Kate is an orphan, raised by Aunt Layne and Uncle Arthur after her parent’s mysterious boating accident. Uncle William verbally abused her during summer visits at that time, but has not spoken to Kate in over a year.

The Sanction’s charter provides that leadership remain in the Ormond family, going to a family member in a direct line of descent from Kate’s great-grandmother, who founded the group before World War I. Kate’s Uncle William is currently in temporary charge, and he wants even more power. Agent Patrick Mancini is convinced that William killed his mother ten years ago. So is Jack, another operative, who loved Nina.

Kate and Patrick had an affair that ended after Nina Mancini’s death. The death was ruled a suicide. Ormond makes Kate believe his grasping sister Claudia did it. Kate tries to protect her brother Alex, whose parentage is in question. William is skilled at emotional blackmail, and nothing is as it seems.

Patrick and Kate need to know what’s hidden in Ormond’s black files. Their passion is rekindled, but the most important thing is just to stay alive.

The story is told mainly from Kate’s point of view, there are shifts to Patrick’s perspective and even to that of Aunt Layne. There’s the issue of Patrick’s team member Jason. Patrick trusts him completely, but Kate has doubts about his loyalties. What does CFU stand for? And what’s its significance? How about Catalyst? Kate’s parents were arguing about that before the fatal boat ride. And the mysterious Krett brothers, evidently out to get Patrick, are a factor.

There’s a lot going on here, and it was difficult for me to keep track. Misdirection and misunderstanding play big roles in Porter’s novel, and the big questions are not answered until the satisfying and detailed conclusion. Those with a thirst for espionage, traitors and world-wide threats may enjoy this.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Lynn Bushey
August 15, 2007