Lynne Sage, Reviewer:
The idea of reading the second edition of a book I was already familiar with never made much sense in the past. If you already know the story, what is the point? I had already reviewed Threads of Destiny once when the first edition came out; however, word was that there were significant changes in this new edition, both through new words and a thorough editing, so I decided I should read it and I learned a valuable lesson. When an author revisits her work and teams up with a talented editor, a good book can be made even better and show more depth than before.

Threads of Destiny is the story of Cara Cipriano, a lawyer and vintner in Santa Barbara, and Jake Biscayne, a leading FBI forensic pathologist and profiler. Mercer and Nancy Hill first introduced their story in Incommunicado; however, through a skillful use of flashbacks and inventive dialogue, Mercer provides enough of the original story in this volume that it is not necessary to have read the first book to follow the action. The women fell in love while they were working together to solve a string of brutal murders along the Mexican border, only to have their relationship ripped apart by a tragedy that Cara could not cope with and Jake knew nothing about. Threads reunites them a year later when Cara returns to take over as padrone of the family vineyard and discovers that someone is using the business to smuggle drugs across the border. When she asks the government for help, she and Jake are brought together in an uncomfortable situation while they try to solve the crime. Two stories then unfold in the book. One is a mystery and adventure story about the drug running that eventually includes kidnapping and a dramatic conclusion. Simultaneously, Cara and Jake struggle to deal with their emotions and whether or not they can rebuild the relationship they once had. Not until the very last page is that question answered and the reader cannot be certain of the answer until then.

There are a number of things to like about Mercer’s writing. Even though it is fiction, the characters ring true as actual people. Women usually don’t fall in love immediately in life and they sometimes hurt each other. Jake can’t forgive Cara immediately for deserting her even after she learns the reason for Cara’s actions and she shouldn’t. You almost find yourself hoping that Jake will fall for a new interest McKenzie, even though you know the pain that Cara suffers because of her actions. The frustration of Jake, the despair of Cara and the pure evil of Sandro the drug runner/murderer come off of the pages powerfully. Mercer is very deft at keeping you on the edge of just not being sure how these stories will resolve themselves until they are finished. The dialogue from other languages, with no translations, shows the respect that Mercer has for her reader being able to infer the meaning from the story. The knowledge of the wine making process, forensic details, and the inside dealing of the cocaine trade indicate a book that was thoroughly researched. Mercer’s writing is very tight. There are no wasted scenes or words to distract the reader from the action and emotion that drive the stories. There are secondary characters who add color and dimension to the book, like Cara’s childhood friend and would be lover Maggie, Matt Peyson, the Federal agent who loves Jake, but knows he has to look elsewhere for happiness, McKenzie the alluring woman who has feelings for both Cara and Jake, and Sandro, evil incarnate, the childhood friend of Jake and Matt who has betrayed their love for him and who is the killer determined to make Cara pay for interfering in his business. They combine to create a world that feels all too real. Mercer has created one of those books that is hard to put down once you have started it.

The original version of Threads of Destiny had a very short life in the bookstores, so P.D. Publishing has done readers a service in bringing it back in an improved form. Now readers will have the chance to discover the book that it deserves.

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Review by K. Johnson:
This is the story of two women. The first, Liberty Starr, is a trained FBI agent who works for an elite, classified Special Forces group named the Talons. The Talons were started by the President to fight terrorism the likes of 9/11, but eventually fall into the wrong hands and fight one man’s personal war. In the meantime, Liberty Starr no longer exists and can never again consider a love life outside of covert one-night stands.

The second woman is Kayla Sinclair. Kayla is a former Olympic skier whose lover and soul mate died in a skiing accident. Since said accident, Kayla went to Hell and back with alcohol and depression. With the help of her loving friends and family, she has rejoined the land of the living, but cannot see herself ever falling in love again.

They meet after Liberty is injured on a mission gone bad and shows up at Kayla’s mountain lodge. Through a series of crazy events, they begin to rely upon each other and start to feel things that terrify them both.

This newest book is by far the best thing from J. P. Mercer yet. Her characters are in precarious personal situations and draw strength from each other, despite their own personal reservations. It would be hard for a reader to avoid falling in love with these women. They’re strong, beautiful, full of angst, and passionate. This is certainly one book no one should miss.

Review by Lynne Sage:
Do you like mystery, suspense or adventure? Do you like romance? Do you like a story that sounds like it stepped off of the television screen or out of the newspapers because it’s so topical? Do you like a book that keeps you so engrossed you have to keep turning pages to find out what happens next? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then Talon is the book for you.

Liberty Starr is a secret agent who was recruited by the President to join an elite group called the Talons. Their mission was to combat terrorism in any way they could, including assassination; however, a powerful man, who valued wealth and influence over patriotism and honor, corrupted the Talons. Liberty discovers the betrayal and is determined to stop this man’s grab for power and redeem the mission of the Talons, but she is being hunted by someone who can be as deadly as she is.

Kayla Sinclair is a former Olympic skiing champion whose career and life were ruined by an avalanche. She had tried to escape from her pain by drowning in alcohol, but is struggling to put her life back together when Liberty takes refuge in her pub. These women are emotionally damaged and each believes she has lost the chance for any happiness in her life. The danger that surrounds Liberty engulfs them both and jeopardizes any future either of them might have.

J. P. Mercer has combined some of the best suspense techniques of Robert Ludlum with a story of women who have suffered significant wounds in their lives. Reading this book is similar to watching blockbuster movies like the Mission Impossible or Bourne series. Talon is also a passionate story about two women with love scenes that scorch the pages, but don’t let that put you off if you aren’t gay. Above all, this is a great adventure book. You’re going to want to have read it. And then tell your friends about it.

© 2004; P.D. Publishing, Inc.

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