Book 80: The Offering by Desiree Bombenon
Book 80: The Offering (Jake and Amanda Bannon #1).
Author: Desiree Bombenon, 2012.
Genre: Crime Fiction. Mystery
Other Details: ebook. 202 pages.
Jake and Amanda Bannon had planned to unplug in Oahu for a much-needed vacation, but the mai tais will have to wait. They have a kidnapping to solve. Jake's got a winning smile and a head for business strategy. His wife, Amanda, has a quick wit and a knack for sensing things before they happen. The Bannons may look like the perfect picture of a power couple, but when Jake and Amanda hang up their smart phones for a week of R and R in Hawaii, they never expect to get caught in the adventure of their lives. - synopsis from author's website.
I received this book via Net Gallery in exchange for an honest review. The author is clearly an accomplished business woman from the details in her 'About the Author'. However, unlike most writers, she did not mention her interest in or experience of writing. It felt a curious omission and led to the impression, given that she is half of a power couple herself, that there was an element of wish fulfilment as she inserted her avatar into the middle of an adventure. Of course, many writers do but it came as an afterthought when reading her biography.
The premise of a jet setting professional couple solving mysteries with the assistance of a little psychic ability appealed. The climax of the novel was also nail biting in its intensity. Part of the plot involved voodoo, which was another reason I was interested in reading it along with the gift/curse of clairvoyance, which had the ring of a real experience of dealing with the fallout. If not personal experience maybe a relation or friend. I always appreciate when topics like this are handled sensitively.
My problem was with the earlier portions in which the writing tended to meander all over the place. This included the beginning where there was a long introduction to the Bannons before the actual case was introduced. Having read many crime thrillers over the years I find that it is more effective to hook the reader in the early stage with the crime or a threat rather than a lot of background. At times during the narrative there would be asides that served to break the tension. I was surprised an editor or beta reader had not pointed this out.
The second book in the series is due this week and I have an advance copy, which I may give it a try as the premise again sounds interesting.