High Treason

Mills introduces readers to stubborn but dedicated FBI Special Agent Kord Davidson in this formulaic Christian thriller. Saudi Prince Omar and his entourage of family members and diplomats are in Houston when an assassin makes an attempt on Omar’s life. Kord, who has grown close to Omar over years of service protecting him and other visiting dignitaries for the FBI, wants to handle the situation and find the would-be assassin on his own, so when CIA agent Monica Alden is assigned as his partner, he is less than pleased, even if he recognizes her charm. Monica, meanwhile, was betrayed by her previous partner and is reluctant to trust anyone. Though she slowly begins to respect Kord, they have big differences: she is a “follower of Jesus,” and Kord is a nonbeliever. But he is a searcher who contemplates spirituality, and Monica just might be the “voice of an angel” Kord needs. The moment Kord’s resentment turns to admiration, Monica wonders, along with the reader, “Where did this about-face come from?” Often, the writing relies on simplistic descriptions (Monica looks “like a J. Crew model”) and quick dialogue, and the characters are a jarring mix of bravado and sensitivity. Although predictable, this suspenseful novel will appeal to Christian readers looking for a tidy, uplifting tale. (Feb.)