Grave Risk - Alexander, Hannah. Steeple Hill, 2007. 368p. $13.95, paperback. ISBN-10: 0-373-78575-5. ISBN-13: 978-0-373-78575-9. 813’.54 Obsessive-compulsive disorder—Fiction. Murder—Fiction. Love stories.

Jill Cooper’s dear friend and mentor suddenly dies at the new health spa owned by Jill’s sister. Is it natural causes or murder? Who would hurt the woman who had shepherded so many students through the local high school for many years? Is there any tie to the death of a student thirty years ago? Two of Jill’s former sweethearts return to town to complicate her feelings during this turmoil. Jill has to find the answers to the puzzle and renew her faith in herself, her family, and God.

This is a fast-reading love story and mystery. Hannah Alexander is a pen name representing a writing collaboration of husband and wife Cheryl and Mel Hodde. Their novel Hideaway, also published by Steeple Hill, won a Christy Award in 2004. This new offering will likewise keep readers turning pages. I recommend it to any fan of mysteries or love stories. Even some junior high and high school readers will enjoy Grave Risk.

Nancy Gooch
Fairfield-Harmony Presbyterian Church
Fairfield, Texas