The Chase

Reviewed by:

Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Title:

The Chase (US Marshals #2)

Author:

Lisa Harris

Publisher:

Revell

Publication Date:

July 6, 2021

Format:

Paperback

Length:

320 pages

OVERVIEW

Madison James has seen her share of action in the U.S. Marshals. But when somebody shoots her in her own house, she’s not sure what to think. Is it connected to her husband’s death five years ago? Is there more, or is she simply being paranoid? However, that question has to take second stage when she’s brought back to work to investigate bank robberies which can’t be traced. When the latest bank robbery has a slip-up and some of the culprits are caught, it looks like James and her partner finally have an in. Soon it becomes clear that these aren’t ordinary thieves, and they’re after more than money. Not only that, but these people may not let anything stand in the way of getting what they want.

As usual, Harris brings together a well-tooled thriller. There’s a good mix of ” snakes and ladders” twists and turns, upping the stakes just when you think you’ve seen everything. As is typical in these books, there is a romantic subplot which parallels the crime thriller narratives. Harris makes it more complex than the usual fare, which is very gratifying. This is still a Christian Romance Thriller, but it’s better than the run of the mill.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

3.5 stars

Suggested audience

Crime thriller fans or romantic thriller fans with an emphasis on forensics and action thrills

Christian impact

Harris cultivates characters who have various crises going on, and who work through them to find closure and peace with God. This is typical of the genre, and at times the dialogue is a little bit contrived. However, unlike Harris’ earlier book Traitor’s Pawn, it doesn’t become contrived to the point that it takes you out of the story. The struggles these characters have are relatable enough that the theological meditations don’t feel contrived. It also helps that Harris has a revolving cast of side characters who advise the heroes, which provides an interesting way to discuss the same lesson several different ways. All in all, it’s works much better than Traitor’s Pawn, although not quite as well as, say, Lynette Eason’s Acceptable Risk.

Note: Some readers may prefer to read the first book in the series, The Escape, before reading this book:

https://eclalibraries.org/2021/02/14/the-escape/