Part of Michael Bennett, book 1
First published 2007
Detective Michael Bennett struggles through the worst Christmas of his life. His wife Maeve is dying of cancer, leaving him to care for their ten adopted children alone. Then gunmen storm St. Patrick's Cathedral during a former First Lady's funeral, trapping hundreds of mourners inside. Bennett gets called to negotiate with the leader, a calculating criminal named Jack. Jack releases ordinary hostages but keeps the celebrities: the mayor, a famous comedian, a talk show host, and a pop singer. He demands millions from each famous prisoner. When Jack begins executing hostages, Bennett realizes he confronts a ruthless enemy willing to kill without hesitation. The detective must save the captives while racing against time, all while his beloved wife fights her final battle against cancer at home. Bennett faces impossible choices between his duty to the city and his devotion to his dying wife.
Genres: drama, mystery, crime, thriller, detective, action
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: New York, St. Patrick's Cathedral
Period: Christmas
383 pages · Hardcover · Little Brown and Company
Content warnings: death, terminal-illness