Let’s hope there’s more to come from Tox, Whitt and Harry.
Hush Hush is the fourth instalment in the James Patterson/Candice Fox collaboration featuring rogue detective, Harriet Blue. In this reviewer’s opinion, it’s also the best with far more of Fox’s voice shining through, while still retaining those trademark Patterson antics and extreme action.
This latest in the series picks up where Liar Liar left off and Harry Blue, formerly a brilliant detective, now finds herself in prison, remanded on murder charges. Killing a cop is prestigious stuff for any hardened inmate, and Harry finds herself the target of daily attacks.
Her cronies, detectives Ed Whittacker (Whitt) and Tate Barnes (Tox), are also in trouble, both suspended from the force for their part in supporting Harry’s unapproved investigation into a killer. No-one is doing particularly well and the last person any of them want to see is Deputy Chief Commander, Joe Woods. He is, after all, the architect of all their fates.
But when his drug-addicted daughter, Tonya, and two-year-old granddaughter, Rebel, go missing, Woods is in need of Harry’s particular brand of ‘take no prisoners’ investigation. Released on the proviso that she must find Tonya and Rebel or face a return to prison, Harry drags reluctant Whit and Tox along for another action-filled investigation.
As usual for this series, Hush Hush features two mystery threads. The second involves the murder of a much-loved prison doctor. Harry’s cellmate is fingered for the attack, but Harry knows she’s innocent. Not only must Harry find the two missing people, but she also needs to clear her friend’s name and capture the real killer before he or she strikes again.
While Hush Hush still features a world-weary, hardened Harriet Blue, she is somewhat softer and more likeable in this book than the preceding novels. So too is Tox Barnes, who is faced with the wreckage of his past and has some tough decisions to make. Whitt, who has also been through the wringer with Harry, has channelled his angst into body building and is now a physical force to be reckoned with. And not to give too much away, but is there finally a chance at romance for Harry and Whitt? Wouldn’t it be lovely to see these two tortured souls happy at last? In my opinion, it would, but remember you’re dealing with Fox and Patterson here and nothing is ever smooth sailing!
This is a great, fun, crime-thriller. It packs all the punches readers have come to expect from this series. While still dark (is murder ever a light topic?) it’s a lighter tone than the last instalment that saw Harry confront her worst demons. There’s a real sense in this book that things will look up for Harry but is also feels somewhat like a goodbye to the characters. Let’s hope there’s more to come from Tox, Whitt and Harry.
Reviewed by Samantha Bond
Twitter: @SamStaceyBond
Distributed by: Penguin Random House Australia
Released: May 2019
RRP: $32.99
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