BOOK REVIEW- BURDEN OF PROOF (FBI Rapid Response) by DiAnn Mills

Reeling from a negotiation gone wrong, FBI Special Agent April Ramos is caught off guard when a frazzled young woman shoves a crying baby into her arms, then disappears. Worry for the child’s safety quickly turns to fear when a man claiming to be the girl’s father abducts them at gunpoint. April puts her hostage negotiation skills to use to learn more about who she’s dealing with: Jason Snyder, a fugitive accused of murder.

As Jason spins a tall tale about being framed for the killing of his business partner, April must sort through his claims to find the truth. A truth that becomes all the more evident after April overhears a conversation between Jason and the local sheriff and realizes something more sinister may be happening in their small town of Sweet Briar, Texas. But aligning herself with a known fugitive to uncover the burden of proof could cost April her job . . . or worse, her life and the lives of other innocent people.
AMAZON 

There was two things that grabbed my attention about this book.  First it was the author and second it was the plot outline.   When I spotted this book the reason I was quick to grab it was because I have read other books by DiAnn Mills and was never disappointed.  And I wasn't this time either. 

This story starts out with a bang.  Not just one but two dramatic events happen to April right out the gate.  She is definitely not having a good morning.  And the tensions and dangers are just going to build higher and higher before things are through.

There were times that this book was tough for me to read.  I hate when bullies push people around and get away with it. And there was one main guy who was exactly that; a big bully used to getting his way no matter what.  He was so slimy and had so much control over so many people.  He was cruel and incredible clever as well.  It all made for a really interesting and believable story.  With plenty of action and twists and turns.  It just seemed like the good people of the town just couldn't catch a break against the well planned evil in their midst.  

If you are looking for a lot of romance in this book, it isn't a strong factor in the story.  A building attraction, integrity, working together is all there though. They both go through the good and the bad..together.  And it's the start of a good bond with a promise of things to come.  You can see that April begins to see and value how much Jason loves his daughter, his family and Jesus.  Don't panic people if you are afraid that there will be heavy preaching in this book.  That is not going to happen.  Oh, the author isn't afraid to mention Jesus and showing people having a real relationship with Him though.  I know in some books that can overshadow the story and then there is a poorly written story to follow.  That is not the case with this book.  It is quality all the way.  

Simon is a good, strong secondary character.  Even though he has been a partner, big brother to April,  at first I wasn't so sure about him.  He kept playing things so close to the vest that I wasn't sure if he could really be trusted.  But that is something that also applies to many of the people of the town. Who can you really trust?  
Jason's mother and father and Miss Ella added flavor, family and faith being lived out.  And of course we got to read moments of Jason's very young daughter, Isabella.   I've read a few stories of a woman being stalked and on the run and a man protecting them and often having law enforcement chops.     It was kind of interesting to read a story with a role reversal of sorts.

There is a surprise twist at the end of the book which as I saw it coming made me gasp.  Good one.  
There are some Discussion Questions at the end of the book and a quick look into a new book that also sounds interesting.  

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I am mentioning that Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.  And these are my own honest opinions of it.

Burden of Proof by DiAnn Mills - Character Insights