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FBI Trilogy #2
Fatal Secrets
DEADLY QUEST
When a top lieutenant in a notorious ring of human traffickers agrees to turn state’s evidence, Immigration and Customs Enforcement senior agent Sonia Knight believes she’ll finally take down the illegal operation’s devilish mastermind, Xavier Jones. But when an FBI sting on Jones’s criminal enterprise collides with an ICE stakeout, Sonia is enraged: Her informant’s life and her evidence are in grave jeopardy.
FBI agent Dean Hooper has been chasing Jones for years on money-laundering and tax-evasion charges and doesn’t need or want a hot-headed ICE agent second-guessing his every move. When the Bureau is ordered to join forces with ICE, Sonia is just as livid: Her job is to save lives, not money. But their team effort pays off as fierce mutual resentment fades and passion flares–along with risk.
For Jones is just one piece of a depraved puzzle, answering to an even more dangerous predator. Denied his expected prey, this pitiless fiend intends to make Sonia and Dean pay with their own blood.
When a top lieutenant in a notorious ring of human traffickers agrees to turn state’s evidence, Immigration and Customs Enforcement senior agent Sonia Knight believes she’ll finally take down the illegal operation’s devilish mastermind, Xavier Jones. But when an FBI sting on Jones’s criminal enterprise collides with an ICE stakeout, Sonia is enraged: Her informant’s life and her evidence are in grave jeopardy.
FBI agent Dean Hooper has been chasing Jones for years on money-laundering and tax-evasion charges and doesn’t need or want a hot-headed ICE agent second-guessing his every move. When the Bureau is ordered to join forces with ICE, Sonia is just as livid: Her job is to save lives, not money. But their team effort pays off as fierce mutual resentment fades and passion flares–along with risk.
For Jones is just one piece of a depraved puzzle, answering to an even more dangerous predator. Denied his expected prey, this pitiless fiend intends to make Sonia and Dean pay with their own blood.
428 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 19, 2009
353 people are currently reading
1483 people want to read
About the author
Allison Brennan
106 books5,354 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
March 16, 2020
Sonia Knight is a senior agent with ICE and her team is in the middle of a sting to take down the kingpin of a major human trafficking empire. She’s almost thwarted when FBI Assistant Director Dean Hooper shows up with a warrant to search the property. After a brief but volatile discussion, they agree to work together as they’re after the same guy even if for separate purposes. As a joint team, they discover and uncover a much larger network.
As with most of the books in these trilogies, this begins with a terrifying scene that provides much of Sonia’s backstory. It explains why her work is a life mission and defines her really well. Dean is the brother of Will Hooper, who we met in an earlier trilogy, and is almost the complete opposite of Sonia in temperament but is just as intense on the job. They make for an interesting team, personally and professionally.
There’s no easy way to tell a story involving human trafficking and this one is heartbreaking and honest in its revelations. The business is insidious and those involved deserve the toughest sentences justice can mete out. I appreciated that there was equal focus on those that create the demand. There’s lots of action and plenty of excitement. I really liked both Dean and Sonia but never really felt their romantic connection. However, I was happy they found each other as both deserved a happy relationship because their jobs took them to some devastating lows. The narrator was again excellent in all aspects of the performance and I’m so glad I opted for the audio version for the trilogy. This was a good story that kept me edgy.
As with most of the books in these trilogies, this begins with a terrifying scene that provides much of Sonia’s backstory. It explains why her work is a life mission and defines her really well. Dean is the brother of Will Hooper, who we met in an earlier trilogy, and is almost the complete opposite of Sonia in temperament but is just as intense on the job. They make for an interesting team, personally and professionally.
There’s no easy way to tell a story involving human trafficking and this one is heartbreaking and honest in its revelations. The business is insidious and those involved deserve the toughest sentences justice can mete out. I appreciated that there was equal focus on those that create the demand. There’s lots of action and plenty of excitement. I really liked both Dean and Sonia but never really felt their romantic connection. However, I was happy they found each other as both deserved a happy relationship because their jobs took them to some devastating lows. The narrator was again excellent in all aspects of the performance and I’m so glad I opted for the audio version for the trilogy. This was a good story that kept me edgy.
March 27, 2020
ICE Agent Sonia Knight is working a stakeout on Xavier Jones, a man suspected of human trafficking, when the FBI shows up. Not wanting to lose all of the work they've put into the case against Jones, Sonia agrees to work with Assistant FBI Director Dean Hooper to take Jones down. As they work the investigation, Dean and Sonia find a group of Chinese Girls have been smuggled into the country and are scheduled to be sold to several buyers in the next few days. Xavier Jones is just the tip of the iceberg in the human trafficking puzzle that they have to solve.
This book opens with thirteen-year-old Sonia being sold to traffickers by her father. She is rescued before being removed from the country. Sonia devotes her life to stopping the predators who deal in human trafficking. When the FBI enters the picture, she clashes with Dean Hooper. But they quickly decide working together is the only way they will stop Xavier Jones.
I thought the first couple of chapters of this book were slow, but the pace picked up quickly. I liked the main characters and thought the romance was believable. The suspense portion of the story was engrossing. I'm looking forward to the next book in the trilogy. My rating: 4 Stars.
