Vanished

In the first of her new Private Justice series, Hannon (Deadly Pursuit) introduces us to Moira Harrison, a Pulitzer-nominated reporter who finds herself in the midst of her own mystery after an automobile accident she is involved in leaves her searching for a victim who has vanished. Harrison turns for help to Cal Burke, a retired homicide detective who has partnered with Jim Devlin, a former undercover ATF officer, and Connor Sullivan, an ex-Secret Service agent, to establish Phoenix Inc., a detective agency where the pursuit of justice seems to trump either the viability of a case or a client’s ability to pay. Intrigued by strange coincidences she has uncovered, the PIs agree to take on Harrison’s case despite the lack of solid leads. Details emerge slowly, creating a suspenseful thriller that allows the reader to develop theories along with the detectives. Romantic tension underlies Harrison’s and Burke’s relationship from the moment they meet, but the mystery remains central to the well-crafted plot. Hannon’s intricately developed characters struggle with complex moral issues, bringing into question whether the ends ever do justify the means. An engaging, satisfying tale that will no doubt leave readers anxiously anticipating the next installment. (Jan.)