Review: Fatal Deception – Marie Force

The wife of the White House deputy chief of staff has been beaten to death, and their one-year-old daughter is missing. D.C. Police Lieutenant Sam Holland is in charge of the murder investigation, but she’s forced to collaborate with Special Victims Unit detectives as well as thorn-in-her-side FBI Special Agent Avery Hill. Then, a cold case of her father’s resurrects old hurts—a distraction Sam cannot afford.
As Sam’s investigation heats up, so does Nick’s political career—and the heat carries over to their bedroom. Will Sam put the pieces together in time to catch a killer and find the baby, or will ambition, greed and lies prove fatal?

Series:  Fatal Series #5
Release Date:  November 12, 2012
Publisher:  Carina Press
Source:  Amazon, via my own wallet
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Reviewer’s Thoughts:

If you haven’t read any of the Fatal Series, you are missing on hell of a series. Each book is an absolute thrill ride with not only whatever investigation Sam and her faithful fellow police officers, but also the emotional journey she takes with Senator Nick Cappuano.

With this installment in the series, Sam investigates the death of the White House deputy chief of staff’s wife and the disappearance of their one year old daughter.  This investigation hits close to home for both Sam and Nick, as they knew the couple and couldn’t imagine anyone doing this to their family.  But Sam, along with her partner Freddie, her team at MPD and Special Agent Avery Hill discover some people are willing to do anything to win the job they’ve been dreaming of.

I think this book is my favorite of the series.  Sam and Nick’s relationship soars in this story, despite what is going on around them.  That is why I love this series (and Nick is one of my book boyfriends).  No matter what happens to either of them or to those they know, Nick and Sam always manage to find a way to ground themselves with the other.  Nick’s love for Sam has allowed her to break the wall she used to erect and grown into this woman who is confident in who she is as a cop, wife, lover, sister, daughter and aunt.  It’s truly a pleasure to see.  And while the stories mostly focus on Sam and her job, it’s becoming apparent that Nick’s job is just as important to their relationship, even if it does take a back seat to hers most of the time.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the Avery Hill angle of the story, considering he finds himself in love with Mrs. Cappuano, but I think he will add an element to future stories that will push Sam as she investigates future cases.

If you haven’t picked up the Fatal Series, I highly suggest doing so.  Nick and Sam are well worth the time investment.