Dark Whispers

Not even a traumatic brain injury is enough to keep an attorney from pursuing evildoers in Webb’s boilerplate contemporary romantic thriller set against the southern sensibilities of present-day Birmingham, Ala. The story launches the Faces of Evil: Private Eyes series, spun off of the previous Faces of Evil series, and brings back some familiar characters while introducing new players. Two years ago, Natalie Drummond suffered a fall that left her with lasting challenges. It’s been a long road to recovery, but she thinks she’s finally starting to break through. Then a man she thinks she’s killed disappears—along with her gun. Chance brings her to the doorstep of B&C Investigations in a last-ditch effort to find someone to help her identify her enemies and protect herself. Enter Clint Hayes, former police detective and newly minted investigator. One look at a suffering Natalie is all Clint needs in order to take her case and begin the process of unearthing a myriad of betrayals. Webb manages to sneak a few surprise revelations in around the somewhat predictable romantic suspense plot. An emphasis on characterization and continuity provides just enough leverage to create an interesting story. Agent: Stephanie Rostan, Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. (Sept.)