The Hunt for Hawke's Daughter

Innovative author Jean Barrett returns with the most enjoyable secret child book I've read in a long time with "The Hunt for Hawke's Daughter." When Karen Ramey's husband disappears with her daughter, Karen has to turn to her daughter's secret father for help. Devlin Hawke made it clear he never wanted a family. Can Karen dare to hope he'll find their child and become a father for her?That summary doesn't do justice to this story (it makes it sound like a hundred other books). I can't say more without giving away the plot. I will say that the reasons behind the child's kidnapping are unlike almost anything I've read before in an Intrigue. Unlike most secret child Intrigues, which use predictable motives and expected suspense plots, this one kept me guessing. This is a book the only gets better as it goes along. The revelations that come out along the way are original and suspenseful. Barrett writes with a gritty style and fast pace that pulls the reader in and keeps her turning the pages. As Karen and Devlin learn the truth about her husband, the story builds to a stunning climax. The final fifty pages are absolutely thrilling, full of unexpected twists and breathless suspense. Fans of great suspense thrillers will find an excellent one here.The book does have one serious flaw that keeps me from giving it a full five stars. This is the most I've enjoyed a child book in a long time but that's not because of the secret child part. That part is the book's biggest problem. The reason for Karen and Devlin's separation is one of the oldest cliches. Worse, Barrett doesn't offer enough time in Devlin's head. For instance, out of the first seventy pages only 2 and a half are spent in his point of view. I would say that in the whole book about thirty or less are told from his perspective. This doesn't allow us to get to know Devlin and understand him as much as we need to. Devlin has to do the most changing over the course of the story to turn from a man who refuses to be a father to one ready to make that commitment. His response to learning he was a father made me furious and for most of the book I didn't like the man. Though all is explained, in the end I didn't see enough to make the change believable. The result is a romance that is somewhat lacking."The Hunt for Hawke's Daughter" is an excellent book in spite of the secret child part and the lack of insight into the hero's growth. I recommend it on the strength of its plot, not its characters. It is a masterful thriller with true originality, a couple that actually investigates the mystery and a wonderful ending. Anyone who is tired of secret babies, this one is worth the risk.