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KILLING TIME
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Ballantine Books, 2005
Reviewed by Barbara Fielding
Fifteen-year-old Knox Davis was present on January 1,
1985 when Pekesville, Kentucky buried a time capsule by the flagpole in
front of the old red brick courthouse. He watched as they placed
thirteen items inside the capsule to be opened in the next century. Now,
twenty years later, vandals have stolen the time capsule right out from
under their noses while the new security cameras on the courthouse were
rolling. Knox, now chief investigator for Peke County, is intrigued by
how the vandals got away with it since the cameras only show a flash of
light. In the sleepy little town of Pekesville they don't have much big
city crime and this is just the kind of mystery he enjoys solving. As he
begins investigating the theft, several more unusual crimes take place
in the county. The highest priority involves Taylor Allen, a local
attorney, who is found murdered in his living room with a spear in his
back.
Nikita Stover is an FBI agent from the future. She
has traveled back in time to catch a criminal and her hunt has led her
to the crime scene at Taylor Allen's home. When Knox Davis finds Nikita
trying to enter his crime scene without authorization he is immediately
suspicious. Nikita introduces herself as an FBI agent, producing the
proper identification. While Knox is examining her ID, a sniper fires on
them from nearby. Knox can be like a bloodhound on a scent and something
doesn't smell right to him. Soon he has Nikita in his office and is
ready to lock her up for impersonating an FBI agent when she comes
clean. She tells him she's from the future and she has the futuristic
gadgets to prove it. Knox doesn't know how or why she came up with her
impressive toys but he's so intrigued with her tale he's willing to give
her a chance so he can learn more.
Nikita Stover and Knox Davis are both
dedicated professionals. When Nikita asks Knox to help her capture her
suspect, they join forces. The investigation grows more complicated with
the involvement of a criminal from the future hiding among the citizens
of Pekesville. During the race to discover the killer, Knox and Nikita
develop a mutual attraction. Their personal feelings for each
other grow, but Nikita knows it can only end in heartbreak as she is
forbidden by law to remain in 2005.
KILLING TIME is an entertaining romantic mystery with
a twist. I found the futuristic element truly enjoyable and original.
Linda Howard boldly tackles this storyline with her own brand of humor
and suspense. She shows off her range and versatility in this tale. Knox
Davis is a departure from the usual alpha male heroes Howard writes -- he is more of a laid back country boy with a sharp analytical mind.
Nikita Stover is a tightly controlled woman out of her element. Falling
in love throws her even more off balance and it is fun to watch. One
weakness in the story is the mystery man and his motivations -- the plot
twists were a bit confusing at times. SON OF THE MORNING is the title
of Howard's previous time-travel release. It is one of my all time
favorites. KILLING TIME is not nearly as powerful a story as SON OF THE
MORNING, but it is still an absolutely captivating read.
August 2005
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