cover image The Disappearance

The Disappearance

Jasmine Cresswell. Mira Books, $5.99 (0pp) ISBN 978-1-55166-486-6

Dr. Joseph Malone, research scientist and champion of rain forest preservation, has made a crucial breakthrough. He knows his discovery will put him in danger and isn't shocked when he's arrested at U.S. Customs for possessing a kilo of coke--even though he'd never seen it before. But Malone would have never guessed that his colleague, Professor Summer Shepherd, daughter of the U.S. Secretary of State, would be snatched by the Brazilian Justice League, who demand that he be released and swapped for Shepherd. After the exchange, Shepherd vows to find Malone and save him--and his still unrevealed discovery. Her search is hindered by skepticism from the government, and even from her own family, as the rumor that she masterminded the entire affair to further environmental causes begins to circulate. Shepherd has only one ally: Duncan Ryder, brother of her hated stepmother. The taut action culminates when Shepherd and Ryder uncover the unexpected truth. Cresswell's (The Daughter) superb story matches her best work, stretching nerves to the breaking point. (Apr.)