Finding Rose

A recently rescued abductee tries to rebuild her life and solve a murder in this tense if flawed sequel to Becker’s Searching for Rose. After Rose escapes Whitey, a cult leader who kidnapped her, she finds safety on her sister April’s Amish farm. Though Rose is not Amish, she helps her sister open an Amish-style restaurant, and she takes a liking to Micah, a kind Amish man. But with Whitey still on the loose, Rose can’t shake the feeling he’s plotting to recapture her. When April uncovers a note left inside their house reading “I am always watching you,” Rose’s paranoia spirals. Then the police arrive with a warrant to search the home and report that Micah confessed to murder. Rose is certain of Micah’s innocence, at least until she discovers his connection to her past, leading her to team up with the police to uncover the truth. Rose proves to be an unreliable protagonist whose confusion and fear sometimes make it challenging to comprehend the muddled plot. Though this features elements of Amish romance, suspense predominates, meaning this will likely appeal more to fans of V.C. Andrews than those of Marta Perry or Linda Castillo. Becker doesn’t realize all of his ambitions, but readers who stick with this will appreciate the intrigue. (June)