Review: An Engaging Romantic Crime-Mystery!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 24, 2014
"Fox Hunt", the first of the Femme Vendettas is a fast-paced romantic crime thriller loaded with suspense and mystery. It begins when Brian Chanse, a stunt driver and owner of Cause & FX picks up a hitchhiker in a freak rainstorm in New Mexico. What he doesn't suspect is that the drenched woman suffering mild hypothermia is a former thief who's running from the Yakuza, a criminal organization whose boss wants revenge for the murder his son. Brian,a man with a big-heart agrees to help Delta Fox prove her innocence, but never expects that their partnership will lead him into the dregs of the L.A. underground where they will unravel clues to a seduction that brings betrayal and murder to its hapless victims.In this engaging, imaginative plot romance sizzles between two lost people in a world stained by secrets, mystery, death and violence. The narrative is fast-paced with its high-speed car chases and flying bullets, and progresses smoothly as events unfold. As sparks fly and the romance blossoms, the language is sexually explicit, but loaded with a good dose of dry humor and witty remarks. Although the theme of the novel focuses on the discovery of love and trust during the dark moments in Brian and Delta's life, the murder mystery and manhunt by an assassin lend energy and drama to the romantic plot.Moira Stelmack breathes life into her characters giving each a multi-dimensional and realistic personality. Brian Chanse the adrenaline junkie who's kind, generous and charming can be a pushover and very stubborn while Delta Fox a skilled cat-burglar, haunted by the demons of her abusive past is serious, untrusting and fears love. Mr. Hadrian, Delta's friend and confident is a shrewd cynic burdened by a bitter heartbreak in his past. Brian's office staff is a study in contrasts. Gina's the highly energized receptionist who's offbeat, chipper and fearless while Ursula the operations manager is bossy, efficient, tough-minded and stern. Because the story is plot driven, certain aspects of the characters are never fully realized;like the tragic circumstances that mould the personalities of Akeno, Delta and Susan Chang.But, even the antagonists in the story are memorable; like Kannon Takahama, a half blood , an instinctive killer who's intimidating, dangerous and tough; Hero Matsuda the ruthless and savage Japanese mafia boss; Susan Chang, a user who feels empty, broken and unworthy, and Jeanelle (Saramond) Matsuda, the money-hungry, arrogant, and demanding wife. All these characters bring power and intensity to this riveting story.I liked "Fox Hunt" and recommend it to those who like a romance story with a defining twist. And I am looking forward to reading "Gina Takes Bangkok"