Into the Crossfire: My thoughts

Into the Crossfire: Cindy McDonald

Revenge comes when you are most vulnerable and least expect an attack. Jack Haliday, ex Navy Seal, finds himself the target of a brutal attack that would change his life forever. Rayne Lee and Jack are brought together by a tragedy that would haunt both of them and bring back memories Dr. Rayne Lee would soon like to forget.

Now working for gang unit of the Rosemount Police Department Jack is looking forward to an early evening and celebrating his daughter’s birthday. Called into his see his Captain before leaving the information imparted would stir up old feelings, anger and the memories of an undercover operation that went sour. As Jack went after a biker gang called the Nomads held up in an abandoned mansion “located in a ravaged strip-minded dead land, their leader Gunner plus an undercover police Detective would provide enough cover to take this man and the gang down. But, what happened four years before left him a prime target for the man and the gang in the present.

A child should feel safe and protected with her parents around and a four year olds birthday provided the fodder for a sick man’s revenge. With Jack supposedly assigned to another case this deranged killer hoped to find a way to get him but Jack is observant, realized that something was wrong as he noticed a black van circling around his house at odd times. Laura Haliday enjoyed serving food to the needy at the soup kitchen and one man’s appearance and demeanor would frighten her daughter Lil and leave her feeling cold. As they made their way to their car she sensed being watched and what happens next and the chilling events would darken many lives, change Jack’s perspective and leave one little girl without her mother.

Walter Wabash is the head of a group called the Special Forces. Living next door to Jack and his family they had no idea about his affiliation with the CIA or with this special group. But, when Walt hears something going on at Jack’s house and sees the burning inferno the scene will be etched in his mind forever. When the final outcome is revealed the end result will place not only Jack but also Lil in danger. Walt and his First Force Team ban together to learn more about Gunner, his goals and where he is holding up. When Walt learns that someone is tracking his every move a serious breach in the Police Department is revealed. Added in we learn more about Laura’s mother Dale, Walt’s feelings for her which are tabled and the end result that she cannot know the truth behind the murders in order to protect Jack and Lil. But a funeral that will break your heart and a man who desperately wants revenge.

When Jack learns Laura’s fate he is in full gear to take action. When Rayne is kidnapped and finds out more about the young girls, she enlists their help in order for them all to escape. But, not everything goes according to plan and the kidnappers force her to leave a starling message that will either destroy Jack or finally bring this man down.

Author Cindy McDonald brings to light just how far one man will go to protect what is left of his family and another will go to seek revenge. Loyalty from gang members will it help when they are caught? What is it about Gunner that so many fear him? A character so filled with hate, greed and exudes fear within those not capable of seeing him for what and who he is, Jack Haliday has to decide just how far he will go to win.

With the help of Twila the Labrador the police find the bugs within their department. Jack taking his wounds in stride and with Smitty, Walt and Casey plus the rest of the team they set up a sting hoping to rescue the young girls and Rayne. Trackers in place, the plan is set and the end result will surprise readers as the delivery is unique, the pace is set and Jack and Walt’s team race the clock and time to save not only Jack from Gunner’s blade once more but the young girls he plans on selling.

An ending so powerful, electric and dramatic only author Cindy McDonald can deliver it. What is Jack’s fate? Where will he wind up next? What about his job with the police department? Just how will he deal with Laura’s death? What about Dale and Walt? Questions unanswered and lives hanging the balance until author Cindy McDonald brings back the First Force Team and Dr. Rayne Lee in her 2014 novel: Into the Dark.

Fran Lewis: Reviewer