The Stars Shine Bright, A Raleigh Harmon Novel by Sibella Giorello, Book review And Giveaway

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN-13: 978-1595545367

Synopsis:

After the FBI suspends her for bending its rules, Special Agent Raleigh Harmon is looking for a chance to redeem her career and re-start her life.

Sent undercover to a thoroughbred horse track, Raleigh takes on a double life to find out who’s fixing the races. But when horses start dying and then her own life is threatened, Raleigh realizes something bigger—and more sinister—is ruining Emerald Meadows.

She’s never felt more alone.

Her one contact with the FBI is Special Agent Jack Stephanson, a guy who seems to jump from antagonistic to genuine friend depending on the time of day. And she can’t turn to her family for support. They’re off-limits while she’s undercover, and her mother isn’t speaking to her anyway, having been confined to a mental hospital following a psychotic breakdown. Adding insult to her isolation, Raleigh’s fiancé wants them to begin their life together—now—precisely when she’s been ordered not to be herself.

With just days left before the season ends, Raleigh races to stop the killing and find out who’s behind the track’s trouble, all the while trying to determine if Jack is friend or foe, and whether marrying her fiancé will make things better—or worse.

Raleigh is walking through the darkest night she’s faced, searching for a place where the stars shine bright.

My thoughts:

'The Stars Shine Bright' is one of those rare contemporary novels I enjoyed. Written by a gifted author I would gladly meet if given the opportunity, whose various interests provides readers with the right balance betwixt great entertainment and life's hard lessons.

In this latest novel of an undercover female FBI agent trying to salvage her career, the author exposes intricate insight in the world of racing! 
Despite her best intentions Raleigh Harmon discovers the price of lying even for a good reason does not pay off. In this latest assignment she has fourty eight hours to resolve a crime and she is trying so hard to do the right thing for all concerned.

Author Sibella Giorello's style is witty and entertaining and she is also singularly well read in Forensic geology (until I read something of her background!). Washington State has been my home also for the past ten years, mineral samples abounded in our house and our family enjoys stargazing!

Arresting characters - protagonists or supportive cast - one spouting Tennessee Williams quotes, the in depth plots beguiling, the dialogues/monologues stimulating, the subtle inspirational reminder - even an FBI agent prays whilst carrying a Gloch - and let's not forget the dry humour, just my taste!

In short,  this novel reflects the mark of a good storyteller and I look forward to see what happens next in Raleigh Harmon's life!
(I understand there are four Raleigh Harmon's novels prior to this one but this does not detract from the 5th one!)

Beautiful Washington scenery, interesting geological facts, lively interaction and even a touch of nostalgia creates the background for this entertaining story.  This author is aptly making sure boring couldn't possibly be hinted at when her book is perused! You live the action as you read the lines!

'Emerald Meadows' and the world of race horses is intricately coming alive for even the uninitiated like myself. I found the background of this lively world fascinating. 

With her attention to details, Sibella Giorello's latest novel rings with authenticity and suspense providing readers with some gripping moments, topped with just a touch of romance and perfect for a great afternoon of entertainment (yes, you cannot put this one down!)

Adding the author's name to my list of 'encore', I give this title 5 stars!

About the Author:

'Sibella Giorello writes an award-winning mystery series that follows the adventures of Raleigh Harmon, forensic geologist and FBI Special Agent. A former journalist, Sibella sowed nearly every wild oat before settling down with her husband Joe, a blues musician from Queens N.Y.'

Read more on her website (here)

Novelist Sibella Giorello is celebrating the release of the latest book in her praiseworthy Raleigh Harmon series by giving away a Kindle Fire! 

Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• The entire 5-book Raleigh Harmon series.

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/25/12. The winner will be announced on 8/27/12 on Sibella's blog!

Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Sibella's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

 

I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.