This was an interesting read; part-suspense, part-romance. A skeleton brings Dr. Linda Muir and Sheriff Wesley Grant together. Both are hurting people. Grant surrounds himself with a hard shell because his mother sent him away when she knew she had only a few months to live to protect him and because his last girlfriend left him for another man--one closer to her financial station in life. Muir feels inadequate compared to her well known father and is trying to gain the respect of her boss. Does she want the promotion or the truth?

When the skeleton yields a ruby that Grant recognizes as one his girlfriend wore, the investigation leads back to his past and into danger. Grant also struggles with wanting to protect Muir from danger--and failing several times--which keeps him pushing her away. When he finally wakes up to this fault in himself, Muir withholds the forgiveness he asks for, and it seems they won't get past their hang ups to live happily ever after.

Like most books in the Love Inspired series, this one has a catchy title that can be interpreted a few ways. ( )

I love an intriguing mystery; I love an exciting thriller; I love a tender romance. But it’s not often you find all three masterfully woven together on the pages bound within the same book cover. Grave Danger kept me on the edge of my seat. You know how some novels just have one really exciting point? In Grave Danger there were numerous points of suspense.

Besides the gripping story line, I really enjoyed the characterization presented in the book. I’ve observed by reading her other books as well that Ms. Lee really has a knack for building her characters. I love that she doesn’t tell you all there is to know about a character the moment you meet them in the story. Instead, she allows each character to slowly reveal a little bit more about his/herself as the story unfolds. I love this slow connection with each character; it really allows you to become vested in each person’s life.

Even deeper than the captivating story line and interesting characters are the themes that are woven into the tale. There is the theme of redemption as one character’s walls are slowly chipped away. And my favorite message I got from the story was the importance of doing what is right, even if there is a price to pay.

One last note I want to mention is regarding the setting of this book. I enjoy the fact that the story takes place in the same place as Ms. Lee’s other book Warning Signs. In fact, some of the characters from Warning Signs also make an appearance. It’s a wonderful feeling of familiarity for a reader who has read the first book; however, past characters are not so deeply involved that it is necessary to have read Warning Signs.

All in all, Grave Danger is an exciting, fast-paced story but one that also slows down enough to convey an important message. It was an easy read because it was so engaging, and I felt a better, more positive person for having read it!

Good read great characters ( )