Book review: Triple Cross Killer

Triple Cross Killer is a murder novel written by Rosemarie Aquilina, and is the first book in the State Detective Special Forces Series.

This book introduces us to Nick Archer, a serial killer, who has made it his mission to protect those who cannot protect themselves by serving justice - in the form of murder. His executions are meticulous, making him tough to catch. Knowing who the killer is from the beginning sets apart this book from others in the same genre.

The first murder takes place immediately, allowing us to be thrown quickly into the chaos, and the killing spree continues throughout the book. Aquilina's descriptions of the crime scenes help us create vivid images that reinforce Nick's attention to detail.

Nick's career as a pilot allows him to fly at will between cities, making it even more difficult for anyone to catch him. Abel and Rabbit are searching in Sarasota while David and Jaq are busy in Detroit. The urgency of both teams to solve the murders in their respective cities increases as time goes on and more victims are found. Feeling the frustration of the detectives is easy, especially since they don't know the are both on the hunt for the same man.

When Nick isn't busy killing, he's wooing his new girlfriend Rita Rose. She cannot help but fall for his charm. He's handsome, has a great smile and pays attention to her. Maybe too much attention. He's also a passionate lover. We start to feel sorry for the naive and innocent nature of Rita Rose. The feelings Nick has for her almost seem genuine until we remember who he actually is. But Nick is not the only one keeping secrets. Rita Rose works alongside the medical examiner in Detroit and may hold the key to Nick's demise. One minute we are rooting for their relationship and the next we're hoping she runs quickly in the other direction without looking back.

Once Rita Rose and the two teams discover the killer's identity, it's a race against time to save the next victim. Although this book was difficult to put down after any chapter, this is the moment I found stepping away to be the hardest. Adrenaline completely takes over and you feel like you're right there beside them, ready to serve justice of their own.

Triple Cross Killer is an amazing book and one of the best I've ever read. Rosemarie Aquilina creates characters who value loyalty to their jobs and to each other. They're people you want to have in your life and befriend. The author's history as a lawyer and a judge enhance Nick's desire to bring justice and protection to those less vulnerable.

Remember Olivia

As you may know, Ryan has spent a total of three weeks in the hospital over the course of the last three months. They were three weeks full of questions, some answered and some not. Three weeks full of my kids wondering why their dad is sick. Three weeks full of thinking "this just isn't fair" and "why does this keep happening." Three weeks full of not being able to make any plans.

But it was also three weeks full of text messages, prayer chains, and phone calls. Three weeks full of friends and family arranging their schedules to help in any way possible. And three weeks full of reminders about how lucky we really are.

I struggled a lot with keeping myself in check. Through the toughest days of those three weeks, I had to remind myself that some people are in far worse situations. And it is hard to remember that during tough times, especially as holidays approach.

But God works to put us in situations that will give us a lesson. I had lunch with my mom last Friday. She had been at a tire shop that morning and was talking to an employee. He mentioned he had a 5-year-old daughter who had been diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year. He said they'd be spending Christmas with her but that their celebration would be at the hospital.

My heart sank. Allison is 5 years old. And I cannot imagine having to see her in that kind of pain, wondering constantly if and when we could bring her home again and if she would be cured. And in that moment, I was reminded of the many blessings we have. Hearing this little girl's story was enough to encourage me to just keep trusting and praying that everything would be okay.

I remember the few days leading up to Christmas and on Christmas day seeing social media posts full of stacks of gifts and tons of decorations. People seemed so happy. And then afterwards I started seeing posts about how awful the day was for some - a family member said/did something I didn't like, I didn't get what I wanted, etc. And I just thought some of the holiday celebrations we are all complaining about are the very same ones other people are hoping to have.

So as you enjoy - or don't enjoy - sitting in your house on a sofa under a warm blanket with family and friends playing on your smart phone or tablet, remember Olivia. She just wants to be home.