Takeover by Lisa Black

No cover image available, Early Reviewers book through Librarything

Forensic scientist Theresa MacLean is investigating a grisly murder when she gets word that her finance has been taken hostage with seven others in a bank robbery. Arriving at the scene, she discovers that the police have brought in Cleveland's best hostage negotiator. Handsome, high-profile Chris Cavanaugh hasn't lost a victim yet but Theresa wonders if he might be too arrogant to save the day this time around.

Wary of Cavanaugh, she seizes an opportunity to trade herself for her injured fiance. Once on the inside, Theresa will use all her wiles, experience, and technical skill to try to get control of the crisis. Yet nothing can prepare her what is about to unfold...

This is a very good first book from debut author Lisa Black. She starts right in the with suspense and doesn't let up until the hostage situation reaches it's final resolution. Tension builds and then backs off only to build up over and over again throughout the plot line. Ms. Black puts her background in the forensics field to good use and highlights a skill that you won't see on CSI on Thursday nights. This is one book where you must pay attention to the way characters say things as clues are hidden within the context of a statement.

You never know exactly what the hostages takers have in store for their victims nor do you clearly understand their motive until the end. Lead character Theresa MacLean is full of surprises of her own. She doesn't necessarily do the unexpected but she does lead down you an unexpected path to a co-conspirator.

This book kept me turn pages and I definitely look forward to reading more from this author.