This book opens with thirteen-year-old Sonia being sold to traffickers by her father. She is rescued before being removed from the country. Sonia devotes her life to stopping the predators who deal in human trafficking. When the FBI enters the picture, she clashes with Dean Hooper. But they quickly decide working together is the only way they will stop Xavier Jones.
I thought the first couple of chapters of this book were slow, but the pace picked up quickly. I liked the main characters and thought the romance was believable. The suspense portion of the story was engrossing. I'm looking forward to the next book in the trilogy. My rating: 4 Stars.
March 21, 2020
ICE and FBI operations collide during an ICE stakeout and ICE senior agent Sonia Knight is furious. She now has to team up with FBI agent Dean Hooper who is investigating the same individual for money-laundering.
Although this was a good story, the topic was a rough one. Human trafficking is never an easy topic to discuss. The author does a nice job detailing the abductions and torture the girls endure without going over the top. What Sonia went through as a child is truly gut-wrenching and I can see how it made her a great ICE agent. Dean Hooper is a great FBI agent who is good with numbers. He also interacts with Sonia well. They made a good team. I wasn’t too confident about the romance part of the book though. The feelings between Sonia and Dean happen fast and furious. It didn’t come across as genuine to me.
There are a few surprises throughout the book, but most revelations are expected. The ending was good, but expected as well. This wasn’t one of my favorite books of hers, but I did enjoy it.
Although this was a good story, the topic was a rough one. Human trafficking is never an easy topic to discuss. The author does a nice job detailing the abductions and torture the girls endure without going over the top. What Sonia went through as a child is truly gut-wrenching and I can see how it made her a great ICE agent. Dean Hooper is a great FBI agent who is good with numbers. He also interacts with Sonia well. They made a good team. I wasn’t too confident about the romance part of the book though. The feelings between Sonia and Dean happen fast and furious. It didn’t come across as genuine to me.
There are a few surprises throughout the book, but most revelations are expected. The ending was good, but expected as well. This wasn’t one of my favorite books of hers, but I did enjoy it.
April 1, 2019
I never connected to the characters and it took a long time to be pulled into the story (about the last 25%). On top of that the romance didn't work for me either. It's hard to say why the book didn't work; AB is a really solid writer. Hopefully others enjoy it more.
March 19, 2020
This was not my favorite Allison Brennan book. In fact, I didn't like it much at all. But, then again, I am so not a fan of the human trafficking trope and this book didn't give me a reason to change my mind. When you add the lack luster romance and predictable plot twists, well, enough said.
August 7, 2022
Fatal Secrets
3 Stars
ICE agent Sonia Knight survived a human trafficking ring as a child and has dedicated her life to stopping these heinous predators from trading in innocent lives. Unfortunately, her latest case hits a snag when a crucial stakeout is interrupted by the FBI serving a search warrant. Assistant Director Dean Hooper is just as determined to put a stop to Xavier Jones's money laundering activities and agrees to join forces with Sonia and her team. However, a new player arrives on the scene placing the agents and their case in even more jeopardy. Can they stop them before it's too late for their victims?
Series note: While this is book #2 in the FBI Trilogy it is unrelated to book #1. Nevertheless, it does introduce the Rogan brothers who appear in the Lucy Kincaid series, and it becomes clear at the end that Dean's brother is Will Hooper from Killing Fear in the Prison Break series.
Human trafficking plots literally make my skin crawl. While the horrors of the trade are expertly conveyed, Brennan does, thankfully, spare the reader most of the egregious descriptions. Unlike the fast-paced action of the serial killer plot in Sudden Death, the investigation here is slower, and many of the details concerning the financial crimes and connections in the middle cause the narrative to lose momentum. Nevertheless, the action ratchets up toward the end and the resolution is satisfying. The twist regarding the villain's identity is also excellent.
In terms of the romance, it is clear that this is not Brennan's strength. While Sonia and Dean have a stronger emotional bond than Megan and Jack in the previous installment, there is still a distinct lack of chemistry between them. Moreover, Dean's character is not as well developed as Sonia's, and he comes across as a boring number cruncher rather than a sexy Fed.
In sum, the subject matter is disturbing, and kudos to Brennan for taking the risk of mixing it in with the romance even though it doesn't really work. For those interested in a truly gripping RS with this trope, I highly recommend Pamela Clare's Hard Evidence.
3 Stars
ICE agent Sonia Knight survived a human trafficking ring as a child and has dedicated her life to stopping these heinous predators from trading in innocent lives. Unfortunately, her latest case hits a snag when a crucial stakeout is interrupted by the FBI serving a search warrant. Assistant Director Dean Hooper is just as determined to put a stop to Xavier Jones's money laundering activities and agrees to join forces with Sonia and her team. However, a new player arrives on the scene placing the agents and their case in even more jeopardy. Can they stop them before it's too late for their victims?
Series note: While this is book #2 in the FBI Trilogy it is unrelated to book #1. Nevertheless, it does introduce the Rogan brothers who appear in the Lucy Kincaid series, and it becomes clear at the end that Dean's brother is Will Hooper from Killing Fear in the Prison Break series.
