Two Reasons to Run: The Pelican Harbor Series

Early in Coble’s convoluted sequel to One Little Lie, high school principal Ruby McDonald tells Jane Hardy, the police chief of Pelican Harbor, Ala., that her son, Keith, a worker on a Gulf oil platform, is missing. Ruby shares a copy of an email Keith sent her two days earlier saying he believes he’s in danger and urging her to go see Chief Hardy. He adds, “I think an attack on the oil rig is being planned. Terrorists maybe, but I’m not sure who is behind the plot.” Since finding a missing platform worker isn’t Jane’s jurisdiction, she suggests consulting Homeland Security. Meanwhile, Jane reunites with her ex-boyfriend, filmmaker Reid Dixon, who’s the father of her 15-year-old son, Will. Since Homeland Security won’t pursue the case without a body, Jane and Reid investigate on their own. The stakes rise when an assassin targets Will in an attempt to dissuade Jane and Reid from their quest. Too many characters and their backstories slow the action, but readers will care enough about Jane and company to stick with their story to the end. Series fans will eagerly anticipate the third and final installment. Agent: Karen Solem, Spencerhill Assoc. (Sept.)