"15 Seconds" (William Morrow), by Andrew Gross

Andrew Gross, co-writer of several James Patterson novels and author of "Reckless" and "Eyes Wide Open," returns with a new thriller, "15 Seconds."

Henry Steadman is pulled over for a minor traffic violation. Handcuffed and thrown into the back of a police car, Steadman cannot understand what is happening to him. Why does the police officer think he's someone else?

After he's finally released with a warning, Steadman gets back into his rental car only to see another vehicle pull up next to the police officer. A gunshot rings out and the car speeds away. Steadman runs over to the car to assist the officer but quickly determines that he's dead. With a spreading chill, Steadman realizes that as far as the rest of the world is concerned, he has shot and killed a cop to get out of a traffic ticket.

The relentless pace and mystery of "15 Seconds" demonstrates why Gross is a master of suspense. The villain's motivations are a bit weak, but that doesn't detract from the feel of the narrative.

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Online:

http://www.andrewgrossbooks.com/