Human trafficking plots literally make my skin crawl. While the horrors of the trade are expertly conveyed, Brennan does, thankfully, spare the reader most of the egregious descriptions. Unlike the fast-paced action of the serial killer plot in Sudden Death, the investigation here is slower, and many of the details concerning the financial crimes and connections in the middle cause the narrative to lose momentum. Nevertheless, the action ratchets up toward the end and the resolution is satisfying. The twist regarding the villain's identity is also excellent.
In terms of the romance, it is clear that this is not Brennan's strength. While Sonia and Dean have a stronger emotional bond than Megan and Jack in the previous installment, there is still a distinct lack of chemistry between them. Moreover, Dean's character is not as well developed as Sonia's, and he comes across as a boring number cruncher rather than a sexy Fed.
In sum, the subject matter is disturbing, and kudos to Brennan for taking the risk of mixing it in with the romance even though it doesn't really work. For those interested in a truly gripping RS with this trope, I highly recommend Pamela Clare's Hard Evidence.
November 13, 2009
Fatal Secrets made me cry. Not what you normally expect from a mistress of suspense like Allison Brennan, right? This book is of the same outstanding quality as her others, this storyline is filled with twists and turns galore, and I just loved the realistic characters in it. I guess that may be what made me cry: this is a novel about human trafficking, which is very REAL, very serious! The heroine, Sonia Knight, was in fact herself a victim of this way-too-profitable crime; when she was 13 her own father (!!!) sold her as a virgin sex slave. She escaped, barely, and was one of the lucky ones. The Texas Ranger who rescued her took her in rather than let her get lost in an underfunded foster care system not set up for this (can you just imagine the special needs of such a traumatized teen?!). Flashforward 21 years and Sonia is now a very dedicated agent of ICE, the Immigration section of Homeland Security that deals with trafficking. Did you know that over 800,000 people per year IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA get abducted and sold as slaves ("child brides", slave labor, prostitutes, etc.)? That is what made me cry. Ms. Brennan researched well and used honest statistics, input from actual agents and more to achieve the serious tone of this book. Are you shivering yet? You will be as you read that 30 female teens & preteens were stolen from China (where girls are more often than not killed at birth due to the 1 child rule there - boys can help work the family's fields better)and routed to America FOR $2,000! Several virgins were "set aside" but rape was routine for the other girls; when they were found to be pregnant upon arrival, they were murdered as they no longer had value. Rich men in our own country are paying up to $30,000 for these very young girls (and boys) as sex slaves!
I especially liked the way Ms. Brennan showed the various agencies working together - for a change - to save these girls and stop the traffickers. Dean Hooper, ADA with the FBI, is a straight-laced guy with an affinity for numbers; he tracks the dollars to convict the bad guys. Money laundering is a big part of human trafficking, you see. GQ-looks aside, its his intelligence and commitment that attract Sonia. Perhaps the most interesting character, however, is Charlie, an ex-ICE agent and previously Sonia's mentor and boss. Charlie has seen so much, so many horrifying stuff, that he no longer can take it playing by the rules; rules that often allow criminals to keep operating longer which means more girls lost. You can't really blame him for snapping and becoming a for-hire retrieval expert.
This subject is being uncovered by authors like Allison Brennan and Karen Rose, and I for one am glad. I had absolutely no idea how bad it is out there, how constrained agents are and that post-9/11 they are to be concentrating more on importation of terrorists (another important task). After reading this page-turner of a book, I plan to write my congressman/woman and find out more about what is being done and what we can do. Life means nothing to these crimanals except for how much money they can make. The internet has created another market for sex slaves - mostly CHILDREN. I am relieved to know we are working on this problem internationally, but more must be done. Runaways are especially at risk; once shipped out of the United States, the chance of rescue is almost nil.
Whoever said romantic fiction is all fluff is crazy. We are blessed with caring authors like this who entertain us but also inform us. Please read this book; you will be entertained, but I bet you will also cry as you listen to Sonia Knight.
I especially liked the way Ms. Brennan showed the various agencies working together - for a change - to save these girls and stop the traffickers. Dean Hooper, ADA with the FBI, is a straight-laced guy with an affinity for numbers; he tracks the dollars to convict the bad guys. Money laundering is a big part of human trafficking, you see. GQ-looks aside, its his intelligence and commitment that attract Sonia. Perhaps the most interesting character, however, is Charlie, an ex-ICE agent and previously Sonia's mentor and boss. Charlie has seen so much, so many horrifying stuff, that he no longer can take it playing by the rules; rules that often allow criminals to keep operating longer which means more girls lost. You can't really blame him for snapping and becoming a for-hire retrieval expert.
This subject is being uncovered by authors like Allison Brennan and Karen Rose, and I for one am glad. I had absolutely no idea how bad it is out there, how constrained agents are and that post-9/11 they are to be concentrating more on importation of terrorists (another important task). After reading this page-turner of a book, I plan to write my congressman/woman and find out more about what is being done and what we can do. Life means nothing to these crimanals except for how much money they can make. The internet has created another market for sex slaves - mostly CHILDREN. I am relieved to know we are working on this problem internationally, but more must be done. Runaways are especially at risk; once shipped out of the United States, the chance of rescue is almost nil.
