Lisa Harris’ “Hidden Agenda” is a fast-paced, whirlwind tale of murder, intrigue, kidnapping and a drug cartel. But it is also a tale of integrity and truth, and that these traits can “still prevail in a fallen world.”
Michael Hunt has been working undercover with Antonio Valez, a real estate mogul who is believed to be laundering money for a drug cartel … and who might possibly even be leading the cartel. Michael’s cover is blown and he is as good as dead, until Valez’s children, Olivia and Ivan Hamilton, come to his rescue.
What follows is a crazy series of unfortunate, dangerous and near-death events (so many that it got a little far-fetched, to be honest). The trio must figure out who they can trust — and who is actually trying to kill them. Michael, who was presumed dead eight months ago and has been living in secret, fears the cartel’s influence has reached his former police department so knows he can’t turn to them for help. He therefore turns to the only people he knows are trustworthy — his family.
“Hidden Agenda” will keep you on the edge of your seat as you work your way to the resolution. You’ll be kept guessing who is telling the truth, who is lying, who is trustworthy, and who is worthy of protecting right until the very end.
The story doesn’t delve too deeply into the characters’ lives and personalities outside of this plotline, but just enough to give the reader a good sense of them and their strengths. And even though “Hidden Agenda” is the third in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel.
It does provide a great lesson on relying on God for the strength and power to get through a fearful situation. Sharing lessons drawn from her own recent scary situation, Michael’s sister, Emily, points out to Olivia: “I know I had to keep reminding myself that God didn’t give me a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Four and a half stars out of five.
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
“Hidden Agenda” (Southern Crimes series, Book #3) by Lisa Harris