Review: Wanted by Kathi Oram Peterson

Title: Wanted

Author: Kathi Oram Peterson

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.

Published: May 2013

ISBN: 978-1-62108-415-0

FTC FYI: Received an eCopy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book | Seagull Book



Book Description:

Rodeo veterinarian Jo Powers is accustomed to operating under pressure—but nothing could have prepared her for the shocking discovery of the armed and bleeding escaped convict hiding in her truck. Even more disconcerting is the fact that Jo knows the man in the prison jumpsuit. Jo’s split-second decision to use her medical skill to save this man’s life is just the beginning, because now he needs her help to uncover the truth. Seven years ago, Branson Faulkner was accused of a murder he claims he didn’t commit. With the hope of finding new evidence to prove his innocence, he’s risked everything to clear his name and reclaim his life—but he can’t do it alone. Jo agrees to help, even though she isn’t completely sure Faulkner is innocent. Now, as Faulkner and Jo conduct their investigation, they discover an alarming connection between a string of homicides, and one truth is clear: there’s a murderer on the loose who will stop at nothing to cover his tracks.


Review:

I enjoy clean, romantic suspense novels, and found Kathi Oram Peterson's latest novel, Wanted, to be a great fit in that genre with national appeal.

Opening Wanted with an escaped convict on the run, and then having the other main character deep in a tense rodeo setting was a great way to draw a reader in, even for non-rodeo fans. I was also drawn in by the familiar Idaho setting.

I found the point of view switching back and forth between Jo and Faulkner to be an excellent way to get to know the characters, and it was an enjoyable way to discover the missing pieces to the crime.

I thought I knew who the bad guy was very early in the story, but Peterson kept throwing in twists and turns that kept me from being completely sure. My initial guess was right, but there was much more involved than I initially thought.

This is a fast and entertaining read that keeps you cheering for the underdog.

About the Author:

Raised in southeastern Idaho, Kathi Oram Peterson developed a love for the Snake River that winds through much of the region. She spent many happy adventures with family and friends swimming, boating, and fishing on the river. Though she now resides in Salt Lake City, she returns to the Snake River Valley often for vacations. When her children finished school, Kathi finished her English degree at the University of Utah. She worked for several years, writing and editing children's books for a curriculum publisher. Upon leaving the workforce, she turned her attention to writing novels. Setting a romantic-suspense novel in Idaho with the river she loves came naturally.