Into the Fire

Sidewinder by L.T. Ryan and Brian Shea is Book 11 in A Rachel Hatch Novel Series. 

Rachel Hatch is a subdued version of the "Ham" character created by Dustin Stevens. Similar but different backgrounds both with great intelligence and mad skills. "Hatch" is working for a private security outfit that used to be something far less reputable than it is now. Having settled her debt with that firm, her familiar and well-liked boss and fellow employees provide the necessary link to her former skills and the confidence she needs to do what only a certain kind of people can do to protect others. 

What in the beginning seems to be a relatively easy assist to a friend of a former police detective (Harvey Linden), quickly devolves into multiple life or death situations – one of those lives being Hatch's. The road trip to Diamondback, Arizona, where it's a bit of a drive to the sight of an ancient jail built into the natural rock structures supposedly "under renovation" proves to be the holding place for two kidnapped females, one of them the wife of the former detective. 

The Belarus Norvik criminal brotherhood is willing to exchange the detective's wife for the jailed brother that Linden put away and just prevailed at his parole hearing to keep him where he's at. The demands are impossible without Hatch's partner on this case (Banyan). As their last hope he masters a near-miracle to make the exchange possible. 

Hatch has been away from the action for a season of time for several reasons, but she's learned enough about her inner workings to know that she needs this work to feel complete. It's harder emotionally than it used to be and having been away, she makes a mistake or two but vindicates herself to herself in the end results. 

Hatch shows her tender heart more than once in this story which only makes her more likable and easy to root for. She's a great character, written well, and this Book 11 in the series is a good one. 

Highly recommend this series. 

Father, please continue to bless this writing duo and may each one know from whom their talent comes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.