The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder is this week’s Reader Friday. Here’s the first line:
Ari planted her palms flat against the desktop and locked gazes with Senior Special Agent Matt Updike. I didn’t become a federal agent to babysit a diplomat’s spoiled daughter.
But first the photo and verse. I took the photo as I winged my way north to Minneapolis, excited to start a week with my friend Delores Topiff. I love the contrast of the clouds against the city below. And it reminded me of the verse in Psalm 104.
Now for The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder. Here’s the cover and back copy:
FBI agent Arizona Powers, recovering from a nervous breakdown, isn’t ready to call it quits. Hoping to prove herself, she takes on a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the spoiled teenage daughter of an ambassador.
Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist, joined DSS as a risk analyst after the tragic death of his wife. Consumed by his obsession to learn the identity of his wife’s killer, Nick lacks the time and patience to handle the unstable field agent.
When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a dangerous game and a race against time. The risks are high as they confront their own failures and unravel secrets hidden within to save Bridgette—and themselves—from a sinister plot.
My Take:
I love a puzzle mystery/suspense, and Gina Holder delivered big time with The Puzzle Within. The heroine, Ari, actually Arizona (Love that name) wants to return to her job in the FBI after her life spiraled out of control six months ago. She can, on the condition that she takes the job of protecting an ambassador’s spoiled daughter. And she has to work with Diplomatic Security Service agent Nick Truehart, a former escape artist. Not her idea of a great partner. But Nick is an expert at figuring out logistics and a great puzzle solver.
Unfortunately, they lose the ambassador’s daughter, and a cat-and-mouse game is on to find her and who took her. Ari and Nick relationship grows as they end up being drawn into the kidnapper’s web. This is a great romantic suspense that kept me up reading past midnight.
So, Readers, what are you reading this week? Leave the first line, or just say “hi”. If you do, I’ll enter you in a
July drawing for one of Steve Hooley’s fine pens! You can check them out at his website.
And I may be a little late responding to comments since I’ll be travelling, but I will…
This week I was reminded of Don Williams’ smooth voice, and this is one of my favorites of his.
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Comments 42
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Author
Sorry I’m late responding, but I’m in Canada and I’m not sure where my time goes. 🙂 It is a very interesting book, Diana!
ALMOST A DECADE AS A SPY FOR THE CIA hadn’t prepared Maria Sanchez one bit for this life.
The first line of Burning Justice by Lisa Phillips.
Author
Love Lisa Phillips’ books, Jean.
Just bought this book this month. It is on my TBR list. Loved the picture and verse.
Author
I think you’ll enjoy it, Sharon!
The Puzzle Within sounds good. I hope Arizona and Nick find Bridgette! I’m reading Visible by Darlene Corbett. It’s a Christian contemporary women’s fiction novel. The first line: Rachel Karem blew on a long bouncy ringlet positioned over her right eye and folded her arms into the layers of her cashmere sweater.
Author
What a great first line, Priscilla! I haven’t read any of her books, but that line intrigues me.
I have this book on my pile to read soon. Thank you for your thoughts. Beautiful scripture and photo. I’m reading An Uncharted Dream. Blessings!
Author
Thank you, Lucy! I think you’ll enjoy The Puzzle Within!
Love scripture and photo not to mention that the book really sounds and looks like a great read looking forward to reading in print format
Author
Thanks, Crystal! I think you will enjoy it.
That is an awesome picture and verse.
I read Gina’s book and enjoyed it.
“Hedda sliped from the frigid air into the warmth of the kitchen and snugged the door shut behind her.”
These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas
Author
Sarah Loudin Thomas writes the best books, Paula! I’m glad you enjoyed Gina’s book.
Pat, your photo reminds me of a trip I took 50 years ago. I was flying back to Tucson, and the view of the clouds from that height reminded me of the power God has over everything. The verse certainly reflects that.
I will have to check out “The Puzzle Within”. Your review has me hooked.
