She’s a widow, trying her hand at dating again. But she seems to have attracted a stalker on an online dating site. Her brownies may have caused the death of Charlie, one of her favorite coworkers. And Gus Colcannon, mysterious new programmer at her company, is very interested in the death -- and in Jessie.

Charlie left some clues on a CD, but Jessie is having trouble figuring them out. Unwanted visitors keep appearing at her somewhat isolated home. And Gus is getting to her, even if he won’t answer the myriad of questions she asks.

Jessie deals with her unwanted online admirer, the FBI, a terrorist plot, and her frustrating attraction to Gus. It doesn’t help that it’s a frigid Minnesota winter, and Gus is used to the climate of New Mexico. The relationship, whatever it may be, appears to be only temporary. The tension builds to a suspenseful finale, and the reader is made to really care about Jessie and Gus. The supporting cast is also intriguing, and it is difficult for Jessie (and the reader) to discern the truth early on.

These are mature characters. Gus is a silver-haired professorial type and Jessie is 51 years old. I love it that she is a topnotch computer gal, up on modern technology. She can also be a bit flaky, and I like that, too. Gus is secretive, but tender, and attractive in a somewhat nerdy fashion. JL Wilson has created an original story, peopled by a highly original cast.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Lynn Bushey
July 26, 2007