Title: If Two Are Dead
Author: J. Arvid Ellison
Publisher: Tate Publishing
ISBN: 978-1625104038
Pages: 204
Genre: Action / Drama / Romance
Reviewer: Liz Konkel

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Kathy and Jerry are two soldiers returning home from Afghanistan and are anticipating joyous reunions with their respective families. When they aren’t greeted in the way they hoped, their idea for the future changes, and the two decide to take a trip to the Colorado mountains. Their plan to sightsee quickly takes a detour when they have the unfortunate luck of being witnesses to a murder. To report what they saw, they must first trek their way out of the wilderness and through the Colorado Springs landscape to reach the police before getting caught by the killers. The adventure draws the two together and changes their future in a way neither could predict.

Opening the story with a visual of returning soldiers sets up the concept of expectations versus reality that is explored. This moment introduces two soldiers, Kathy and Jerry, against a backdrop of happy reunions. They are filled with anticipation to be home, but they are disappointed as what they expected is not what they received. This contrast in tone sets up a juxtaposition explored throughout the story with gentle moments incorporated amidst the action. Ellison strikes an ideal balance with the pursuit bringing suspense as the duo tries to stay a step ahead and calm moments that help build their relationship. These character-driven moments ground the story by allowing you to connect with them and care about them succeeding. Having genuine moments between characters helps you remember there are people in the middle of this danger, making the story feel more character-centric versus simply running from bad guys. At the core of the action is the journey of two people forming a connection that slowly becomes more intimate as the two rely on each other for safety.

Ellison offers something for everyone with a blending of genres that gives you action one second and romance the next. It all starts with an ordinary sightseeing trip flipped upside down after Kathy and Jerry witness a murder. This one moment quickly catapults them into the action and serves as a catalyst for the story to unfold which is ironic since the two were looking for a quiet reprieve after being in Afghanistan. The action is steadily built up from that moment by weaving between their perspective and that of the bad guys. This split creates a cat-and-mouse effect that helps keep the suspense moving forward and keeps you turning the page to see what happens. The different perspectives provide a sense of apprehension as you can see where the bad guys are compared with the duo. This effectively helps prevent the story’s pacing from going too fast or too slow, while providing room for Kathy and Jerry’s dynamic to grow organically.

Their relationship gives a softness to the action and drama that gives the story more depth. The romance is a sweet aspect of the story with their relationship rooted in respect and friendship, developed from being soldiers in arms. The bond between the two is genuinely felt with Kathy’s feelings hinted at from the beginning so that you are quickly invested in their relationship. Although the romance is second to the action, the pursuit creates the ideal circumstances for a slow burn between the characters with delightful tropes from sharing body heat to being isolated on the run. These add the right amount of fun to the drama, making it equally endearing and intense with plenty of twists to be found along the way. The action is rooted in suspense and does not get overly graphic which is perfect for those that enjoy the chase versus the gore. Overall, the bad guys closing in is a satisfying chase and provides a conclusion that feels fitting for the characters and the story. If Two Are Dead is a delightful action-adventure that is grounded and charming, exploring character-driven arcs as two returning soldiers rely on each other as they work to stay a step ahead of killers.  If Two Are Dead is a must-read for readers seeking a fast-paced, gripping, well-written thrillers with intricate plots.