The Red Canary

McDaniel (Above the Fold) skillfully portrays 1928 Pittsburgh in this suspense-filled inspirational romance. Vera Pembroke is the Red Canary, a singer at the Kelly Club speakeasy, and is the girlfriend of the club’s abusive owner, Carson Kelly. After Vera hears Kelly shoot someone, she informs the police about the murder and goes into hiding under the protection of police sergeant Mick Dinelo. Mick is a faith-filled man who has never recovered from having the love of his life die in his arms, and as Mick and Vera hide out in a cabin, Mick slowly breaks down Vera’s tough defenses and tries to convince her that God loves her regardless of her past. When attackers sent by Kelly invade the woods, Mick and Vera take off to hunt for evidence to convict Kelly. But after Kelly’s thugs catch up with Vera, Mick is the only person who can save her from certain death. Strong themes of the redemptive power of faith meld nicely with the brisk plot. McDaniel’s propulsive story will appeal to fans of Susan May Warren. (Jan.)