Book Review-Older Books 12

Truth or Dare, by Jayne Ann Krentz.  Published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons, December 2003, 401 pgs.

Whispering Pines, Arizona, a place of retreat for many and a place for beginning a new life for others.  Zoe Luce, an interior designer has established her business and begins her newlywed life in this welcoming city.  She is married to Ethan Truax, a private investigator who also came to Whispering Pines to begin again.  They met under stressful circumstances and their marriage was a result, it is still a work in progress.  She has a secret, one she feels her husband does not fully understand or accept, and she has yet to completely disclose this secret to him.  Zoe has the ability, a sixth sense if you will, to sense the darker and more powerful emotions a house will hold within its walls.  She is also being stalked by one who knows all about her.  Her best friend Arcadia Ames is also being observed and possibly hunted, and she is the only other person who knows the truth about Zoe.  Could this same person be after them both?

Ethan has a few secrets of his own, that revolve around the death of his brother.  He left behind three ex-wives and a multi-million dollar bankruptcy to move to this city.  Could any of these issues have endangered his new bride?

While trying to keep his wife safe he discovers the answer to a locked door mystery with key significance to this budding metropolis.  And, with the help of family and friends this and other questions are also answered.

Many issues seem to be related throughout this book, and there are many twists and turns that bring you to the various final conclusions.  This book has many enjoyable characters and gripping mysteries embedded.  It also raises the question of whether it is better to share a secret of keep it.  This is Jayne Ann Krentz’s second novel placed in Whispering Pines.  I think I will find the first one.