29, 2021
Action-packed and entertaining romantic mystery. I love how Mallory takes things into her own hands and proves she is nobody's patsy. The love for her daughter and Mac outweighs the risk to her personal safety as she goes up against a notorious gangster and his henchmen.
February 17, 2023
A good read. It combines a mystery and a romance story all into one. Mallory Christiani's daughter Emily has been kidnapped by a well-known crime boss. Her father-in-law wants her to trust Bud Mac Phearson to protect her and get Emily back safe and sound.
October 5, 2025
Switchback
I was intrigued as soon as I saw Catherine Anderson's name, as usual she didn't disappoint. I have never read one of her books that didn't leave me wishing it would last just a little bit longer.
I was intrigued as soon as I saw Catherine Anderson's name, as usual she didn't disappoint. I have never read one of her books that didn't leave me wishing it would last just a little bit longer.
October 20, 2025
too unbelievable
I’ve read books by this author for years and thoroughly enjoyed each one. So I was delighted to find a book of her I hadn’t read. While it was entertaining I the story became so unbelievable it was laughable. As a result a disappointing read!
I’ve read books by this author for years and thoroughly enjoyed each one. So I was delighted to find a book of her I hadn’t read. While it was entertaining I the story became so unbelievable it was laughable. As a result a disappointing read!
November 1, 2017
This was a well written book! I have read many books by this author, but they were all historical fiction. This is the first book that I have read with mystery and suspense from the author.
December 14, 2019
A strange suspence novel. More emotion than mystery.
September 27, 2021
I had forgotten just how much I loved Catherine Anderson; I am hoping she wrote other Silhouette Intrigues.
March 13, 2023
I couldn’t finish it. I just couldn’t stay interested.
May 6, 2025
This is an early romantic suspense novel by Catherine Anderson. I liked that her hero was afraid of the villian from the start, but still was determined to help the heroine rescue her daughter.
October 2, 2015
This is a reissue of the 1990 edition of this book, so there are some things that make it dated, but overall it was a good book. Having the characters using pay phones, typewriters, vcrs, and the hero having fought in Vietnam was a little odd, but didn't detract from the story. The action is good from the beginning, though there were a couple places where it dragged a little.
Keith Christiani is Mallory's father-in-law. He has gotten in trouble with some really bad people and tries to find a way out of it. When his plan falls through he calls friend and private investigator Mac to ask him to protect Mallory and her daughter Emily, but Mac doesn't get the message right away. Keith has had a stroke and is unable to tell Mallory what is happening.
Mallory is a wealthy widow whose daughter is everything to her. She doesn't trust Mac when he first appears, but when Emily is taken he is the only one who can help. The bad guy wants to trade Emily for some ledgers that will provide evidence of his crimes to the police. The problem is that Mallory and Mac can't find the key to the safety deposit box that holds the papers. There are also men after Mallory, trying to kill her before she can get to those papers. Mac and Mallory barely stay one step ahead of them as they race to find the key. At the same time, they try to discover the identity and location of the bad guy, in hopes of rescuing Emily without the demanded ransom.
There are sparks between Mac and Mallory from the beginning, but without trust there's really no place to take them. Mallory isn't sure that she really believes that Mac will succeed, and some of his methods are borderline illegal. He's very different from the type of man she is usually around and she isn't sure how to deal with him. Mac grew up in the poor part of Seattle and has some self esteem issues because of it. He also has deep prejudices against those who have money, and especially against Mallory. He holds her partly responsible for the death of his half-brother, so his attitude toward her is less than pleasant. As they work together he slowly begins to see that he has misjudged her, but the old feelings are hard to overcome. Mallory is a strong and independent woman, but the circumstances she is in have put her under tremendous strain. Most of the time she handles herself well, but is occasionally overwhelmed by everything that is happening. At those times, she finds herself leaning on Mac. Things are going pretty well for them on a personal level until Mac's prejudices cause him to say some pretty hurtful things. By the time the end comes, Mac has to find a way to let go of the past if they are going to have a future together.
I enjoyed following Mac and Mallory as they took each step toward solving the mystery. Mac is pretty calm and in control during most of the attacks. He also has no problem bending the rules a bit in order to get results. I liked the way he could go from professional detective to street thug without much effort. The events of their search in the seedier areas of the city were both horrifying and amusing. I loved the friends that helped him, and how their respect for him showed that there was more to him than Mallory had known. The tension kept going up as they got closer to finding the missing key and papers. I wasn't surprised by where the key was, and once they had the papers things started looking more hopeful. I loved Mac's protectiveness and how it came out in his plan to get Emily back. But the real winner was Mallory and what she did to save Mac. That was the best part of the entire book.
