cover image When She’s Gone

When She’s Gone

Jane Palmer. Crooked Lane, $25.99 (304p) ISBN 978-1-62953-774-0

A misstep as a cop in Texas prompts Ara Zuyev, the heroine of Palmer’s action-packed debut, to get a fresh start in New York City as a bodyguard. Wealthy business magnate Oliver Boone hires Ara to provide security for his wife, Holly Harper, and his 17-year-old stepdaughter, Sam. After dinner at a posh Manhattan restaurant, Holly tells Ara to go outside and text their driver. While Ara is reluctantly away from her charge, a masked man grabs Sam, pushes her out a back exit, and throws her into a van. When the family receives a ransom letter with a 48-hour deadline, Oliver brings in an FBI team headed by Luke Patrick. Luke considers Ara a possible suspect after speaking to her former police commander in Texas. Despite his distrust, Luke needs to rely on Ara, because of her knowledge of Sam. As the kidnappers’ plan spins out of control, the search for Sam draws Luke and Ara into a world populated by art forgeries and criminals. The tension mounts as the kidnappers’ deadline approaches. Readers will hope Ara and Luke return in a sequel. Agent: Beth Campbell, BookEnds. (Nov.)