Title: The Brothers’ Keepers (Book Two)
Author: NLB Horton
Publisher: NLB Horton Publishing
ASIN: B00PEEEIAA
Pages: 408
Genre: International Suspense
Reviewed by: Ella Vincent, Pacific Book Review
Book Review
The Brothers’ Keepers continues the exciting journey of archaeologist Grace Madison. The second book in NLB Horton’s Parched series features more globetrotting adventures for Grace and her family. Readers will be eager to follow Grace around the world in this compelling novel.
In the first book of the trilogy, When Camels Fly, Grace’s hydrologist daughter, Maggie, was kidnapped because of her knowledge of water theft in the Middle East. In The Brothers’ Keepers, Grace is again looking for Maggie after she disappears in France. While Grace and her family search for Maggie, they also must search for a cuneiform tablet and Biblical scroll that can help lead them to Grace’s family friend, Dr. Stanley Steele. The search leads them across Europe and Asia to save their family and to right an ancient wrong.
Horton’s witty and sharp writing drive the novel. The mixture of light humor and serious Biblical references make The Brothers’ Keepers an engaging book for readers. Her writing has many action scenes that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The Brothers’ Keepers has many intriguing characters. Grace, Maggie, and her daughter-in-law, Becca, are all powerful female protagonists. Even the villain that schemes to harm the Madisons, Laura McAlex, is a complex redheaded Scottish femme fatale that readers will love to hate.
Grace’s relationships with the men in her life also give The Brothers’ Keepers a heartwarming personal touch. Dr. Steele is like her father figure as her former professor. She is a protective mother to her BBC correspondent son, Jeff. Her complicated relationship with her husband of 30 years, Mark, shows how marriage with two strong personalities can be perplexing, but rewarding with their love evident throughout the novel.
The settings in The Brothers’ Keepers are vividly brought to life with Horton’s writing. As the Madisons zigzag around the world to track down the ancient scroll, readers can imagine the gondolas of Venice and the bustling bazaars of Israel. They can almost taste the delectable pastries the Madisons indulge in when they visit France with Horton’s descriptive narration.
Readers of fast-paced suspense and intrigue novels will love The Brothers’ Keepers. Fans of The Da Vinci Code will love solving the mystery of the meanings of the scrolls and tablets the Madisons have to find. The novel will have readers eager to see how the Parched trilogy ends. NLB Horton has created an unforgettable character with Grace Madison. The Brothers’ Keepers will make readers willing to follow her on her next thrilling voyage.