I am reading Laura Scott’s “Scent of Fear” which is part of her series featuring a family of siblings doing K9 Search and Rescue in Wyoming. One of the first paragraphs reads “One of two patio chairs was overturned, and there was a broken ceramic mug lying on the ground…” Libby Tolliver came to visit her grandfather and discovers he has mysteriously disappeared.
Author
I will have to check out Laura Scott’s book, Tim! I agree with how you felt looking out that window–I felt the same way.
Oooh fantastic shot of the beautiful clouds, Pat. You know I’m loving all these clouds. lol The Scripture is perfect for the photo.
The Puzzle Within sounds like a good one. Pat, you sure got my attention on that review.
It looks like everyone is reading a bunch of good books this week. Oh my TBR pile. . . .
“‘I’M DYING, AND WE CAN’T CHANGE THAT.’ Even though Ellen Creighton spoke softly and gently as possible, she could do nothing to soften the truth.” This is the intro to Never Leave Me. By Jody Hedlund.
Author
Someone just mentioned that book here in Canada today, Barbara! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
How about that. . .mentioning that book there in Canada.
That’s for the birthday wishes!
Beautiful sky and clouds and perfect verses Pat! T
I am reading Backfire by Elizabeth Goddard – good book.
Wishing you and Delores a wonderful week!
Author
Thank you, Mary G! We are having a blast! Not sure I want to come home…except I miss my kitties. All of Elizabeth Goddard’s books are good!
This book is on my TBR list. I’m glad that you enjoyed it.
I am standing outside of what could best be described as a quaint little murder cottage, wondering if, instead of going on vacation with my brother, I’m about to die.
If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair
Author
Gloria, that book sounds like it’s just up my alley! I will have to check it out.
looks intriguing
Author
Oh, it is, BN!
“Nobody recognized her. Harper Lee was well known, but not by sight, and if she hadn’t introduced herself, it’s unlikely that anyone in the courtroom would have figured out who she was.”
Furious Hours by Casey Cep
Author
Now that’s a very intriguing first line, Gail. Now I’ll have to read the book to find out what happens.
Jan Blake opened her warm oven, smiling as she inhaled the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg and bananas. “Burning Secrets” by Rebecca Adams
Author
My goodness, Shelia, that first line makes me hungry. It sounds like a good book.
Naya Michél made it her duty to tell a story and expose the truth.
Rescued Duty by Lisa Phillips
Love the photo & verse.
Don Williams, ahhhh! Love this song & most of his.
Author
Thanks, Lisa. And that first line makes me think Naya Michél is in for a world of hurt!
I always enjoyed that song by Don Williams. Your picture reminds me of several I have taken from airplane windows. The picture also reminds me of a flight out of Reagan National in DC back in the late 70s. The clouds were beautiful. I was almost in tears as I viewed the clouds and thought of this song: Stepping on the Clouds by The Inspirations. You chose a great verse to go with your picture.
That sounds like an interesting book. I am reading Carole Brown’s Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery, Toby’s Troubles. The opening reads:
Present Day
Tony Gibson didn’t believe in ghosts.
Author
Thank you, Edward. I know how you felt. It was an awe-inspiring moment when I opened the window and looked out. And I’ll have to look up The Inspirations and that song! And Carole Browns’ first line in intriguing.
Naya Michél made it her duty to tell a story and expose the truth.
Rescued Duty by Lisa Phillips
Love the photo & verse.
Don Williams, ahhhh! Love this song & most of his.
I’ve hears good things about that book, but haven’t had a chance to read it yet.
Author
Megan, I think you would really enjoy it!
Pat, Thank you for sharing your thoughts on The Puzzle Within. Sounds like a page turner!
Enjoy your weekend!
Author
It is, Caryl. Great story!
Hi!
Author
🙂 Hi, back.
Love the photo. Have a fun visit.
Author
I did and it was wonderful, Sally Jo!