THE SUMMIT

Author: Kat Martin ISBN: 0778324702 7/2007 SUSPENSE Publisher: MIRA

The dream came again and again—girl abducted from her own yard... Autumn Sommers knows the danger of ignoring such powerful omens. Twelve years earlier, she could have prevented a tragic accident if only she had acted on those horrible nightmares. For Autumn is one of those special people blessed—or cursed—with dreams that become reality. This time she knows what she has to do. Her research into local missing persons suggests that the girl in Autumn's dreams could be Molly, the daughter of businessman Ben McKenzie. Still emotionally shattered from his loss, Ben is angered rather than relieved to hear her theory. Certain that she may be the girl's only chance, Autumn persists, until Ben grudgingly agrees to explore this tiny, if improbable, shred of hope. As Autumn's dreams become more and more vivid, she and Ben pursue their leads ...leads that point to a strange religious sect, and a disturbed zealot who may be the only person in control of whether they live ...or die.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

The writing skill (including the knack for creating yummy, alpha heroes and strong, sexy storylines) that propelled Ms. Martin to the top of the historical romance genre, serves her well in her leap to contemporary romantic suspense.

THE SUMMIT has an incredibly twisty, exciting suspense coupled with two remarkable, well-sketched characters. The one-two punch of a strong, intense suspense and a dynamic, likeable romantic couple is guaranteed to keep readers glued to this fast-paced thriller.

As the suspense angle of THE SUMMIT slowly picks up steam, so does the relationship between Autumn Sommers and Ben McKenzie. Capable, take charge Autumn turns amateur sleuth to uncover the meaning of her vivid, horrible dreams and drags a dubious McKenzie along for a wild, roller coaster ride. These two characters, burdened with past, painful baggage, provide both much needed humor and intense heat to THE SUMMIT.

Ms. Martin shows insight and compassion in showing the effects of a child abduction on a family torn apart by tragedy. This storyline, ripped from the headlines, shows an abducted child is not the only victim in these types of crimes.

With fluid precision, even pacing and some well-placed surprises, THE SUMMIT barrels headlong into an explosive climax. This stirring, well-told thriller is terrifyingly entertaining.

Debbie Jett