The Step Between

By Penny Mickelbury

Book Overview

No matter how hard she tries to live the quiet life, trouble has a way of grabbing Carole Ann Gibson by the throat -- and this time all her famous intuition and raw courage might not be enough to save her.

In the heartbreaking aftermath of her husband's death, Carole Ann, widely known as "the best damn trial lawyer in D.C.," left her criminal-law practice for what she hoped was a safer, saner life as a partner in her friend Jake's security firm. But when the richest man in Washington, D.C., hires her to find his daughter, she is caught up in a tangle of family relationships in which the stakes are not only money but life itself. Add to that a routine surveillance job that turns up three corpses and the kidnapping of her partner's beloved wife, Grace, and Carole Anne is -- once again -- in over her head in the kind of trouble that launches an all-out attack on her survival skills.

Showcasing her rare talent for mixing the subtlety and complexity of personal relationships with the excitement and suspense of a rapid-fire plot, Penny Mickelbury's third Carole Ann Gibson novel brings something altogether unique and refreshing to the mystery genre. Filled with an unforgettable cast of emotionally authentic characters as ethnically diverse as Washington, D.C., itself; pulse-pounding action; truly surprising twists of plot; and a delightfully clever ending, The Step Between is Mickelbury at her best.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743246365
• ISBN13: 9780743246361
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

THE STEP BETWEEN CONTAINS DANGER

The Step Between is one in a series of novels about reluctant PI Carole AnnGibson. Carole Ann is a former Washington, DC Defense Trial Lawyer who lefther criminal law practice for a partnership in a security firm. Carole Ann'spartner is former DC homicide detective, Jake Graham. In her new role aspartner of GGI, Carole Ann reviews and writes contracts as well as takesadministrative control over some of the accounts. The Step Between opens with Carole Ann and Jake accepting a case from thecity's richest man to find his missing daughter. After taking that casethings go awry for GGI. A routine surveillance job uncovers three corpses andJake's wife is kidnapped. Carole Ann and Jake are caught in a web of deceit,lies, and murder and the only way out is through discovering the cause of theproblems.The Step Between is action packed and will leave readers searching for therest of the Carole Ann Gibson mysteries.Reviewed by Diane Marbury (HonestD)of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Excellent!

Once again, Penny Mickelbury has weaved a tale of suspense and intrigue that kept me turning pages. Carole Ann's struggle to accept the harsh realities of her past as she builds a new life through her business and budding(but fleeting in this book) relationship with Warren Forchette humanizes her even as she works to discover why CGI has been targeted by unknown perpetrators. Ms. Mickelbury portrays Carole Ann's vulnerabilities without making her appear wimpy or weak. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Thriller fans are going to have fun with this exciting read

Her associates and superiors considered Carole Ann Gibson a very good attorney when she abruptly placed her law degree in cold storage. Tired of the justice system's endless swinging doors, Carole Ann formed a partnership with Jake Graham. Their firm, Gibson, Graham International (GGI) provides investigative and security services. After nearly dying on their last case, Carole Ann vows never to place herself in that type of danger gain. However, she quickly finds her reneging on her personal promise when she and Jake take on two different clients whose cases converge into a nightmare that leaves everyone in peril.DC wealthiest person, Richard Islington hires GGI to find his missing daughter, though every indication leads to the conclusion she voluntarily left on her own. At the same time, On Shore Manufacturing asks the team to make discreet inquiries into the company trying to take them over. On the surface, the two cases seem miles apart, but soon they merge in a way that leaves GGI under siege and its operatives in danger.The first two Carole Ann Gibson mystery novels were enjoyable, well-written stories. However, the third entry, THE STEP BETWEEN, is such a superbly plotted tale, it makes its excellent predecessors seem pale by comparison. Penny Micklebury creates likable characters that will garner audience empathy and attention. The author fully develops the two prime subplots before merging them into a fabulous story line that seems to stay one step ahead of the reader. Ms. Micklebury is an artist who leaves her audience copiously satisfied yet salivating for more.Harriet Klausner