Cherry Bomb by J.A. Konrath; 2009; 290 pages; Hyperion, New York, NY; 978-1-4013-0281-8; 7/23/09-7/24/09

Konrath left us hanging at the end of  Fuzzy Navel, knowing that one of the main cast members had died.  Here it is revealed who died and an ongoing battle between Jack and Alex Kork, the psychopath who killed her fiancee.  Jack must team up with her ex partner Harry McGlade and Phineas Trout, one of who she loathes and one who she lusts for.  She can’t use the resources of her police department because she is too close to the case.  Alex is threatening more friends and family of Jack Daniels and killing almost everyone she comes across.  She is giving Jack an opportunity to try and save the ones she loves.  There is a finality that either means the end of the series or a change in direction for Jack.  The story is action packed and flows nicely, although there is a sex scene that to me is a little overdone.

Lt. Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels and her cast of characters is very good and it will be interesting to see how the series continues with the psychopathic Alex dead and gone.  There is no ambiguity to her death here, so if Konrath brings her back it will be terrible.  Also the subplot with Harrys’ pet was unnecessary, but I like this series, because Jack is a strong, capable woman who is well trained but has her faults.  RRRr