A Federal Judge, Kidnapping, and a Baby

Federal Judge Diane Manchester, pregnant with her first child, is presiding over the trial of a Colombian drug lord. During the morning's session Escalante threatens her and her baby. Diane refuses to be intimidated, goes to lunch alone, and is kidnapped and dragged into a white van. Billy Manchester, her husband and a brilliant attorney, immediately puts his investigator, PI Max Freeman, on the case.

Although it seems that the Colombian connection is very strong, some things don't add up. There is no ransom demand, or demand to extradite Escalante. Max works his sources on the streets while Billy works his contacts in South America. They are coming up empty and eight-month pregnant Diane's time is running out.

This is the first Max Freeman novel I've read, and I enjoyed it. The case is interesting. Although there are clues, it's hard to figure out who is responsible.

The story is told from different perspectives, Diane, Max, and a girl named Rae who is working with the kidnappers. Diane is a great character. I can hardly imagine how frightening it must be to be kidnapped, kept in a dark hood, handcuffed, and unable to even touch your stomach to verify that the baby is all right.

Rae is also a good character. She doesn't want to be assisting the kidnappers, but what choice does she have?

Max and Billy are also believable. I particularly liked the ending where Max goes deep into Florida in an effort to rescue Diane before it's too late.

If you like mysteries with good characters and an interesting plot, you'll enjoy this book.

I reviewed this book for Net Galley.