One False Move by Alex Kava - 4 stars

[Ellen]

A convicted murderer, Jared Barnett, is suddenly released from prison after his ethically-challenged lawyer has the case overturned on a technicality. Jared's sister, Melanie, is down-on-her-luck and raising a 17 year old son named Charlie. Melanie and Charlie make ends meet by shoplifing or committing petty crimes. When Jared approaches his sister and nephew about helping him rob a bank, the two quickly agree. Melanie is to remain in the car while the two men rob the bank but the situation quickly gets out of hand. Hearing multiple gunshots, Melanie is frightened when Jared and Charlie jump in the get-away car without any money but covered in blood. As the escaping trio switch from one stolen vehicle to another the police are floundering to find the criminals. Melanie soon realizes that this was so much more than she bargained for and she is desperate to get herself and her son away from her frenzied brother.

Kava has written a very suspenseful tale with some great characters. This was a nice departure from her 'Maggie O'Dell' series and I enjoyed it quite a bit.