Those in Peril

 

Those in Peril is the fourth Wilbur Book that I’ve reviewed, some of which I’ve raved about, others which left me somewhat bored. This one is also the first in Smith's Hector Cross series, and it falls into the category of a very good thriller. I was thoroughly entertained. So, not only does Smith write historical fiction, but he's also adept at the mystery-thriller genre.

The book begins with a history of the remarkable Hazel Bannock, a woman who was a tennis champion and fashion model who fell in love with one of the wealthiest oil barons in the world. She absorbed much about running a large corporation from her husband who then suffered an early death, leaving Hazel to run the company and manage their only child, a 19-year-old spoiled brat of a daughter, Cayla. The story is about how Hazel fairly quickly showed her business acumen. But given the global nature of her oil business, some of which is in a fictional country in the Horn of Africa. she kept her husband’s security forces intact. That’s how she met Hector Cross who is a true action hero. Hector has made enemies in the Middle East and the story, which is often times gruesome, is mostly about them working through those dangers.The characters and the plots are excellent.

 

I listened to this one in audiobook format, and I was caught up in it during my long dog walks. I’m going to read more of this series. It gets my favorable recommendation.