Whoever said romantic fiction is all fluff is crazy. We are blessed with caring authors like this who entertain us but also inform us. Please read this book; you will be entertained, but I bet you will also cry as you listen to Sonia Knight.
March 18, 2013
Another pseudo-romance in this romantic suspense. It was a great novel, but again, I get the feeling that the non-existent build up to this relationship was almost an afterthought for this author. Definitely more of a thriller/suspense than romance.
It's frustrating to me that if this had been written by a man, this would never have been thrown under the cloak of a romance novel.
Anyways...the subject of this FBI investigation is sex trafficking, so the subject matter is not for the faint of heart. While there isn't any really descriptive acts of rape, there is a scene or two that made me want to close my eyes...hard to do while reading. Most of the girls and boys involved are underage, so beware if that's a hot button for you.
I will say that Brennan writes with a lot of passion...she does crime lord/FBI badass very well. I love how her heroines/heroes have to skirt the fine line between right and wrong, often crossing that line at key points in the story.
Overall, though I'm disappointed with the lack of relationship build up and kissy faces, I was thoroughly entertained. Great book!
It's frustrating to me that if this had been written by a man, this would never have been thrown under the cloak of a romance novel.
Anyways...the subject of this FBI investigation is sex trafficking, so the subject matter is not for the faint of heart. While there isn't any really descriptive acts of rape, there is a scene or two that made me want to close my eyes...hard to do while reading. Most of the girls and boys involved are underage, so beware if that's a hot button for you.
I will say that Brennan writes with a lot of passion...she does crime lord/FBI badass very well. I love how her heroines/heroes have to skirt the fine line between right and wrong, often crossing that line at key points in the story.
Overall, though I'm disappointed with the lack of relationship build up and kissy faces, I was thoroughly entertained. Great book!
October 21, 2023
Allison Brennan is one of my favorite writers. I've read most of her books about Lucy Kincaid. I wish I had read the three books in "The Evil trilogy" before I started reading the ones about Lucy. "The FBI Trilogy" books are also about Lucy's family.
It's not necessary to have read any other books by Allison Brennan before you read this book but you would know more about the back story. This book has nothing to do with the people or what happens in the first book in the FBI trilogy.
After finishing this book I don't feel like I know Sonia or Dean. They felt flat. I've felt a lot more for the characters in the Evil trilogy and the first book in this trilogy. One thing was a bit strange. They use an old photo of someone when the person has been staying at a fancy hotel for a few days. There has to be security film that can be used! This book still gets 4*.
I really recommend books by Allison Brennan.
It's not necessary to have read any other books by Allison Brennan before you read this book but you would know more about the back story. This book has nothing to do with the people or what happens in the first book in the FBI trilogy.
After finishing this book I don't feel like I know Sonia or Dean. They felt flat. I've felt a lot more for the characters in the Evil trilogy and the first book in this trilogy. One thing was a bit strange. They use an old photo of someone when the person has been staying at a fancy hotel for a few days. There has to be security film that can be used! This book still gets 4*.
I really recommend books by Allison Brennan.
June 8, 2014
Great read - the heroine is a likeable character, a bit too sensitive for her line of work, but she uses her weakness to do the job. She deals in finding and arresting the scum that deal in human trafficking - a very despicable trade, in my opinion.
A bit of angst and a bit of romance (another one right up your alley Kjen), great detective work, and really bad guys that you just love to hate!
2 thumbs up and 4 stars - Allison Brennan weaves a good story!
A bit of angst and a bit of romance (another one right up your alley Kjen), great detective work, and really bad guys that you just love to hate!
2 thumbs up and 4 stars - Allison Brennan weaves a good story!
August 3, 2014
The second book in the FBI Trilogy by Allison Brennan. Sonia Knight is an ICE agent and a survivor. FBI agent Dean Hooper is after the mastermind of a human trafficking ring. They are forced to join forces to defeat the bad guys.
Exciting, edge of your seat suspense. Lacks the romance from the older Allison Brennan's books but the suspense makes up for it.
Exciting, edge of your seat suspense. Lacks the romance from the older Allison Brennan's books but the suspense makes up for it.
July 22, 2020
Allison Brennan is an avid writer - one who continues to mystify me in her ways of continuously producing book after book without ever losing steam. But the truth is, each of her series take on a life of their own, and just when you think you know what's going to happen, it goes in an entirely different direction.
For example, Brennan's longest series, the Lucy Kincaid series, focuses on Lucy Kincaid, as the series title suggests. But not all of her series are named after characters (although her social media accounts suggest that this is her preference, as she recently changed one her the series titles to be about the main characters).
For this series, the FBI trilogy, I was under the false understanding that the series would follow Jack Kincaid, simply because the first book of the trilogy did so, providing readers insight into the mysterious mercenary who later becomes a fundamental character in the Lucy Kincaid series. Perhaps my misconception grew from the fact that Brennan's work often feels as though it centers around Lucy Kincaid for me, as it's her longest collection, but regardless, I couldn't help feel a bit disappointed when I realized that this second book in the FBI trilogy had nothing to do with Jack or Lucy - at least not directly.
