The Caregiver / Astrid “Artistikem” Cruz

Reviewed by: BigAl

Genre: Crime Fiction/Thriller

Approximate word count: 25-30,000 words

Availability    

Kindle  US: YES  UK: YES  Nook: YES  Smashwords: NO  Paper: YES

Click on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords store

Author:

Astrid Cruz, aka Artistikem, lives in Puerto Rico with her husband, where she’s currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Puerto Rico. For more, visit her website.

Description:

“Scarlett Lang has always dreamt of becoming an Interpol agent. When her hard work pays off and she's given the chance to work as an undercover agent with London's biggest drug lord, Armand Sayer, she can't help being ecstatic about it.

She's employed by Armand's sister (to aid in his recovery from a gun attack) as both caregiver and bodyguard. Her resourcefulness in both areas helps her win much more than Armand's trust, to the dismay of both his right-hand man and her ex-boyfriend / colleague.

As she makes her way into the business she swore to help tear down, she's faced with the dilemma of choosing between being loyal to her profession or her heart. And we all know it can't be both.”

Appraisal:

This novella is a bit of a police procedural (the protagonist is an undercover agent for Interpol), part thriller, and at times feels like noir (bodies are stacking up, yet no character seems too bothered or finds that strange). However, amongst all the blood, guts, and intrigue, is an interesting question. Can you love someone who seems to be everything you are not and, if so, what might you do about it? A quick and enjoyable read that refused to follow the route I expected, zigging when I expected it to zag.

FYI:

Adult language.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues

Rating: **** Four stars