On Thin Ice

My first Lynn Erickson book, certainly not my last. The plot line might not appeal to everyone but to a former foster parent who has known children like Michael and Finn, it was quite real. Ellie wants to redeem her father's reputation, even though he died in prison serving time for a crime he did not commit. The "rogue cop" character was suspenful-- even knowing the bad guy, suspense was maintained by whether he would slip up and be caught. Ellie did not plan to fall for Michael, "good cop" but wounded child, but she could not help herself. For beneath his armor he is a vulnerable man who wants to love but is afraid he does not know how and wants to be loved but what woman could love him if his mother could not? One also gets the impression Finn would like to know normal love between a man and a woman but cannot trust himself to take a chance. Of course, knowing him for the villain he is, we as readers are torn between hoping he will find the redeeming love of a good woman and hoping he will be caught before he kills again. Definitely a keeper and worth staying up until 2:00 a.m. to finish.

One of Erickson's best yet. I found I couldn't put the book down, and my stomach was in knots wondering what would happen next. The story came together and the end, well,a surprise to say the least. Loved it. I will keep this one for my own personal collection. Look forward to more by Erickson. Great Work. I found the romance just right, it wouldn't have worked any other way.Buy it, you won't be disappointed.

Taking a year off law school to clerk in the DA's office, Ellie Kramer uses the opportunity to investigate her father's case. New Year's Eve all those years ago, she and her father stayed up making popcorn to welcome the New Year. Then he was arrested, and four months later her father was sent away for a crime he didn't commit. The lawyers didn't even let Ellie testify, because no one believes a twelve-year-old. Her father died in prison, but Ellie still believes she can prove his innocence. She believes one of the two investigating cops, Michael Callas, or Finn Rasmussen, committed the brutal crime that put her father in prison.Ellie is a chameleon. She has the marvelous ability to fit in, whatever her surroundings, whatever lie she must tell. When Michael meets her, he immediately recognizes her ability to fit her surroundings, and yet he also recognizes how she remains guarded, concealing secrets she refuses to reveal. When Finn Rasmussen sees her for the first time, even spread out in the snow from a fall, she still seemed natural in her surroundings. Ellie possesses a radiance that pulls both men to her. She doesn't know which one is guilty, or even if one of them is. Maybe she's spent all these years on a useless quest.It was easy to catch Michael's attention. She had only to be young, fresh, open, and show him a little warmth. His kisses leave her feeling vulnerable, making her want him. Finn is much more difficult. Wealthy, attractive, he can have anything money can buy, and any woman who wishes to be associated with his exotic playboy aura.The dark, brooding detective wanted to tell her what he feels, but keeps those words locked away in the place he keeps all his hopes and fear and questions. He knows Ellie isn't what she seems. There's something more than a simple law student clerking for the DA. Michael wants to know her secrets. But when he realizes why Ellie seemed interested in him, Michael feels that he's fallen victim to the ultimate betrayal. Oh how she must be laughing he believes. She had searched him out, chosen him, set out to get him, but he can't figure out why. Her common sense warns her that Finn Rasmussen could be dangerous, but her heart won't believe it. The more time she spends with this security systems entrepreneur, the more difficult it is to imagine him as a mad, calculating killer. Finn doesn't want a woman like Ellie in his life. He doesn't need some law student cluttering up his well-ordered existence. He equates her with trouble. Yet he can't stay away, no matter how he tries.Lynn Erickson creates a masterful suspense with ON THIN ICE. While she reveals the killer fairly early, she also slowly peals away the layers of these fascinating characters, bringing them vividly to life and making them frightening real. As the tension builds and the pages turn faster and faster, the reader will be swept away in a dangerous world where Ellie steps very carefully ON THIN ICE. Very highly recommended.

On Thin Ice is romantic suspense at its very best. Lynn Erickson has created a deliciously complex plot, rich with multi-faceted characters and a mystery that will grab you by the throat and not let go. This book kept me reading until the wee hours of morning. If you like suspense, compelling characters, and sensuality, I highly recommend On Thin Ice.

Ellen Kramer left law school on a leave of absence for the opportunity to work as a legal clerk in the Boulder County District Attorney's Office. However, her reason is different than most people. She wants an opportunity to look into the archives of the John Crandall case. John was Ellen's father who was set up to take the fall in the rape and attempted murder of Stephanie Morris. Although her father is dead, Ellen plans to prove his innocence.During a nasty wintry storm, the office shuts down. Ellen stays late and manages to attain the file. She takes it home and over the weekend reviews the known facts. No question, the to rookie cops, Michael Calles and Finn Rassmussan did an impeccable job, but if her dad did not do it than only a cop could have committed the crime. Ellen uses the high profile Zimmerman case to meet Michael. However, to her chagrin, she begins to fall in love with the brooding detective who finds himself stunned by his attraction to the legal clerk.ON THIN ICE is an exciting romantic suspense. Although the climax seems weak, the story line moves forward rather quickly. The lead characters are a wonderful duo struggling between their demons and love. Readers will enjoy Lynn Erickson's latest thriller and want to obtain some of her previous novels like THE ELEVENTH HOUR and NIGHT WHISPERS.Harriet Klausner