HARD EVIDENCE

Author: Pamela Clare ISBN: 0425212602 10/2006 SUSPENSE Publisher: BERKLEY SENSATION

They are hunting for the truth—and hungry for each other's touch... After the murder of a teenage girl, a mysterious man in a black leather jacket was seen lurking near the crime scene. Investigative reporter Tessa Novak has him in her sights as the culprit... That man was Julian Darcangelo, an undercover FBI agent working with the Denver police. He’s closing in on the trail of a human trafficker and killer. Tessa’s accusations could blow his cover, and he wants her off the investigation. But just as Tessa has made Julian a target of interest, she is now a target of the killer. And as they are forced to trust each other, their physical attraction escalates as intensely as the threat from a ruthless murderer who wants to see both of them dead...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Pamela Clare—I love this author. I have yet to be disappointed with her books. In fact, they just get better and better. Her latest contemporary suspense, HARD EVIDENCE, is probably the best yet.

I read it twice—once to find out what happens, once to savor every little bit of it. This is one of those books that you visualize so easily, it's almost like watching a movie with words. It's one that gets you thinking and sticks with you long after you are done.

Julian, the undercover FBI agent with a tortured past, is hot, sexy and cool as all get out. He really doesn't expect to ever settle down—guys like him just don't. Right now, he has one thing he needs to do and that is bring down the guy he should've gotten years ago.

Tessa, our crime reporter, is running from her own past. She's made herself over into an educated lady who is far removed from her beginnings. She's out to make a difference in the world with the attitude that says "The pen is mightier than the sword". Tessa's life changes when she is witness to a murder that just happens to be tied into Julian's case.

When Tessa's nosiness continuously puts her in Julian's path, sparks begin to fly. Boy, do they begin to fly, in all kinds of ways. These two together? Let me tell you, it doesn't get hotter than this. Ms. Clare certainly knows how to convey the interactions between man and woman—good, hot and steamy.

Along with this is a very serious storyline. One that is obviously drawn from true life and probably Pamela's own experience as a reporter. It's a story that is neverending, happening in every country, everyday. It's about the sale of girls for sex. Girls who are abducted or just coerced into a life they never expect. This topic shouldn't be taken lightly and it's not within this story.

This is such an intense book and so well done. Ms. Clare is able to entertain and get her point across without it being in your face. The story flows along so naturally and so nicely, with some unexpected surprises and the predictable moments were next to zero.

Unless you are looking for a fluff book, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Pamela Clare's HARD EVIDENCE is a powerful and, dare I say, flawless book, in my opinion. For those who love a good suspense or even just a good, satisfying read, it's a 'don't miss'.

Sue Cloud

Debbie Jett's original review of HARD EVIDENCE