Book Review: The Mountains Bow Down by Sbiella Giorello

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
2011

Product Description
Everything's going to work out. Time away always makes things better . . .

That's what FBI Special Agent Raleigh Harmon believes as she boards a cruise to Alaska. A land of mountains and gems and minerals, the Last Frontier is a dream destination for this forensic geologist who's hoping to leave behind a hectic work schedule and an engagement drained of romance.

But when a passenger goes missing and winds up dead, Raleigh's vacation suddenly gets lost at sea. The ship's security chief tries to rule the death a suicide, but Raleigh's forensics background points to a much darker conclusion: Somewhere onboard, a ruthless murderer walks free.

Engulfed by one of her toughest cases yet, Raleigh requests assistance from the FBI and receives her nemesis-handsome Special Agent Jack Stephanson. As the cruise ship sails through the Inside Passage, Raleigh has five days to solve a high-profile murder, provide consultation for a movie filming onboard, and figure out her increasingly complicated feelings for Jack-who might not be as arrogant as she originally thought.

And that's only her work life. Family offers even more challenges. Joined on the cruise by her mother and aunt, Raleigh watches helplessly as disturbing rifts splinter her family.

Like the scenery that surrounds the cruise ship, Raleigh discovers a mystery so daunting that even the mountains might bow down before it.

MY REVIEW

There is definitely a reason that Giorello has won a Christy award. Her character of Raleigh is one of the most interesting and enjoyable characters to read about in a long time, and I have enjoyed the entire series so far. In The Mountains Bow Down, the author's descriptions are bang on, her dialogue fast-paced and often humerous, and the plot is solid. I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions, and yet this book also had well-crafted suspense. The author has added a host of supporting cast who were unique and likeable. Jack is definitely a fun addition in this book, and the author unveils a whole new side to his character that wasn't viewed in the previous book he was a part of. Raleigh's relationship with her mom is especially well-done and is heart-breaking to watch unfold as Raleigh has to make difficult choices due to her mom's mental illness. Raleigh's spiritual journey is also deftly handled.

I loved this book from start to finish, and highly recommend it to reader's who enjoy FBI thrillers. 4.5 out of 5 stars.