Irene Hannon is most known for romantic suspense, with series like Private Justice, Guardians of Justice and Heroes of Quantico. Just released is BURIED SECRETS, the first book in her Men of Valor series.

“It was meant to be a joyride. No one was supposed to die.” That is the opening line in the prologue of this story, which puts the reader in the middle of an intense scene involving three St. Louis college kids who are deciding what to do with the body of a fellow classmate who has obviously died. No details about the death are revealed as the kids come up with a plan that will prevent anyone from finding out about their involvement (whatever “their involvement” is).

And the plan works. At least for a while.

Mac McGregor, an ex-Navy SEAL turned county police detective, is called in to assist on a case of the discovery of a human skeleton. He teams up with Lisa Grant, the newly appointed --- and very beautiful --- Police Chief, to solve what they learn is a 24-year-old cold case. A small gemstone is found with the body, which leads them to the identity of the victim. Mac and Lisa pore over the original case files and begin their questioning, starting with the three college classmates who were the last people known to have seen the victim alive.

"The cat-and-mouse chase is well done and allows plenty of intense and even shocking moments that make BURIED SECRETS a great read. The final scenes provide a bit more action and should satisfy suspense enthusiasts."

Jessica Lee has worked her tail off to get to the top of one of the fastest growing PR firms in America. She knows it is only a matter of time before the CEO retires and she is asked to take his place. And there is absolutely nothing that will stop her from achieving her goal. Then, out of the blue, Jessica is contacted by Erika Banks, who franticly relays the news that the remains of their former classmate, Alena Kominsky, have been found. The last thing Jessica does is panic. She assures Erika that they have nothing to worry about --- that there is no way the police can tie them to Alena’s death.

But Erika has always been a hot mess and loose cannon, freaking out over everything. It is up to Jessica to make sure that Erika keeps quiet, no matter what. The same goes for Joe, the third member of their secret alliance. Fortunately, Joe has moved away and isn’t as likely as Erika to fall apart and blow their secret out of the water. And Jessica will do whatever it takes to make sure that doesn’t happen.

There is not much mystery included in BURIED SECRETS. In other words, there is no guessing or speculating on the identity of the culprits. However, that does not take away from the suspense, as Mac and Lisa work to uncover the clues that lead them to proving the guilt of those culprits. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including those of the criminals, so the reader is fully immersed in the complete picture. The cat-and-mouse chase is well done and allows plenty of intense and even shocking moments that make BURIED SECRETS a great read. The final scenes provide a bit more action and should satisfy suspense enthusiasts.

The romantic element was certainly present from the first time Mac and Lisa meet. Their chemistry is undeniable and electric, while maintaining the clean standards of Christian fiction. Both Mac and Lisa are Christians, and their faith is acknowledged throughout. Family is highly celebrated, and the book introduces readers to Mac’s two single military brothers, providing a peek into potential main characters in the next couple of Men of Valor novels.

Irene Hannon is an exceptional storyteller, and has an easy and down-to-earth writing style that justifies her large fan base. They should not be disappointed with this one.