Synopsis
A Perfect Cover by Maureen Tan released on Aug 25, 2004 is available now for purchase.
Reviews
Action-romance author Tan's (AKA Jane, etc.) first book for Silhouette's new suspense line, Bombshell, is curiously bereft of action. Half-Vietnamese Lacie Reed works for a U.S. senator, ferreting out bad guys who smuggle illegal immigrants into the country. When her mysteriously wealthy "uncle," Tinh Vu, asks her to come to New Orleans to help solve the murders of three local Vietnamese, her loyalties are divided. In the end, Lacie gives in to Tinh's plea, ignoring the senator's warning that Tinh is a crook. With the help of detective Anthony Beauprix, Lacie goes undercover, disguising herself as a runaway teen and finding employment in a Vietnamese restaurant. Not much happens as Lacie noses around, watching and working, but the novel's sense of foreboding ratchets up nicely when it becomes clear that the murders are part of a larger scheme. The chemistry between Lacie and Beauprix is subdued, but Tan paints an authentic picture of the Vietnamese subculture. Less convincing is Lacie's uncanny ability to be at the right place at the right time and to make amazing leaps of logic. On the other hand, readers may expect nothing less of a "Bombshell" heroine.
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Lacie Reed knows she is the best woman for the job, even if overprotective, too-sexy-for-his-own-good police detective Anthony Beauprix doesn't think so. Three residents of New Orleans' Little Vietnam community have recently been brutally murdered, and no one seems to know why. Both Lacie's own heritage and her unique talents give her the ability to blend into Little Vietnam and get answers from people who might be unwilling to talk to the police. Disguised as a runaway teenager, Lacie is soon hearing whispers about a new gang controlling the community, a gang whose members might be responsible for the murders. Even more troubling, though, are the rumors Lacie hears that two of the people closest to her might also be involved in the crimes, and one of those people may be Anthony. A Perfect Cover is the perfect combination of a vividly realized setting, superb characterization, a wickedly clever plot generously spiced with danger and intrigue, and writing seasoned with a dash of sharp wit. Both suspense and romance readers will be delighted with Tan's compelling and captivating book. (See Story behind the Story, p.226, for more about Tan and Harlequin books.) John Charles
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