Keith Christiani is Mallory's father-in-law. He has gotten in trouble with some really bad people and tries to find a way out of it. When his plan falls through he calls friend and private investigator Mac to ask him to protect Mallory and her daughter Emily, but Mac doesn't get the message right away. Keith has had a stroke and is unable to tell Mallory what is happening.
Mallory is a wealthy widow whose daughter is everything to her. She doesn't trust Mac when he first appears, but when Emily is taken he is the only one who can help. The bad guy wants to trade Emily for some ledgers that will provide evidence of his crimes to the police. The problem is that Mallory and Mac can't find the key to the safety deposit box that holds the papers. There are also men after Mallory, trying to kill her before she can get to those papers. Mac and Mallory barely stay one step ahead of them as they race to find the key. At the same time, they try to discover the identity and location of the bad guy, in hopes of rescuing Emily without the demanded ransom.
There are sparks between Mac and Mallory from the beginning, but without trust there's really no place to take them. Mallory isn't sure that she really believes that Mac will succeed, and some of his methods are borderline illegal. He's very different from the type of man she is usually around and she isn't sure how to deal with him. Mac grew up in the poor part of Seattle and has some self esteem issues because of it. He also has deep prejudices against those who have money, and especially against Mallory. He holds her partly responsible for the death of his half-brother, so his attitude toward her is less than pleasant. As they work together he slowly begins to see that he has misjudged her, but the old feelings are hard to overcome. Mallory is a strong and independent woman, but the circumstances she is in have put her under tremendous strain. Most of the time she handles herself well, but is occasionally overwhelmed by everything that is happening. At those times, she finds herself leaning on Mac. Things are going pretty well for them on a personal level until Mac's prejudices cause him to say some pretty hurtful things. By the time the end comes, Mac has to find a way to let go of the past if they are going to have a future together.
I enjoyed following Mac and Mallory as they took each step toward solving the mystery. Mac is pretty calm and in control during most of the attacks. He also has no problem bending the rules a bit in order to get results. I liked the way he could go from professional detective to street thug without much effort. The events of their search in the seedier areas of the city were both horrifying and amusing. I loved the friends that helped him, and how their respect for him showed that there was more to him than Mallory had known. The tension kept going up as they got closer to finding the missing key and papers. I wasn't surprised by where the key was, and once they had the papers things started looking more hopeful. I loved Mac's protectiveness and how it came out in his plan to get Emily back. But the real winner was Mallory and what she did to save Mac. That was the best part of the entire book.
September 28, 2015
I could not put this book down. The romance was light but the suspense had me hooked.
Mac has been tasked with the job of hiding Mallory and her daughter Emily. When Emily is kidnapped from her friend’s house, Mac and Mallory now find themselves running from hitmen and searching for a key Lucetti, a Seattle crime-lord, is demanding for ransom. Even though Mac has his reasons for not wanting to get close to Mallory, he soon finds himself becoming attracted to her.
Mac was hero who would stop at nothing to protect Mallory and save her daughter. Mallory kept it together and I love it when heroine faces dangers and doesn’t flip her lid.
Mac and Mallory was an interesting pair. Growing up, he was the poor boy from the wrong side of town and she was from a wealthy family. They both had preconceived notions of each other, Mac more so than Mallory, so they were expecting each other to act in certain ways and were surprised when they didn’t. I love it when characters surprise each other.
The romance between Mac and Mallory takes a backseat as the suspense is front and center, which, when reading romantic suspense, is something that I’ve come to expect. While they were attracted to each other, the book starts off with tension that stems from a mixture of wariness and preformed opinions. It’s only once they find themselves relying on each other that they finally allow themselves to act on their attraction. Mac and Mallory were like chalk and cheese yet they were so good together.
The suspense aspect had me on the edge of my seat. While I figured it out early on, I was still holding my breath as Mac and Mallory searched for the package and raced to save Emily.
So, this is a reissue. Originally released in 1990, Switchback is slightly dated with the use of typewriters, payphones, slang, pop culture references, and I could practically feel the shoulder pads in Mallory’s blazers but it made for an interesting read without affecting the flow of the plot.
Overall, Switchback had me on the edge of my seat. While the romance took a backseat, the suspense and danger kept me riveted.
Mac has been tasked with the job of hiding Mallory and her daughter Emily. When Emily is kidnapped from her friend’s house, Mac and Mallory now find themselves running from hitmen and searching for a key Lucetti, a Seattle crime-lord, is demanding for ransom. Even though Mac has his reasons for not wanting to get close to Mallory, he soon finds himself becoming attracted to her.
Mac was hero who would stop at nothing to protect Mallory and save her daughter. Mallory kept it together and I love it when heroine faces dangers and doesn’t flip her lid.
Mac and Mallory was an interesting pair. Growing up, he was the poor boy from the wrong side of town and she was from a wealthy family. They both had preconceived notions of each other, Mac more so than Mallory, so they were expecting each other to act in certain ways and were surprised when they didn’t. I love it when characters surprise each other.