Throughout the book, various characters come into play who are prevalent in Lucy's world, too. People such as Sean, Kane, and Duke Rogan, and Will Hooper. But most of these characters are simply secondary to the plot. Sean Rogan has never even met Lucy Kincaid at this point in their world, and the Hooper of note in this novel was Will's brother, Dean.
But even Dean Hooper only manages to come in second to Brennan's new character, ICE Agent Sonia Knight.
I'll be honest, when I first started reading this book, I had a bit of trouble getting into it. Not because of the style or even the characters, as Brennan is truly a master at developing intricate plot and character lines. My hesitation came from my dislike and distrust of the ICE agency in America and how poorly they treat people who are merely trying to make it in this country - who merely search their entire lives for safety and refuge.
But I kept reading because I have a lot of respect for Allison Brennan, I love her work, and I continued to keep in mind that while she does her research and represents all government agencies as accurately as possible, this is also a work of fiction, and if I can't enjoy it as such, then there are deeper prejudices in my mind that need to be worked on.
So I read it as fiction, and as another book by Brennan, and I came away with a slightly more appreciative stance for some ICE agents - specifically the ones who are truly trying to help immigrants. Agent Sonia Knight works on cases involving human trafficking, and takes each case to heart as she works to protect and save the children who are being kidnapped and sold.
The Plot
ICE Agent Sonia Knight is keeping tabs on philanthropist Xavier Jones. He's clearly connected to the human trafficking ring going on in Sacramento, but Sonia has yet to be able to catch him for anything. What she doesn't expect is for the FBI to come in and screw up her case.
FBI Agent Dean Hooper has been tracking Xavier Jones from a white collar perspective, attempting to figure out how the popular philanthropist has been able to remain squeaky clean as long as he has. But due to miscommunication, neither the FBI nor ICE knew about the other's operation, leading to a potential risk of losing both cases.
After the initial heat and confrontation of their first meeting, Sonia and Dean agree to pool resources and work together to take down Xavier and the rest of his ring, but they have no idea how deep his operations go.
Dean's love for numbers is enough to keep him rooted in the white collar crimes and committed to his cases, but Sonia has a deeply personal reason for wanting to rescue, free, and help the girls being kept hostage: she had been a hostage as a child - and again when she was in her twenties. She knew the fear, the pain, and the terror they were experiencing.
What Sonia doesn't expect, nor does Dean, is for Sonia's past to catch up with her in this case. What she thought she had put behind her, she had only actually silenced from a distance, and now it was back and louder than ever. But with Dean by her side, Sonia finally feels ready to confront what she never felt she could before.
---
It's no secret that I find Brennan's development of characters to be masterful. In addition to this is her ability to bring characters together who seem lost and clearly are in need of a unique sense of humanity in their lives.
Readers of Brennan's books typically will come for the mystery, be riveted by the murder, be intrigued by the characterization, and be pleasantly surprised and flushed by the romance and passion of the relationships. I cannot recommend Brennan's books enough.
For example, Brennan's longest series, the Lucy Kincaid series, focuses on Lucy Kincaid, as the series title suggests. But not all of her series are named after characters (although her social media accounts suggest that this is her preference, as she recently changed one her the series titles to be about the main characters).
For this series, the FBI trilogy, I was under the false understanding that the series would follow Jack Kincaid, simply because the first book of the trilogy did so, providing readers insight into the mysterious mercenary who later becomes a fundamental character in the Lucy Kincaid series. Perhaps my misconception grew from the fact that Brennan's work often feels as though it centers around Lucy Kincaid for me, as it's her longest collection, but regardless, I couldn't help feel a bit disappointed when I realized that this second book in the FBI trilogy had nothing to do with Jack or Lucy - at least not directly.
Throughout the book, various characters come into play who are prevalent in Lucy's world, too. People such as Sean, Kane, and Duke Rogan, and Will Hooper. But most of these characters are simply secondary to the plot. Sean Rogan has never even met Lucy Kincaid at this point in their world, and the Hooper of note in this novel was Will's brother, Dean.
But even Dean Hooper only manages to come in second to Brennan's new character, ICE Agent Sonia Knight.
I'll be honest, when I first started reading this book, I had a bit of trouble getting into it. Not because of the style or even the characters, as Brennan is truly a master at developing intricate plot and character lines. My hesitation came from my dislike and distrust of the ICE agency in America and how poorly they treat people who are merely trying to make it in this country - who merely search their entire lives for safety and refuge.
But I kept reading because I have a lot of respect for Allison Brennan, I love her work, and I continued to keep in mind that while she does her research and represents all government agencies as accurately as possible, this is also a work of fiction, and if I can't enjoy it as such, then there are deeper prejudices in my mind that need to be worked on.
So I read it as fiction, and as another book by Brennan, and I came away with a slightly more appreciative stance for some ICE agents - specifically the ones who are truly trying to help immigrants. Agent Sonia Knight works on cases involving human trafficking, and takes each case to heart as she works to protect and save the children who are being kidnapped and sold.
The Plot
ICE Agent Sonia Knight is keeping tabs on philanthropist Xavier Jones. He's clearly connected to the human trafficking ring going on in Sacramento, but Sonia has yet to be able to catch him for anything. What she doesn't expect is for the FBI to come in and screw up her case.
