Convictions

If you don't expect much, this book can be an okay who-done-it. The writer gives you a sense that you know who the "bad guys" are, but leaves the reader guessing til the end. You won't guess who it is!!!

This is my first time reading this writer and I must say I was wonderfully surprised and impressed. It was a well written romance and a true who done it. I loved it and I am planning to get back copies of this writer earlier writings.

Ms. McKade's second romantic suspense effort has cemented her as a storyteller in this genre. "Convictions" is a read that will challenge the reader at the same time entertain. Olivia Kincaid is an ADA in Chicago and she's tough. But, she's also human and when an attack leaves her scared and hurt she goes back home to Colorado and her father's ranch. There she hopes to put her demon's to rest, heal both in mind and body and get back to the person she once was. When she finds out that her father a retired judge has instituted a work release program for convicts on the ranch, Olivia is upset. When one convict actually draws her attention, and makes her feel alive for the first time since her attack, she's first scared, and refuses to admit to herself that she finds Hank handsome. But, as time goes by, she starts to realize that although Hank claims he's innocent of what sent him to prison, and it's the same song and dance she's heard before, she starts to believe him. Will she be able to hold to her convictions though, when dead bodies start turning up at the ranch and it starts to look as if Hank may have a reason to kill? But, if he isn't the killer who is and just why is he killing? Hank and Olivia are characters that really reach out to the reader. This story truly will make the reader think as well as entertain. The romance between these two people is slowly built and is believable as a result. The suspense is well done here leaving the reader guessing right up to the end. Secondary characters such as Dawn, Hank's little sister is welcome addition and add to the richness of the story. Ms. McKade as proven that she is adept storyteller regardless of genre, and one that I highly recommend.

A stalker attacks Chicago ADA Olivia Kincaid shattering her kneecap with a baseball bat and devastating her sense of safety. Already considered a hard case when it comes to criminals, the assault affirms her position. Still she comes home to heal on the ranch of her father retired Judge Andrew Kincaid. Andrew sponsors a prison release program in which convicts work and sleep on his ranch in spite of the attack on his daughter and the murder of his wife years ago. Olivia objects feeling these felons belong behind bars though she is reluctantly attracted to one Hank Elliot who spent the last six years behind bars for being the driver in a hold-up. He claims that he is innocent because he did not know his friend planned a robbery. As he proves to be honest, loyal and dedicated, murders begin occurring to include one of the criminals and a reporter. The evidence points towards Hank, but Olivia knows that the man she loves would not kill and risks her life to prove it. CONVICTIONS is a fascinating romantic suspense thriller in which the police procedural elements come in the latter half of the tale. The story line focuses on why Olivia wants no part of Hank as she suffers from the "rape" of her sense of well being and why Hank must avoid her at all costs if he is to get out of prison early. His younger sister showing up at the ranch as a cook assistant adds to the understanding of how much Hank lost with his indiscretion. Although the motives for the homicides seem way out and too psychopathic, fans will appreciate Maureen McKade's marvelous tale starring two people in love though both knows the other is wrong for them. Harriet Klausner