The Persuasion

Bestseller Johansen’s fast-paced 25th Eve Duncan thriller (after 2019’s Dark Tribute) finds Eve’s daughter, artist Jane MacGuire, working on an archaeological dig at Kendrick Castle in Wales. Jane’s former lover, Seth Caleb, arrives at the dig to warn her about a murder at MacDuff’s Run in Scotland, where the killer stole a painting and left behind a photo of Jane in its place. Seth later discovers that the culprit is psychopath Stefano Luca, who’s obsessed with Jane and also wants Seth’s help obtaining a valuable hoard known as Cira’s treasure. When a fire rips through the camp at the dig, Luca seizes the opportunity to abduct Jane. As part of an effort to rescue Jane, Seth, who possesses supernatural skills, devises a scheme to trap Luca by agreeing to rob the bank that contains Cira’s treasure. The magnetic relationship between Jane and Seth adds heat to the tense plot. Those who like their romantic suspense with a dash of the paranormal will be pleased. Agent: Andrea Cirillo, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (June)