While each of Brockmann's books have been placed on a backdrop of trouble, in my opinion, this is the first book where the relationships take a backseat to that trouble. Granted the serial killer Brockmann names The Dentist, has appeared in a couple of the short stories she has written. Yet, this is the first time where the story seems to be about the bad guy with a secondary plot of individual problems. Yes, we see Dan and Izzy and Lopez again. Yes, we see the progression of Jules and Robin's relationship. Yes, we also get more on Sam and Alyssa - Ashton even takes his first steps. But that is not the focus of her novel here. Earlier books seemed to concentrate on the relationships, and how the trauma of the situation highlighted that relationship. Culminating in the couple understanding each other and working together towards an end.
The new relationships that this novel has focused on do not resolve happily and they contrast directly with the established relationships that we do see. Brockmann has always been very good at providing a view of contrasting relationships. Here, Izzy is approached for a marriage of convenience while he is pining for Eden. Dan, on the other hand is a total douchebag, in my opinion. He seduces Jenni for the sake of getting laid and then clinically explains to Izzy how he does it. Shocker of the century Jenni over hears it and Dan is upset when she doesn't accept his apology right away. These are offset by Sam working to contain his inner caveman and let Alyssa do her dangerous job and Robin just trying to help Jules do that very same dangerous job.
Again we see another contrast between the Alpha and Beta relationships. Sam and Alyssa are both very Alpha and that is what frustrates Sam. He could step in and help but knows that he should allow Alyssa to do it her way. Robin and Jules, on the other hand, are Beta and Alpha. Robin knows that he can do nothing but wait and pray that Jules returns safe. He does use his intelligence to help, but he can't hunt down the bad guy and save the day like Sam.
It is interesting to see Gillman talk of his family. As one who comes from a .... well let's just say a dysfunctional background, I can see his issues and even understand them to some extent. Yet, in my opinion, his choices make him more of a douche and less of someone who garners sympathy. As a matter of fact, Izzy has gotten my support from the beginning. Dan makes me want to smack him in the head.
It looks like the next book with be Dan and Jenni and Izzy and Eden again. And then it appears she is down with her TS world for awhile. I do have two short stories to read by Brockmann before her collection is released next year. So I will review those as well before moving on to the next author..... I can't decide who it will be.
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