Review and Giveaway - Last Snow -Eric Van Lustbader

Last Snow is the sequel to Eric Van Lustbader's bestselling novel First Daughter.

The prologue opens with a scene that sets the stage for the rest of the book. The murder of an American senator on the isle of Capri - when he's supposed to be on a political mission to the Ukraine - sets off a series of events that has far flung consequences.

Jack McClure, a presidential advisor, is asked by the President himself to investigate the murder personally, but quietly. The President's daughter, Allie, insinuates herself into the investigation.

I felt like I was playing a bit of catch up as I had not read First Daughter. A terrifying event has scarred Allie and she looks to Jack as her protector and confidant. I had a hard time warming up to the character of Allie in the beginning - she came across as manipulative and spoiled. The fact that her parents are okay with her going off on a 'mission' with Jack seemed a little far fetched. And I do question Van Lustbader's explanation of Grave's disease to explain Allie's diminutive stature.

Getting past that though, Van Lustbader has crafted an incredibly complex plot involving rogue Russian agents, criminals and crooked politicians. There are twists and turns galore - I had to play close attention to keep all the plot lines straight. Van Lustbader inserts a personal story into all the intrigue as well. Jack is a flawed character, suffering great guilt over the death of his daughter Emma - she appears in visions to him. He is also dsylexic.

Political thriller aficionados will enjoy this series. Fans of Robert Ludlum's Bourne novels will really enjoy this series. With Ludlum's death, Van Lustbader has written the last two Bourne novels.

Read an excerpt of Last Snow.

Want a copy for yourself? Thanks to The Book Report Network, I have a copy to giveaway. Open to US and Canada. Leave a comment to be entered. Closes Saturday, April 17t at 6 pm EST.