LEGACY of LIES by Janet K. Shawgo – Suspense Action, Mystery Action, Action Thriller

The question is not if history will catch up with you but instead, when will it attack with a vengeance. Characters with a Legacy of Lies discover they can run, but they can’t hide from past actions. When Caren Johnson sees her family and life literally explode in flames, her uncertain future falls into the hands of a mysterious Irishman. His name is Declan Malone, and he claims he’s been sent by her brother to save her from assassins determined to kill her too. How can that be when her brother’s death was reported ten years ago? Declan’s reasons for a hasty departure from Ireland appear suspect and put a target on his back too.

A sequel to Archidamus, the intrigue thickens. Aaron Caydon made many enemies in his life, and some are highly motivated for revenge. Declan claims he’s hired to go to Boston, Massachusetts, and save Aaron’s sister and her suburban family. When he arrives, things go terribly wrong, with tragic and deadly results. The plan to make it to the protection of Aaron Caydon blows up right before Declan’s eyes. Now Caren joins him in a race to somehow find this ghost man, her brother, and hope for safety. Declan and Caren are on the run from unknown and hidden enemies. It’s a fast-paced pursuit from Maine to mysterious cemeteries in New Orleans, and on to the lone state of Texas, with imminent danger lurking around every plot twist and turn.

Declan is happy to find that Caren has many useful skills of her own, including fighting strengths and an eidetic memory. As they battle forward together, they realize one person who might be the missing link to Caren’s brother. Bevan Benjamin was the last man they know of to have seen Aaron. It’s a long shot and a long journey to reach Bevan. If they can get to him alive, will he even believe their story or agree to put himself and his own family in danger to help them? As Declan and Caren run toward this destination, they find a growing attraction between them, igniting a new threat. Can they trust each other completely?

This tightly paced thriller is full of mystery and fueled by very worthy opponents who match wits ruthlessly against skilled protagonists. It’s a chess game played on steroids that stretches across the cities and countryside of small towns across the USA. The vivid settings provide unique and haunting clues to the intrigue that the reader discovers in the characters. Surprises and setbacks encountered by both the protagonists and their enemies bring out the best skills and cunning in each. It’s fascinating to read the motivations that bring together people to fight for a cause, both for good and for diabolical. “The mistakes men make in their younger lives tend to return at some point and demand retribution.”

No wonder author Janet K. Shawgo’s settings are so skillfully described and play such an integral role in this well-developed and intricate plot. As a travel nurse, she’s worked extensively across the United States for twenty-three years. She shares a great imagination in her books that plots a spellbinding story, with characters who show great heart and courage.

Legacy of Lies won First in Category in the CIBA 2019 Clue Awards for Thrillers and Suspense novels.