Blue Heaven

I went on a short business trip lately and the clerk at the airport Border's was so enthusiastic I just had to buy a book for the trip - even though I had one packed and ready. I skipped his recommendations (not my style of book) and looked around. I came up with BLUE HEAVEN. I had read good things about this book and the premise sounded interesting enough to give it a try. And as it turns out it was a great airport book - a paperback you buy at the airport (duh) specifically for the purpose of entertainment and pleasure while traveling.

Two children witnessed a murder and are now on the run. The murder was conducted by some retired police officers now living in Northern Idaho and they have convinced the local sheriff to let them assist with the hunt for the kids. The story mostly moves as you would expect but that is not to say that it isn't entertaining. I liked the ending, the writing did not feel forced and the story flowed quickly. I can think of only one other book I've read as quickly lately but didn't enjoy nearly as much.

I think this book makes for a good introduction to Box because it is not part of his Joe Pickett series. I like the concept of stand-alones because a reader can absorb the book without needing backstory or walking into the middle of a longer story. Harlan Coben's best books are those he wrote after his brilliant Myron Bolitar series. It looks to me like Box is working in a similar mode. If I can I squeeze one in, I may try a Pickett book, but there are so many books stacked up by my bedside, I don't know when I'll get to it. Who knows, maybe it'll be another airport novel.