Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the supposed “miracle plant” that tore apart her family years ago. She’s certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding her father’s disappearance. She’s willing to risk anything to find the truth, including her relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But with so many people in pursuit of the plant, going it alone might be a fatal mistake.
Kate Adams is investigating again – and she’s laying everything on the line in this exciting conclusion to the Port Aster trilogy. Orchard picks up the storyline with Kate’s research for the “miracle plant,” and as Kate tries to unlock it’s secrets, she finds that too many people know about the plant’s existence.
The best thing about Kate Adams as lead is that she puts her whole heart into whatever she does. When she decides that a mystery is worth solving, she doesn’t let anything get in her way – even her own inexperience. Her enthusiasm sometimes takes her down paths without considering the consequences, which throws her into danger, but that ups the excitement level for the reader.
In typical Orchard style, Kate and Tom consider one new suspect after another in short order as the events unfold. The rapid change-up is very different than most suspenseful stories, but I liked it; the plot advanced quickly and the action was always escalating.
I loved the way that Orchard wrapped up the details to the Port Aster trilogy. She doesn’t leave any thread untied, and readers will appreciate the direction Kate’s life is headed. I’ve enjoyed reading this series, and I’ll be on the lookout for her next book.
I received a free copy of Desperate Measures from the Revell Reads program.
