With Jane’s special ability as a super recognizer, she works as a Homeland Security agent at Logan Airport, averting disasters by identifying passengers who pose threats. When she happens to come across a VIP and his fiancée, Isabelle, the woman she recognizes wanted for a felony murder, she has them detained. The felony murder happens to be of Jane’s sister that took place 11 years ago.
The problem is that VIP Will Pease comes from a powerful and wealthy family, and they’re released before Jane can corner Isabella for answers. Jane’s sister Kit had ties to Will and even worked at his family’s party the night she disappeared. Now that Jane has Bella back in her sights, she won’t let the truth slip from her fingers this time.
I think I counted at least five schemes, then I gave up because it wasn’t even ten chapters into the book. This book may qualify for how many schemes (not twists) can be shoved into one thriller. The idea of Jane using her special ability to solve her sister’s murder is fresh and clever. The writing is exciting, and the pacing is good.
However, this book could’ve been told without all the unnecessary loose end schemes and the Pease story line. Umm, one simple phone call would’ve cleared up years of anguish for Jane and avoided everything that unfolded. Therefore, the entire story just isn’t plausible, which is too bad because I really enjoyed Jane’s sarcastic voice and her sharp analytical skills. Jane began as a strong character (before doubting herself), and I could picture an entire thrilling series play out with her intriguing skills, catching killers and international criminals.
It seemed the author was unsure what direction to take this thriller, so the kitchen sink was thrown in. Why the need for the mental health issues and the unreliable storyteller? It was so unnecessary and added nothing. Jane doubting her own abilities after spying the subway client engaging in espionage was enough of a wink to the readers.
Things go downhill fast when Jane and her boyfriend rent the beach house to be closer to the Pease family. The Pease wedding is approaching, so of course, more schemes (not twists!) appear under the big top. Erik’s guests crashing for the week could’ve been the plot for the entire book. The guests' constant interference while Jane investigated Kit’s disappearance, and her boyfriend’s odd behavior was more interesting than the silly Pease family drama.
The book also delivers major cringe factors. The youngest Pease son not only has an ongoing affair with his stepsister, but he goes on to marry his adopted sister. Yes, you read that correctly. And no I don’t care if he spent most of his time in boarding schools, when they were all raised together! Hard sell because they’re FAMILY! And it all has to do with gaining company shares to be in control of their empire. Puke! (So add at least 3 more schemes to the clown car!) And the multiple types of gaslighting from those closest to Jane? How about Shelia using her own young daughter as a pawn? What the heck? (Yes, another totally oddball scheme thrown in!)
It’s all too much to juggle when there was enough material for a decent book, and possible series, without the three ring circus. That being said, this book was a burning plane crashing into an exploding train, falling into an ocean of lava, and you still can’t pull your eyes away from the high entertainment factor, which just may be the author’s best scheme yet.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.