FBI Agent Dean Hooper has been tracking Xavier Jones from a white collar perspective, attempting to figure out how the popular philanthropist has been able to remain squeaky clean as long as he has. But due to miscommunication, neither the FBI nor ICE knew about the other's operation, leading to a potential risk of losing both cases.
After the initial heat and confrontation of their first meeting, Sonia and Dean agree to pool resources and work together to take down Xavier and the rest of his ring, but they have no idea how deep his operations go.
Dean's love for numbers is enough to keep him rooted in the white collar crimes and committed to his cases, but Sonia has a deeply personal reason for wanting to rescue, free, and help the girls being kept hostage: she had been a hostage as a child - and again when she was in her twenties. She knew the fear, the pain, and the terror they were experiencing.
What Sonia doesn't expect, nor does Dean, is for Sonia's past to catch up with her in this case. What she thought she had put behind her, she had only actually silenced from a distance, and now it was back and louder than ever. But with Dean by her side, Sonia finally feels ready to confront what she never felt she could before.
---
It's no secret that I find Brennan's development of characters to be masterful. In addition to this is her ability to bring characters together who seem lost and clearly are in need of a unique sense of humanity in their lives.
Readers of Brennan's books typically will come for the mystery, be riveted by the murder, be intrigued by the characterization, and be pleasantly surprised and flushed by the romance and passion of the relationships. I cannot recommend Brennan's books enough.
January 5, 2020
Review up on my blog:
http://www.booksrfab.blogspot.com
Whenever I need a mystery novel fix, Allison Brennan is my first stop. The first novels I read of hers were the Lucy Kincaid series. Her writing keeps you hooked and a constantly guessing at every turn. Plus her books are fast-paced, quick reads that make you eager to see what is in store for the characters.
Fatal Secrets was no different as Sonia and Dean race against time to stop a human trafficking ring and save several young girls from a horrible life of slavery. In the midst of stopping crime Sonia finally opens up about her horrific past and her struggle with putting her trust in people.
If you're ever looking for a good crime novel, Allison Brennan is the place to look. I haven't read a book of hers I didn't enjoy.
http://www.booksrfab.blogspot.com
Whenever I need a mystery novel fix, Allison Brennan is my first stop. The first novels I read of hers were the Lucy Kincaid series. Her writing keeps you hooked and a constantly guessing at every turn. Plus her books are fast-paced, quick reads that make you eager to see what is in store for the characters.
Fatal Secrets was no different as Sonia and Dean race against time to stop a human trafficking ring and save several young girls from a horrible life of slavery. In the midst of stopping crime Sonia finally opens up about her horrific past and her struggle with putting her trust in people.
If you're ever looking for a good crime novel, Allison Brennan is the place to look. I haven't read a book of hers I didn't enjoy.
August 25, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
I love the books by Allison Brennan. I decided to start at the beginning and read all the early books leading up to the Lucy Kincaid series. So I look for the Kincaids and connections to them. This FBI trilogy , I was happy to go back to audiobooks.
The couple here is an ICE agent, Sonia Knight and FBI assistant director, Dean Hooper. Sonia was trafficked as a girl, and grew up to chase down human traffickers in law enforcement herself. Dean Hooper is the brother of Will Hooper, who is Cara Kincaid's (police) partner.
Sonia and Dean are both trying to take down the same bad guy but have different strategies. But they want to take him down so they agree to work together even if they find it hard to trust someone in a different agency. It gets more complicated as people are murdered. Hans Vigo joins this team. Sonia's brother, Riley is a cop who guards a trafficking victim and he works with John Black. So I always enjoy the connected characters.
Sonia's original mentor/partner, Charlie is working as a driver for the bad guy. He left ICE in disgrace and she isn't really happy to see him. But getting information is more important than her feelings, so she talks to him. He's very transactional though and only helps her if she will do things he wants.
The human trafficking is vile. The work they do to find and stop them is exciting and a bit tense. The traffickers are ruthless. It takes smart people to put together the information to have any chance in saving the young people, mostly girls, and lock up the criminals. Fatal Secrets was an exciting read.
Narration:
The primary narrator is female. Each book has a couple, and there tend to be more male characters so it's interesting. The main and recurring characters have distinct voices and the regional accents seem authentic. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
COYER Buddy read with Berls who rated it
I love the books by Allison Brennan. I decided to start at the beginning and read all the early books leading up to the Lucy Kincaid series. So I look for the Kincaids and connections to them. This FBI trilogy , I was happy to go back to audiobooks.
The couple here is an ICE agent, Sonia Knight and FBI assistant director, Dean Hooper. Sonia was trafficked as a girl, and grew up to chase down human traffickers in law enforcement herself. Dean Hooper is the brother of Will Hooper, who is Cara Kincaid's (police) partner.
Sonia and Dean are both trying to take down the same bad guy but have different strategies. But they want to take him down so they agree to work together even if they find it hard to trust someone in a different agency. It gets more complicated as people are murdered. Hans Vigo joins this team. Sonia's brother, Riley is a cop who guards a trafficking victim and he works with John Black. So I always enjoy the connected characters.
