Tangled Trust

Lyn (Black Cat Comes Back) pairs a detective and a woman in harm’s way in her fast-paced but somewhat implausible Danger at the Cove series launch. Reeling from a recent breakup, private investigator Blake Bowman returns to his hometown of Clam Cove, Maine, to regroup. Local Hanna Moss is still dealing with the fallout from ditching her abusive ex, Greg, when someone tries to run her down with their car. Thankfully, her golden retriever, Bella, pulls her to safety. When Hanna’s parents hire Blake to investigate the incident, both Hanna and Blake become targets for Greg’s wrath. Along the way, Hanna and Blake fall for each other, though Hanna is nervous about entering a new relationship and doesn’t trust her romantic instincts. When Greg kidnaps Hanna, it’s up to Blake—and Bella—to save her. The story moves at a steady clip and readers will fall for Blake, Hanna, and especially Bella. Where things get rough is the villains: Greg is cartoonishly unhinged and Blake’s ex, Kara, similarly lacks any redeeming qualities. Though it’s easy to root against them, it’s difficult to see them as real people. Still, readers who like their romantic suspense clear-cut will be ready for more. (Dec.)