Eight stars
D.K. Hood has developed a strong series through the use of full novels, to delve into a number of poignant topics. This is the second novella in the series that seek to explore backstories of the protagonists. While D.K. Hood warns not to read them as prequel stories, she does look to the past in order to explain the present. This piece is all about the life of Jenna Alton, before she arrived in Black Rock Falls. Working undercover as DEA Agent Avril Parker, things go awry and a raid ensues, making sure Parker is the target of a cartel. Seeking to reinvent herself, Parker becomes Jenna Alton and arrives in Montana, ready to effect change.
Avril Parker has been building a case, working undercover, as a DEA agent for four year. Now it's time to act and take down a highly dangerous member of the cartel she's infiltrated, her husband, Michael. While she has been the dutiful wife, she knows that there is a major event taking place, one that could be the raid she has been working towards.
Realising just how bad things have become, Avril waits for dark, when everything is supposed to go down. In a lightning attack, DEA agents storm the property, leaving Michael and others in senior positions within the cartel scrambling to negotiate plea bargains.
With her life in danger, Avril will have to undergo significant changes in Witness Protection. A new face, new body, and definitely a new name. With a lead on placing her in a small Montana community, Avril is transformed into Jenna Alton, a former Baltimore PD hot-shot looking for a new life. She agrees to the change, as long as she can blend in.
Arriving in Black Rock Falls, Montana, Jenna Alton seeks to make a name for herself and secure the role of sheriff. It's little crime and a cozy community to boot. Jenna is happy with the move and eager to set down some roots, while trying to keep her law enforcement career going. A great novella by Hood to fill in many of the Jenna Alton gaps.
D.K. Hood has yet to stop with her slew of powerful thriller stories, rich with action and series development. Offering up a chance to fill in the gaps of Jenna. Alton's past and how she evaded the cartel, Hood provides a solid narrative to guide the reader through this shorter piece, without cutting out the details or action. The momentum of the piece helps push things along and leaves the reader wanting more, as the story connects with the start of the series in Black Rock Falls.
Character development has long been a cornerstone to the series, which is offered up throughout. This prequel-type piece offers the reader the needed backstory to better understand Jenna Alton's past life and the reason she is so secretive about it. While there has been mention of a cartel hunting for her, it is only with this piece that the truth comes out for all to see. Much like the previous novella that expounded on the life of Dave Kane, this one offers the other protagonist's life story and does so masterfully.
The series relies on major twists and story arcs to fuel its momentum. While D.K. Hood has been working on backstory here, she does offer up some great moments of action and a few twists. Things in this piece connect well with the series I have come to love. I am eager to find more breadcrumbs embedded in the narratives, as they relate to the past lives of both Alton and Kane. Hood seems to never run out of ideas, as my binge continues with this series. I cannot wait to see what's to come.
Kudos, Madam Hood, for another quick break from the intense story writing this series has provided to dedicated fans.
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