Book Review-Into The Fire

Into The Fire

(Troubleshooters Series)

Suzanne Brockmann

Ballentine Books, 

Audio- 496 Pages, 

Published July 2008

Suspense Contemporary

Synopsis:
Suspense doesn't burn any brighter and desire doesn't run any deeper than when Suzanne Brockmann takes the helm, opens the throttle, and takes readers along for a breathless ride as she breaks the thrill barrier -- again and again. With Into the Fire, Brockmann lights the fuse on her most explosive story yet.
Vinh Murphy -- ex-Marine and onetime operative for the elite security firm Troubleshooters Incorporated -- has been MIA 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 blames the neo-Nazi group known as the Freedom Network for her death. Now, years later, Freedom Network leader Tim Ebersole has been murdered -- and the FBI suspects Murphy may have pulled the trigger. To prevent further bloodshed, Murphy's friends at Troubleshooters 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 Hannah, still grappling with the deafness that resulted from an injury sustained while on duty, was fighting her own battles. For years Hannah had feelings for Murphy, and one painful night their suffering brought them together in a way neither expected -- and both regretted.
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 learned 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 of losing to violence another woman he loves.
As the Troubleshooters desperately search for him, Murphy races toward a deadly confrontation with the Freedom Network and the ultimate choice: surrender his life in the hopes that Hannah will be spared, or risk everything to salvage whatever future they may have together.

My Review:

As with many of the Troubleshooters series, there are multiple sub plots within this book. I listened to this book, which I have all of the Troubleshooters, and will review them all once I listen to them again and their stories are more fresh within my mind. I just finished listening to Into The Fire and very much loved it. It did take me a while to listen to it, since I have been pre occupied of late, but I finally finished it. Yooray For Me!!! It starts out with the main story plot which is with Vinh Murphey and Hannah; who have been friends for ages. Vinh lost his wife some years ago, and still has problems grieving over her death. He loved her dearly and his only friend he ever comes to is Hannah. He comes to her cottage one night drunk as Hannah usually see's him since his late wife's death. Hannah understands because she was her best friend. I remember when I had listened to Hot Target where she dies. I was upset when Brockmann decided to kill her off, but now I am glad that she decided to do Vinh and Hanna's story. It was much needed. Since there is a plot to frame Vinh for the man's death who he believed was responsible for Angelina's(his late wife) death.  Hannah knowing she is the only friend he trusts, assists him in his mission to find out what really is going on and the risks involved are high. All the while his other friends(Seals ad Troubleshooters) are out hunting for him so they can find out what is going on and uncover the truth.

Another one of the sub plots is with Izzy Zanella and Danny Gillmann's younger sister who has just turned 18 years old are brought together. She takes refuge with Izzy for the night after her boyfriend leaves and abandons her at a Krispy Kreme. Where they spend one night together, and even though they don't get to third base, Izzy knows he is lost. Much later Danny forces him to marry his sister when she is found pregnant and they assume its Izzy's and even though Izzy knows he isn't the father he is willing to marry her.

Another minor sub plot that we see in this book involved Tess Bailey and Jimmy Nash. Although they are officially engaged, they have yet to set a date. It seems as though Jimmy is trying to force Tess into leaving him; and I have to say I can understand why (and you will too if you read this book) however you can see how much they love each other especially from a earlier book in the series Flashpoint. But you can see how Tess see's through Jimmy  and his attempts to protect her although misguided.

I absolutely loved this book, especially since I am a Troubleshooters fan, and I have been hoping that Murphy would find love again after his loss. The main focus of the book is Vinh and Hannah's story. Although I definitely enjoyed the other sub plots; which were filled drama, wit and suspense and very arousing. I loved the mystery and intrigue, the unabashed passion that develops between the couples, and the undermining love that strengthens and fortifies these tender relationships that Brockmann reveals to us. The plot was filled with excitement and thrilling suspense, the characters were highly developed and well portrayed, and it involved most of the Troubleshooters Team and the Seals Team 16 as well; which is always great to see. I was utterly captivated by this book, and would love to be able to listen to it again. I hope to have the opportunity soon!!! This is definitely at the top of my list of good book to listen to and read!!!

My Grade For This Book

5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 

The Unsung Hero

The Defiant Hero

Over The Edge

Out of Control

Into The Night

Gone Too Far

Flashpoint

Into The Storm

Force of Nature

All Through The Night

Dark of Night

Hot Pursuit