Reviewed by Paul Johnson for Readers' Favorite

Mike Lyons's mother is the owner of Power Meetings, a corporate meeting planning agency. She is put on trial for killing Alex Reed, a man who worked for the firm providing inspirational speeches to clients, and also her lover. The evidence so overwhelming, the jury took only a few hours to deliberate and find her guilty.

Mike cannot believe she is a killer, and when the police refuse to reopen her case, he decides to prove her innocence. He visits his father with whom he’s had no contact for many years and learns his mom called him when she found the body; but she did not do as he suggested. Mike soon learns there is more to Alex than most people know. After two women are murdered in a similar manner to that of Alex, Mike begins to seriously investigate. His inquiry leads to a Caribbean resort where Alex had been just before the homicide. A woman Mike becomes attracted to is killed in the same way as others. Meanwhile, a local police detective baits a trap with unforeseen consequences. Later, Mike feels he is closing in on the killer who it seems plans to make him the next victim. Mike goes to the police; but a series of events, including a hostage situation and a chase in the middle of a hurricane, places him in a very dicey position indeed.

Messages is an excellent thriller. With strong dialogue, the author has proven his ability to weave a suspenseful story. The characters are well-done and the plot is strong. To me, after a strong start, it bogged down just a little in the middle but quickly regained the suspense and drama in a grand way. All that and an unforeseen finish too. Well done.

This is the first book of The Little Valley Series, and I must say it is the perfect foundation for the books that will follow. The author leaves many questions unanswered as he ends this story making me anxious to read Ella’s Wish, the next book in this series which is due out May.