Book Review: Deadly Embrace

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Deadly Embrace     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Jackie Collins
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Simon & Schuster, Jun 2002, $26.00, 317 pp.

Reporter Madison Castelli is stunned to learn that her father Michael has hid much of his life especially his mob connections from her. Feeling distraught because he is her only blood family, Madison flees across the country to gather her thoughts and control her feelings until she can logically confront her father. However, Los Angeles contains its violence and soon Madison is trapped with her host in a hostage situation connected to her father.

Though framed, Michael spent five years behind bars. During his incarceration, he vowed to go straight, but find out who murdered his mother and his first wife and why. However, he also has trouble in the present being framed again but this time for murder. He flees to Vegas to regroup with his second spouse, the mother of his two other children. As the past and present converge in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the Castellis do more than just try to survive as Michael goes after those who want him silenced.

Though sexual fluff abounds in DEADLY EMBRACE (duh ­ Jackie Collins), the story line is actually more of an exciting suspense thriller that ties up loose ends from previous Castelli novels (see LETHAL SEDUCTION and L.A. CONNECTIONS). The plot is exciting never slowing down even with the numerous flashbacks that provide insight into Michael’s past. Madison remains a strong character and the support cast serves more than just as ornaments, but this entry focuses more on Michael. This tale is a winner for fans of Ms. Collin, which proudly this reviewer is one of them.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner