Behind the Badge

Title: BEHIND THE BADGE
Author: Susan Sleeman
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
June 2011
ISBN: 978-0-373-44447-2
Genre: Inspirational/romantic suspense

Sydney Tucker is making arrangements to move to a new townhouse complex with her teenage sister, hoping that a fresh start will eliminate some of the teen problems she’s having. But while at the building site, Sydney hears gunshots, and when investigating she finds the killer is after her as well, demanding something that she allegedly took at a drug raid earlier that month.

Russ Morgan is the chief of police and the object of Sydney’s teenage crush. Now they have a more mature relationship. Russ is a divorced man with a seven year old son, and Sydney is her sister’s guardian. Neither have time for a relationship. Not to mention, the killer keeps contacting Sydney demanding whatever mystery object she took, but not telling her what it is.

When Sydney doesn’t meet the demands of the killer, he starts targeting Sydney’s sister. But Nikki doesn’t react well to being told to stay home without a reason and Sydney refuses to tell her why. Russ has his hands full to keep his deputy and her sister safe, especially when they both refuse to cooperate. And when the killer strikes again, it may be too late.

BEHIND THE BADGE is the newest romantic suspense by Susan Sleeman. The book starts with action and doesn’t let up the entire time. I could relate to Sydney’s struggles with her teen sister as I have a daughter the same age and it isn’t fun (though my daughter is a lot more obedient.) And Russ, while shocked by some of Sydney’s behavior toward her sister, stood by her, nonjudgmental, which really spoke a lot about his character.

The suspense was well planned out and interesting and I never guessed who the killer was until it was revealed. If you are looking for a good romantic suspense, then BEHIND THE BADGE is a good book to consider. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $5.50. 215 pages.