ebook
Published June 2012 by Booktrope
Read July 2012
Goodreads, IndieBound, Amazon
Heather Huffman has once again written a compelling story that was at turns both heart-wrenching and light-hearted. I don't know how she was able to find the perfect balance between light and dark. Heather's writing gets better with each story, though I don't think it is that's possible when reading her work.
In Devil in Disguise, we once again meet up with Rachel and Conrad who we last saw in Jailbird (see my review). Rachel is back in the city being the media darling she naturally is. Conrad continues to work at the casino in New Jersey even though he is no longer with Rachel. Their paths are destined to cross again as are a few other characters from Heather's other books. Neena and Charlie from Jailbird are definitely present and accounted for. Suddenly a Spy's Victoria and Rick are also deeply involved in this storyline. And give the subject matter and approximately, we even get a glimpse of Harmony and Vance from Throwaway (see my review). Heather again takes on human trafficking and the sex trade, this time with every parents' worst nightmare. Rachel's teenage sister is lured from her home by a guy she met in a chat room only to find herself at the brutal hands of human traffickers. Rachel enlists the help of everyone she can think of, but does she know how well connected some of her friends are?
Heather could have made a serious dark tale extremely dark and twisted, but instead of the shock and awe method, she weaves a tale that is equal parts dark and light. Just as you think you are getting to a point where you can't hold back the tears, Heather pulls back with a touch of humor. I know when I read one of Heather Huffman's books, I'm going to shed a tear or two. I also know that there will be light moments that show a character's strength or the power of love. In Devil in Deguise, I not only smiled at the sweet moments but found myself chuckling quite a few times.
If you are looking for realistic drama, that isn't all doom and gloom, but instead follows life's ups and downs then definitely pick up one of Heather Huffman's books. While I have read Jailbird and Throwaway, I have not read Suddenly a Spy. I don't think you necessarily need to read the other books in order to enjoy Devil in Disguise as Heather does a great job of sprinkling the backstory of the characters throughout the story.
Your turn: How do you like your realistic dramatic fiction? Doom and gloom, the nitty-gritty, dark and twisted, or a balance of dark and light?
I will be chatting with Heather Huffman on The Indie Exchange's Book Bloggers radio show on Friday night (8 pm EST). It is a live show and you are welcome to call in to chat with us.
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This book sounds terrific, definitely have to add it to my TBR list.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I like a balance between the dark and the light. Nothing makes a story more delicious to me when gritty, suspenseful, dramatic stuff is laced with a little wit.