Hush by Karen Robards

Hodder, 2014. ISBN 9781444797862
(Age: Adult) Romantic suspense. Thriller. Riley Cowan discovers her ex-husband's body hanging from a staircase. It looks like a suicide but Riley is convinced that Jeff would not have killed himself. He had been on the trail of people who were trying to find out where his father had hidden the millions that he had ripped off investors and Riley believes that someone has murdered him. Snatching his phone, she leaves the building, knowing that she and her in-laws could be the next victim of an unscrupulous gangster out to retrieve the money. Her path crosses that of FBI agent, Finn Bradly, sent to investigate the case, and sparks fly as they try to find out who the murderer is and who is sending hit men after her.
Robards is a New York Times best-selling author well known for her romantic suspense novels. With Hush she delivers an easy to read thriller that packs enough punch to keep the reader entertained and uncertain about what is happening. There is plenty of action for the adrenaline addict as suspense is built up with the killer stalking, threatening and kidnapping. A few unexpected twists and turns keep the reader glued to the page and the sizzling romance between Riley and Finn adds to the enjoyment of the book. The relationship between Riley and her ex's mother and sister also gives depth to the story. It rounded out Riley's character and made the reader very sympathetic to her point of view as she, coming from a poverty stricken background, has the skills to look after them as they struggle to live without money since all their assets have been taken by the government.
This is an ideal summer holiday read - enjoyable and not very demanding - with likeable characters and lots of action. The narrative flows along at a cracking pace which ensures that it is quite a quick read. Some explicit sex scenes make it a book for adults.
Pat Pledger