Santa Fe Edge (Ed Eagle Novel)
Woods’ fourth Ed Eagle adventure, following Santa Fe Dead (2008), is less about superstar lawyer Ed than it is about his nefarious ex-wife, Barbara, who manages to escape from a Mexican prison and head back to the States with murder on her mind. Her targets are Ed and his new wife, Susannah, a beautiful actress. Barbara isn’t the only fugitive on the lam. Teddy Fay, the notorious ex-CIA operative last seen in Hothouse Orchid (2009), has arrived in Santa Fe, hoping to start a new life with his girlfriend, Lauren. But eager young CIA recruit Todd Bacon is hot on his trail. New to the mix is Ed’s latest client, golf pro Tip Hanks, who is under suspicion for the murder of his wife. Readers familiar with Woods’ multiple long-running series (including the Stone Barrington and Holly Barker books) will find themselves at home amid frequent murders and sexual escapades. And while some plotlines are a bit repetitive, particularly regarding Teddy, who has been on the run for many novels, and Barbara, who is also always one step ahead of her pursuers, there’s plenty of fun here for those who enjoy losing themselves in Woods’ entertaining escapist fare. --Kristine Huntley