Identity Crisis ~ Review

Identity Crisis
B.K. Investigations #2
By Jean Hackensmith

Lieutenant Collin Lanaski's wife and daughter died in a fiery car accident during his deployment, at least that's what he was told.  But Collin has maintained for the last four years that his daughter is still alive.  Everyone thinks he's delusional especially when he claims one of the second grade students is his daughter.

But Angela Patten's parents are determined to keep her safe from this madman, even hiring a private investigator - the recently retired chief of police Brian Koski - to keep her safe.  But then the unthinkable happens Angela is taken.  And Brian is determined to find this little girl and return her to her family.

As Brian works to solve Angela's case he handles other cases along the way including a nearly 40 year old case that was never solved to the family's satisfaction.  Brian seems to really care about his clients and he isn't out to take them for their money as is seen with his working with Henry and then Rosie (who are in their 80s).

This could be a story ripped from the headlines.  Imagine the grief of losing your family while serving your country and years later thinking that one of your students is the daughter you were told had died.  Who then was the child who died in your car if not your own?  And why can't you get anyone to believe you...

This was an intense well-written book, but I personally didn't like it.  But that being said I know there is a huge reader base for crime based books and this should appeal to them, especially as justice is delivered.

Now the reason I wasn't fond of the story.  First Brian is a jerk as far as women are concerned and I think he needs to get a couple of teeth knocked down his throat by someone's father. (By the way, I don't like violence.) Second several of the characters could stand a bar of soap in their mouths. (Just saying)  Third there is a rather gross scene with a dead body. (All I can say is Ughhhh!)  And then there is a report of child abuse which was totally stomach turning and the perpetrator deserves something horrible to happen to him. (By the way, did I mention, I don't like violence.)

Would I recommend this book to others?  That would be yes and no.  I wouldn't recommend this as suitable to all readers, but there is a large reading population to whom I would recommend this book.  If you like true-to-life crime stories and are fans of the various crime solving shows on television I would recommend this to you.  If you lean towards clean romance or something that Hallmark would air the answer is no.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author through PUYB in conjunction with this tour in exchange for my honest review.



About the Book:
Little Angela Patten is kidnapped by a madman -- a man who's convinced she's his dead daughter. 

When rumors of how Dan Hamilton actually died reach the Cheyenne Chief of Police, Brian Koski is forced to resign his position as captain of the Sixth Precinct and go into business for himself as a private detective. His partner? A mahogany-colored Belgian Malinois named Sinbad. A former NYPD police dog, Sinbad is vicious when need be and reliable to a fault-unless a train goes by or there's a thunderstorm, then chances are he will turn tail and run. 

Brian's first clients are Jeff and Melody Patten. He's an explosives expert for a local demolitions company; she's a stay-at-home mom. Both are devoted parents to their young daughter, Angela. The problem comes in the form of one Collin Lanaski, an unstable ex-Air Force lieutenant and Angela's second grade teacher, who suddenly starts insisting that Angela is his daughter-the same daughter who died in a tragic car accident four years earlier. What does Collin base this incredible revelation on? Dog tags and car seats. Brian is convinced the man has suffered a psychotic break. He's delusional and dangerous, and it becomes the P.I.'s job to protect Angela from a madman.

About the Author ~ Jean Hackensmith:

 I have been writing since the age of twenty.  (That’s 37 years and, yes, I’m disclosing my age.)  I am the proud mother of three, stepmother of two, and grandmother to twelve wonderful children.  I lost the love of my life, my husband Ron, in November of 2011 when he died in an accident at work.  He took my heart with him and, for a time, my desire to write.  Time, as they say, heals all wounds, and I have again discovered my passion for the written word.  In fact, I find it strangely comforting to delve into the intricate webs that are my character’s lives and immerse myself in their existence instead of dwelling on my own.

Next to writing, my second passion is live theater.  I founded a local community theater group back in 1992 and directed upwards of 40 shows, including three that I authored.  I also appeared on stage a few times, portraying Anna in The King and I and Miss Hannigan in Annie.  I am sad to say that the theater group closed its final curtain in 2008, but those 16 years will always hold some of my fondest memories.

My husband and I moved from Superior five years ago, seeking the serenity of country living.  We also wanted to get away from the natural air conditioning provided by Lake Superior.  We moved only 50 miles south, but the temperature can vary by 20-30 degrees.  I guess I’m a country girl at heart.  I simply love this area, even though I must now enjoy its beauty alone.  I love the solitude, the picturesque beauty of the sun rising over the water, the strangely calming effect of watching a deer graze outside your kitchen window.  Never again, will I live in the city.  I am an author, after all, and what better place to be inspired than in God’s own back yard.

Visit with Jean at www.jeanhackensmith.com