Fiction Review: Annabel Lee by Mike Nappa

Book Description:

She doesn't know why her enigmatic uncle has stowed her deep underground in a military-style bunker. He's left her with a few German words, a barely controlled guard dog, and a single command: "Don't open that door for anybody, you got it? Not even me."

Miles away in Atlanta, private investigator Trudi Coffey is visited by a mysterious older

man calling himself Dr. Smith. He's been trailing a man for a decade--a man she met through her ex-partner Samuel Hill--and the trail has led him to her office. The last thing Trudi wants to do is to contact Samuel. But it will take both of them to unravel this mystery--before it's too late.

My Review:
Annabel Lee is a mixture of mystery and thriller with a touch of military warfare. I found the beginning of the book to be rather slow, but once all the characters came into play the story picked up. Trudi and Samuel brought a much needed lighter side to the story at times when the darkness of evil dominated the page. I appreciate the intelligence of the main character, Annabel Lee, and her determination to survive. The story is quite violent at times, but also shows heartfelt commitment and love. Overall, I'd give the book a three and a half. The story is unique and picks up the pace about a third of the way in with some interesting twists at the end.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.