Labyrinth of Lies

Labyrinth of Lies Whew! Let me just say- I had read Irene Hannon's earlier book, Starfish Pier (it was written like a Debbie Macomber book) and it wasn't really my cup of coffee. I knew when I seen this cover though, I HAD to give this author another try. Cate Reilly makes for a top notch County detective, with two hilarious sisters supporting her and giving wanted and unwanted advice. 😂 (I'm definitely going to have to go back and get a copy of "Point Of Danger" to hear Eve's story. I'm guessing Grace will be the star of the next book, coming out October 2022.) She really hates to try undercover work again, as her last cade was emotionally hard on her, breaking up a trafficking ring. She decides to take the assignment after all though, and becomes a "17 year old student" at the posh Ivy Hill Academy boarding school for girls. Zeke Sloan, DEA agent and Cate's former fiancee, is also working undercover at Ivy Hill, but as a teacher.   His past also has some rough patches, and he wishes he could undo some of those mistakes. They soon meet, and have to work together daily. Before long, their cases are seeming to intersect, and as the pieces fall in place, Cate & Zeke find themselves in more than just deep cover. This book started out deceptively simple and no-nonsense, but I wasn't disappointed as it more than made up for the first few chapters with bursts of breakneck speed and intrigue. It did have a few bits that could have been better though. Trigger warning- a vague mention of a previous trafficking case, also minor criminal characters drink booze, use and sell drugs, as well as gamble online. -su*k, su*ks used a few times each -bu*ts used once -libi** once -a vague mention of the missing girl running off to the woods to dope and mess around with her boyfriend -a counselor on campus is too friendly and borderline flirty with his young female students, offers them marijuana, suspicious as a possible dealer. - a younger version of Cate & Zeke had a past, but forgiven history of a night gone awry. -Cate and Zeke unwittingly place themselves in a potentially reputation tarnishing situation, but nothing happens. -Zeke is tempted to think wrongly of Cate, but resists. I give it 2 stars for young readers, 3 for older readers. This book was provided by Revell courtesy of Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

It's been a while since I've read Irene Hannon's romantic suspense and I'm so glad that I was able to read this one. I've missed the fast-paced plot with unexpected twists and turns and riveting suspense that the author brings to every book she writes. The premise is somewhat unique as a seasoned detective goes undercover as a teenager at an exclusive boarding school and a veteran DEA agent goes undercover at the same school as a substitute Spanish teacher. As the investigation into the disappearance of a student intersects with an investigation into a drug ring, Cate and Zeke are thrown together in impossible situations and they may just find a second chance at love if they can stay alive to solve their cases. Cate and Zeke are likable characters but their romance was a bit underwhelming. I did enjoy getting glimpses into the perpetrators' thoughts and actions but the mastermind behind the crimes was a total surprise and the identity cleverly disguised until the end. I received the book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon is the second book in her Triple Threat series. Cate Reilly goes undercover at an exclusive girl’s school hoping to find out what happened to a missing teen from the school. Nothing is as straight forward as they thought and everyone is suspect. When Cate’s investigation runs into the investigation of Zeke Sloan, her old flame, everything heats up. Cate and Zeke were a very likable couple. Cate’s compassion and dedication were remarkable. The twist at the end was unexpected. I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.