Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Into the Fire by Suzanne Brockmann







Suzanne Brockmann's website
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Pub. Date: July 2008
ISBN-13: 9780345501530
400pp
Series: Troubleshooters Series, #13






Back Blurb:

Vinh Murphy - former Marine and onetime operative for the elite security firm Troubleshooters Incorporated - has been missing in action ever since his wife, Angelina, was caught in a crossfire and killed during what should have been a routine bodyguard assignment. Overcome with grief, Murphy blame the neo-Nazi group known as the Freedom Network for her death. Now, year later, Freedom Network leader Tim Ebersole has been murdered - and the FBI suspects Murphy may have pull the trigger. To prevent further bloodshed, Murphy's friends at Troubleshooter scramble to find him and convince him to surrender peacefully.

Murphy himself can't be sure what he did or didn't do during the years he spent mourning and lost in an alcohol-induced fog. He does know he occasionally sought solace from Hannah Whitfield, a former police officer and the very friend who'd introduced him to his beloved late wife.

But finally, Murphy is ready to rejoin the living. As always, he finds himself knocking on Hannah's door, and as always, his longtime friend welcomes him back into her home. Yet even as Murphy slowly rebuilds his splintered life, he continues to fight his growing feelings for Hannah. Then he learns of Ebersole's murder and comes to believe that the Freedom Network has targeted him - and Hannah - to avenge their leader's death. Now Murphy must face the terrifying prospect losing to violence another woman he loves.

As Troubleshooters desperately search for him, Murphy races toward a deadly confrontation with the Freedom Network and the ultimate choice: surrender his life in hopes that Hannah will be spared, or risk everything to salvage whatever future they may have together.

End Blurb


First let me say that I really enjoy the book. There lot of stuff going on, as it's always the "thing" Suz Brockmann does on all of her Troubleshooter series. And that one thing I love about it. But the things I miss the most, that have been seen in her earlier books, is the WWII stories. She used to "quilt" in the WWII stories with the present day current and the SEALs team (or the other Op teams) as well with main characters own story - together making it one whole story. It the one things that Suz GREAT in her writing IMO. I also miss seeing lot of emotion and relationship development between the characters in romance, because lately it seem to be more Suspense in the last few books. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE suspense stories, but I would also love to see 50% of the romance mix in with 50% of romance. Yes there are romance in them, but it not enough. Not since Max and Gina had their HEA IMO. Other then that, I love how Suz write her stories in the last few books for each characters to get close to their HEA. I want to get to know them a little better as each installments.

Saying that, I did love Vinh Murphy and Hannah. While I did not feel 'enough' of their emotions, I did love that they love each other since the friendship stages (friendship first then best friend and later lover, theme are my favorite) I know they loves each other, but I didn't get a true sense that their emotions were heartfelt and genuine 'enough'. I'm thinking maybe Suz have something else important to tell us about them in later book, where we can see their emotions and understand their relationship more better. I just felt that there is still some issues they need to overcome. I do have to say is that in some way, I have a close connection with Vinh and Hannah because he is part Vietnamese (so am I) and Hannah is hearing impaired (as I am too). So I can understand Hannah daily life with lost of hearing. I feel like I want to know more about them and hope to in the next future books. Especially Vinh, after "meeting" and fallen in love with him from the previous books. I do like them both :)

Izzy is cute as can be, even when he annoying at a times. I love that he know lot of quotes from movies or lyrics to songs. He make me chuckle sometime. I also like that I seen Izzy growth in this book. He mature enough to take responsibility (that may or may not be his fault) and stood up for not only himself but for Eden too. What happen at the end, sadden me. But I hope they both can overcome and cope with their issues in later books

And last but not lease, I have always thought that Decker should be with Sophia. Now there is question,hint and even speculation of who Decker end up with. I can't wait to find out in later book as well.

The actions at the ending was fabulous and exciting! Suz have taken me to thrilling ride and emotions until the book end. I love seeing previous characters making appearance. It always make me happy and I smiles :) And I love how Suz adds dimensions to her characters, where we can see the other side of them and not just their heroes trait. There always lot of characters, each have their own stories line, I love that too. I love Suzanne Brockmann Troubleshooter series, and it's still remain my auto buy!

Into the Fire is the thirteenth installment in Troubleshooter series. It was an enjoyable, exciting and emotion read. Lot of actions (I love it!) Great characters and dialogues. Read it, you will enjoy it as much as I did! :)

I already pre-order Dark of Night from Suzanne's virtual signing since last month on December. It's the fourteenth installments in Troubleshooter series. I can't wait to read it!!! :) Okay, I better shut up now..or my stupid self and grammars well really show *grin*

Grade: 4 1/2 stars

2 comments:

Melody said...

How come I'm not surprised that you'll enjoy this book, Julia?! LOL! I know you always buy her books even though they're in hardcovers.

I think she has one or two paperbacks to be released soon and I'll definitely get them! :)

Alice said...

I know how much you love Suzanne Brockman... :D