Book Review: The Alias

The Alias by Mandi Tucker Slack is an LDS romantic suspense with a twist--definitely good if you like books that keep you guessing. (And I really liked the cover art for this book. Very nice!)

Jacey is approached by the FBI regarding her abusive ex-husband and his possible criminal activity. She realizes that if the FBI can track her, then her ex-husband with all of his connections can, too, and she needs to get herself and her young son as far away as possible. She takes on the identity of her roommate and flees to a small town in Utah to hopefully hide until she can decide what to do. What she doesn’t know is that her son is carrying a terrible secret.

I loved the scenes with the heroine’s young son, and the author clearly shows how affected he is by the events surrounding him. His reaction to the farm and the loving people they are staying with rings true and sincere. His mother seems to be the typical abused woman, but she does have a few bright sparks around her as she reacts to the handsome son of the couple she’s staying with. The idyllic farm setting makes a great backdrop for the healing this mom and son must start. But, of course, dark clouds are forming on the horizon, literally and figuratively.

The book takes you to an exciting conclusion and I thought the way the author tied up the “bad guy” storyline was quite clever. Unfortunately, the abusive ex-husband was fairly stereotypical and two-dimensional, but his ties to the mob made him a bit more interesting. The beauty of the setting was also interesting and easy to imagine, yet, at times, the descriptions slowed down the pace and became redundant. But I thought the author did a great job in giving us an ending that would leave anyone breathless.

I loved our hero, Kale, and how vulnerable he was with the trials he'd endured in his life. Everyone knows I love a tortured hero! But the romance seemed a bit rushed to me at times, considering the enormity of the situation and the lies that were told. But, then again, it just goes to show that Kale is a very forgiving peron and who wouldn't want that in a man?

One personal thing that drove me crazy was that the author has several of her characters use the word “babe.” It was really distracting for me because it was used so often, but that's just a small personal thing that probably wouldn't bother anyone else.

Other than those small little things, I thought the story was one I'd recommend to all my friends who love a good suspense. I think Ms. Slack is definitely an up and coming author who will be one to watch on the LDS romantic suspense scene.

Here is the book description:

After a long and difficult divorce, Jacey thinks the worst is over. Little does she know she'll soon be forced to go undercover to protect her family, and in the process, she'll risk losing her identity, her future, and her heart. With a lightning pace, a good dose of humor, and a plot that's full of suspense, this thrilling novel is an edge-of-your-seat read.


If you would like to check out this edge of your seat read, you can purchase it for your Kindle here for the great price of $3.99.

You can also read more about the author, you can visit her website here