Tree Pose by Susan Rogers & John Roosen

Deadly secrets from a buried life threaten to disrupt one man’s brief peek at happiness in Tree Pose by Susan Rogers and John Roosen, a high-octane adventure Down Under.

Ric and Elaina are finally settling into something resembling a relationship after a tumultuous and traumatic year, but as his past threatens to catch up with them both, a multipurpose vacation with friends makes for a convenient escape. Little does he know that a trip to Tasmania will all but guarantee a bloody collision with a devil from his past and lure a calculating killer on a relentless hunt. Navigating his undeniable attraction to Elaina as they embark on a journey that will test their bond in a sinister crucible, Ric must tap into his old skills – and lean on some old friends – to protect the woman he loves.

This fast-hooking thriller can stand alone, thanks to some early expositional backstories, though various subplots do include characters and motivations from the series’ first two books. The secondary cast of entertaining foils is well-developed and the deeply intertwined storytelling shows impressive draftsmanship skills. From narrow escapes and intense confessions to vengeance-fueled fight scenes and emotionally gutting twists, the novel is constantly surprising and moves along at a quick clip.

With all that is going for it in terms of plot development, the writing does vary in execution, from overly informal fourth-wall-breaking moments to overworked lines of descriptive narration, while the occasional missing word and fragmented line suggest that the book was perhaps rushed to publication. However, the plot and character crafting shine above these mostly superficial issues, resulting in a strong third installment in this entertaining series.