The romance between Mac and Mallory takes a backseat as the suspense is front and center, which, when reading romantic suspense, is something that I’ve come to expect. While they were attracted to each other, the book starts off with tension that stems from a mixture of wariness and preformed opinions. It’s only once they find themselves relying on each other that they finally allow themselves to act on their attraction. Mac and Mallory were like chalk and cheese yet they were so good together.
The suspense aspect had me on the edge of my seat. While I figured it out early on, I was still holding my breath as Mac and Mallory searched for the package and raced to save Emily.
So, this is a reissue. Originally released in 1990, Switchback is slightly dated with the use of typewriters, payphones, slang, pop culture references, and I could practically feel the shoulder pads in Mallory’s blazers but it made for an interesting read without affecting the flow of the plot.
Overall, Switchback had me on the edge of my seat. While the romance took a backseat, the suspense and danger kept me riveted.
August 24, 2015
A true 'throwback Thursday' yesterday, when I started to read this story. It was originally published in 1990, and now published as a reader's favorite. It has a 'dated stamp' on it, with talks of the Vietnam war, phone booths, Volvo, typewriter, and VCR, it all made me smile and think about how much the world around has truly changed in a short period of a time.
But the story itself was full of intense action, danger and fear are constant companions. The desperation, agony and despair for Emily is palpable. Mallory's terror is real.
The romance is slow to build. Mac has disliked Mallory for years, not even knowing her. He has preconceived notions about people with money and certain background, and Mallory has always fit the bill in his mind for a spoiled princess.
At first the affection between them was more of comfort and compassion. And when the attraction and intimacy comes, even that is tainted by Mac's suspicion of Mallory's judgement.
After all the high-speed action, plotting to escape, and the future still very much uncertain, I felt the story could have used an epilogue.
But overall, a refreshing step back to the nineties, in a story filled with suspense, threats and menace
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
But the story itself was full of intense action, danger and fear are constant companions. The desperation, agony and despair for Emily is palpable. Mallory's terror is real.
The romance is slow to build. Mac has disliked Mallory for years, not even knowing her. He has preconceived notions about people with money and certain background, and Mallory has always fit the bill in his mind for a spoiled princess.
At first the affection between them was more of comfort and compassion. And when the attraction and intimacy comes, even that is tainted by Mac's suspicion of Mallory's judgement.
After all the high-speed action, plotting to escape, and the future still very much uncertain, I felt the story could have used an epilogue.
But overall, a refreshing step back to the nineties, in a story filled with suspense, threats and menace
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
April 4, 2019
I liked this book okay, but it seemed to be missing something that Catherine's other books have. I'm going to say this must be one of her earlier books by looking at the published date and given the time period the book is set in.
It started out pretty good, but somewhere in the middle of the book my interest began to wane. I think I was frustrated with the search for Emily taking so long. Though I had to keep reminding myself this story was written in the early 90s so of course it would take this long. I thought some of the backstory was a little confusing too. But towards the end, the story did pick up again so I'm glad I stuck with it.
Since this is a romance, I'm sure I'm not spoiling it when I say the main characters do eventually get together, but I feel they got together too soon. I'm thinking to myself, why are they doing this when her daughter is missing? I like the characters, but the timing was off. I think I would have liked it better if they had gotten together after the whole Carmichael mess was over. Then maybe she could have included an epilogue or something of them as a happy family.
It started out pretty good, but somewhere in the middle of the book my interest began to wane. I think I was frustrated with the search for Emily taking so long. Though I had to keep reminding myself this story was written in the early 90s so of course it would take this long. I thought some of the backstory was a little confusing too. But towards the end, the story did pick up again so I'm glad I stuck with it.
Since this is a romance, I'm sure I'm not spoiling it when I say the main characters do eventually get together, but I feel they got together too soon. I'm thinking to myself, why are they doing this when her daughter is missing? I like the characters, but the timing was off. I think I would have liked it better if they had gotten together after the whole Carmichael mess was over. Then maybe she could have included an epilogue or something of them as a happy family.
January 24, 2013
This was a re-read for me. Early Catherine Anderson. It has romance, suspense and a nice ending. The romance isn't as compelling as some of her historical works, but it's still a nice read. Some things are a little dated (originally published in 1990) such as a typewriter with a ribbon, and having to use a payphone to make a call, but if you can remember those times it all makes sense.
August 15, 2015
I loved this book. It was action packed! It caught my attention from the first sentence. It was so hard to put this book down to sleep. The ending was....surprising! LOVED IT !
I am so glad they are re-releasing this book, otherwise I would have missed out on an incredible book.
I am so glad they are re-releasing this book, otherwise I would have missed out on an incredible book.
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