Genuine Surprise

By Christine Thackeray

I have to admit I startle easily. When very focused on what I'm doing, it may only take a hand on my shoulder to make me jump. At church while talking to a friend, one of my children often sneaks up and leaves me jolted by their sudden scream. The worst is when I'm preparing to sneeze, and my husband shouts a pretend scream just before my authentic ach-oo emerges because then my sneeze never comes and my nose is left itchy and unsatisfied.

In life sudden surprises may not be that great, but in writing genuine surprises are phenomenal. Not only are they rare but if done correctly, they leave you revisiting the plot line in your mind long after you've put down the book, trying to figure out how you didn't see it coming.

Bravo to Tristi who has accomplished this feat in her latest novel "Agent in Old Lace." It's a worthy goal many writers should strive for.

Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston

by Rebecca Talley


Agent in Old Lace
by
Tristi Pinkston

Shannon Tanner seems to have everything, until she realizes that what she's believed about her boyfriend, Mark, is a total lie. He's a creep and he's been embezzling a lot of money from many of his clients. He even believes he can convince Shannon to come with him and revel in the stolen funds. Thankfully, Shannon has morals and won't even consider it. Mark kidnaps her, but she escapes.

Then it's a cat and mouse game while FBI agent Rick protects Shannon from Mark and his obsession with revenge against Shannon.

Agent in Old Lace is a fast and fun read with plenty of humor. I especially enjoyed the budding romance between Shannon and Rick. I thought it was realistic and believable.

I thought Tristi did a great job of making Mark, the villain, slimy. I was glad when he got what was coming to him.

Other than a few pet words/phrases, I thought the writing was solid and the story flowed well. I also enjoyed the storyline about her dad and how it was resolved at the end (I was convinced I knew what was happening, but Tristi threw in a twist--she's good at that).

I recommend you add it to your reading list and tell your friends. It's a fun book!