Family Life

09.22.12 | Trudi Cook

THE BREAKTHROUGH,  a novel by Jerry B. Jenkins  

Book Review by Trudi Cook

COP SHOW SUSPENSE IN A WELL-WRITTEN NOVEL

Jerry Jenkin’s third “Precinct 11” story, The Breakthrough begins with Boone Drake reflecting on the “success” of his life.  Despite a Job-like experience in the past, where he lost his wife, son, home and all he held dear, he’s now at the “top of the pile.”  Four years later, he’s married to Haeley and adoptive father to her adorable young son Max, he’s the youngest bureau chief (of the newly formed Major Case Squad) of the Chicago PD, and thanks to a huge legal settlement granted to his wife, he’s living in a nice neighborhood and driving a nice car.  He adds to those blessings, a close walk with God, a healthier spiritual life than he’s ever experienced.  And Boone wonders when/if testing will come.  The testing does come and it looks as if history may be repeating itself, as Haley suffers a serious accident and his son is kidnapped.   

The Breakthrough is a fast-paced suspense story that is hard to put down and certainly not predictable.  The characters are well defined – a close-knit cop brotherhood, one extremely dumb crook, a personable con man who rarely makes mistakes, and a smart mastermind whom no one would suspect.  Add in a sprinkling of average citizens who were drawn into the intrigue, some surprises along the way, and you have a recipe for a great read.  Although apparently part of a series, The Breakthrough is excellent as a stand-along novel.

This was fortunately not one of those suspense stories that makes you afraid to turn out the light at night.  I enjoyed the way the story builds, at first allowing you to draw conclusions as to what will happen, only to realize that your assumptions will be challenged.  The totally stupid actions of one crook provide some light relief along the way of what could have been a very heavy story about a difficult topic.  And while the wrap at the end was neatly done, a few untied strings possibly allow an opening for a future book?  I anticipate reading more in the Precinct 11 series!

(I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my fair and honest review.)

Christian Fiction, Copyright 2012, ISBN 978-1-4143-3584-1