Sonia's original mentor/partner, Charlie is working as a driver for the bad guy. He left ICE in disgrace and she isn't really happy to see him. But getting information is more important than her feelings, so she talks to him. He's very transactional though and only helps her if she will do things he wants.
The human trafficking is vile. The work they do to find and stop them is exciting and a bit tense. The traffickers are ruthless. It takes smart people to put together the information to have any chance in saving the young people, mostly girls, and lock up the criminals. Fatal Secrets was an exciting read.
Narration:
The primary narrator is female. Each book has a couple, and there tend to be more male characters so it's interesting. The main and recurring characters have distinct voices and the regional accents seem authentic. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
COYER Buddy read with Berls who rated it
November 30, 2022
I almost didn't read this book when I saw the topic was human trafficking, but I decided to give it a try knowing I could always stop, if it was too difficult to read. The good news is that the story is about human trafficking, but it's about an ICE and FBI agent working together to bring one of these pipelines down. As a result, the story focuses more on the manhunt to find the leader of this group and very little on the actual, pain, suffering, hardship and torture that these poor individuals face. I ended up thoroughly enjoying this story while gaining some knowledge on the true scope of this problem.
April 8, 2020
Human trafficking is a tough but real problem worldwide. This book tackles it head on and doesn't pull many punches.
I liked the lead characters and the working relationship between ICE and the FBI, as well as local police in trying to track down smuggled girls and the criminals responsible for their dire circumstances. I will read the next volume in the series as a group read on goodreads.
I liked the lead characters and the working relationship between ICE and the FBI, as well as local police in trying to track down smuggled girls and the criminals responsible for their dire circumstances. I will read the next volume in the series as a group read on goodreads.
January 8, 2022
Excellent Read!!!!
January 28, 2026
3.75 Stars
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the last especially with all the craziness with ICE in the US right now. I do enjoy reading more of the characters in the Kincaid world and Sonia was a decent character.
Good read.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the last especially with all the craziness with ICE in the US right now. I do enjoy reading more of the characters in the Kincaid world and Sonia was a decent character.
Good read.
August 28, 2024
Fatal Secrets
I absolutely love this series.
I must know what happens in the next book. I always highly recommend this author and her stories to my friends and family.
I absolutely love this series.
I must know what happens in the next book. I always highly recommend this author and her stories to my friends and family.
December 4, 2010
ICE agent Sonia Knight is a survivor. She fought back when she was sold as a child and almost caught in the world of human trafficking. Now she fights for those that can't fight for themselves. She's on a stakeout watching a major player when the FBI arrives and she meets Special Agent Dean Hooper (yowsa). They recognize the strength and confidence in each other right away but soon they begin to be more than just partners.
Once again, Brennan pulls you into a story full of both tragedy and hope. The very real world of human trafficking is more than disturbing, but seeing characters triumph over evil is both tension filled and rewarding.
Once again, Brennan pulls you into a story full of both tragedy and hope. The very real world of human trafficking is more than disturbing, but seeing characters triumph over evil is both tension filled and rewarding.
July 4, 2009
As far as romantic suspense goes, this one had a better romance plot than you get with most books. The subplot with Charlie was necessary, but I don't think it was done well enough...he almost could have been completely written out of the story, except the author felt at least one character should show growth. I felt no attachment to any of the characters and the book just kept going on - it took forever to wrap up to a conclusion.
October 12, 2014
I did like this book and do think that these types of crimes are horrific, but it seemed we were inundated with facts of trafficking time and time again.
I sort of admired Sonia, but didn't really like her. She was so obsessed with her job it seemed to define her and not in a good way. I also thought that Dean was blah.
I more enjoyed seeing more of the Rogan's, who we have heard quite a bit of with in these books.
I sort of admired Sonia, but didn't really like her. She was so obsessed with her job it seemed to define her and not in a good way. I also thought that Dean was blah.
I more enjoyed seeing more of the Rogan's, who we have heard quite a bit of with in these books.
February 24, 2025
1.5.
Dean was a somewhat an intriguing MMC (at least compared to Jack in the last book) but it's a hard sell for me when he starts the book with a quote like this "Any other women with looks like Sonia Knight and Dean would suspect - rightfully from his experience- that she'd obtained her position on her back". EXCUSE ME? This book was written in 2009! What a sexist pig.
Sonia has an interesting backstory. I appreciated that she was tough but had her vulnerabilities. I hated the handling of the character of Charlie. He didn't deserve forgiveness, frankly, and I found his conclusion a cop out.
The book got really sloppy towards the end as though the author didn't quite know how to bring everything to fruition or just didn't want to expend the word count. It just moves from beat to beat with very little description or fleshing out of the scene. To make matters worse, we jump 4 weeks and the characters are married. It's just nonsensical.
To say something positive, I thought the plot was interesting (although the financial element ws a bit of a bore). It was a nice change to focus on a wider criminal conspiracy rather than a single serial killer.
Dean was a somewhat an intriguing MMC (at least compared to Jack in the last book) but it's a hard sell for me when he starts the book with a quote like this "Any other women with looks like Sonia Knight and Dean would suspect - rightfully from his experience- that she'd obtained her position on her back". EXCUSE ME? This book was written in 2009! What a sexist pig.
