#1535. Blind Fear by Brandon Webb and John David Mann

 Blind Fear is the third novel in a series by co-authors Brandon Webb and John David Mann about their protagonist, Finn, a Navy SEAL who had been falsely accused of some murders by his corrupt bosses. He had escaped from them in Iceland and had landed in Puerto Rico eight months earlier where he had been lying low while continuing a stealth internet search that he hoped would free him from the fake charges. Meanwhile, he had been befriended by a blind grandfather and his two grandchildren. They were all living together in Esperanza (Spanish for Hope) on the small island Vieques which is just a few miles from the main island. The island is an idyllic location, and the opening scene is one of 10-year-old Pedro and 6-year-old Miranda touring their small island, mostly swimming from the shore and enjoying the safety and beauty of their home – that is until they were inexplicably kidnapped.

 The authors skillfully developed the character of Finn who risked his own capture if he were to openly join the search for the grandchildren. Meanwhile, the reader was treated to a history of the islands, and then they were also the victims of a terrific hurricane. This turned out to be another story about trafficking, but it came from a different angle since it was kids who were being trafficked, not just young women. The negative side of this story was both very dark and very believable.

 

After having been enticed with this book, I’m going to have to go back and find books one and two in the Finn series. Good characters, excellent plot, a very good mystery. I strongly recommend this novel.