Sonia has an interesting backstory. I appreciated that she was tough but had her vulnerabilities. I hated the handling of the character of Charlie. He didn't deserve forgiveness, frankly, and I found his conclusion a cop out.
The book got really sloppy towards the end as though the author didn't quite know how to bring everything to fruition or just didn't want to expend the word count. It just moves from beat to beat with very little description or fleshing out of the scene. To make matters worse, we jump 4 weeks and the characters are married. It's just nonsensical.
To say something positive, I thought the plot was interesting (although the financial element ws a bit of a bore). It was a nice change to focus on a wider criminal conspiracy rather than a single serial killer.
May 1, 2021
Sonia Knight is a senior ICE agent who specializes in the child sex trade industry because as a child she was sold in to it by her father. After a lot of time invested in setting up a sting operation on Xavier Jones, who is involved in sex traffic and child enslavement internationally, she is livid when an FBI sting jeopardizes her ICE stakeout. She is more enraged when forced to work with the FBI in bringing down Jones. Both agencies want to imprison Jones, but they are both working the case from different angles and Sophie's focus is on saving the lives of people Jones is exploiting. She struggles with needing to work with an ex-partner who betrayed her and almost cost her life and freedom and working with the FBI agent in charge of the Jones case. The plot adds a surprise twist and new depth to the story when Sonia discovers that her father is the head man in these international exploitations.
September 8, 2025
It is really difficult to rate a book that is so well written, filled with great characters, and a breathtaking plot when it deals with such an offensive and heinous act as human trafficking and personal greed. Sonia was 13 years old when she abducted from a village in Belize. She was fortunate to be able to kill one of the monsters and be rescued by an immigration officer and given a family with a normal upbringing. The book continues 29 years later after she has been an accomplished ICE Agent on the trail of a major player in one of the major organizations. Over 800,000 women and children are manipulated or kidnapped yearly to serve as slave labor (usually of a sexual nature) for wealthy demented sickos. Aside from being a good work of fiction, it inspires one to be more aware and possible look into national and international statistics. Or join ICE or INS or Homeland Security.
December 9, 2019
A strong story and full of great lessons about overcoming tragedy and hardships. There is a good balance of romance with the action and intrigue. The family dynamic between Riley and Sonia was sweet and the respect and developing love between Sonia and Dean was exciting to watch. The sex trafficking trade is brutal and this story did not sugar coat that idea. The flashbacks were detailed, but made the story more vivid and emotional. The violence and evil characters lent more dynamic to this world and helped build the storyline about Sonias father and how she was first introduced to this world.
The Rogans were in this book and I loved seeing Sean for the first time! It was fun also to see Kane and Duke and experience their reputation even from such a different time.
The Rogans were in this book and I loved seeing Sean for the first time! It was fun also to see Kane and Duke and experience their reputation even from such a different time.
November 28, 2022
I have learned more about human trafficking than I ever wanted to know, and that’s depressing. Same for money crimes. But hey, the more you know, I guess? I really did like this book.
I was really worried a bit at first, because our introduction to one of our MCs was the dude thinking basically 'she’s pretty so the only way she got her job is sleeping her way up- yuck (not like other girls Ing her in his first page) first thing intro with is ‘damn she’s hot’ which made me roll my eyes. Thankfully he improved into an excellent character very quickly.
I liked the twists and turns, even some of the ones I saw coming.
I was really worried a bit at first, because our introduction to one of our MCs was the dude thinking basically 'she’s pretty so the only way she got her job is sleeping her way up- yuck (not like other girls Ing her in his first page) first thing intro with is ‘damn she’s hot’ which made me roll my eyes. Thankfully he improved into an excellent character very quickly.
I liked the twists and turns, even some of the ones I saw coming.
August 14, 2017
Holy Cow!! This was a very intense read. There were points that I actually jumped and was shocked at the actions that were taken. And the topic is so real. People don't realize that the topic of human trafficking really does exist.
I am a tad annoyed that this book is cataloged as a romance. I would put in under Suspense.
Very exciting read!
I am a tad annoyed that this book is cataloged as a romance. I would put in under Suspense.
Very exciting read!
February 12, 2018
Anita Greenberg
What athriller. Could not put it down. One of the best I've read in. a long time. Cannot wait for the next thriller. Such a pleasure to really get into a story that captures you and you cannot wait to see the outcome. Loved every minute of every page. Thanks so much.
What athriller. Could not put it down. One of the best I've read in. a long time. Cannot wait for the next thriller. Such a pleasure to really get into a story that captures you and you cannot wait to see the outcome. Loved every minute of every page. Thanks so much.
August 25, 2022
Light reading. Lots of typos in the Kindle version! Doesn't anyone have good editors?
Happy ending, of course, but does the author really think the reader is going to buy the storyline of the ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE FBI moving to California to take a job as the ASSISTANT TO THE SAC in a regional office? I hardly think so!
Happy ending, of course, but does the author really think the reader is going to buy the storyline of the ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE FBI moving to California to take a job as the ASSISTANT TO THE SAC in a regional office? I hardly think so!
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