HEART OF ICE, the third book in the Triple Threat Club series by Lis Wiehl (with April Henry), is an exciting thriller that grabs you by the throat on page one and doesn't let go until you read the last word.

The Triple Threat Club is comprised of FBI Agent Nicole, Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce, and crime reporter Cassidy Shaw. The friends have faced challenges and dangers before, but the latest threat is hiding in plain sight. Unbeknownst to them, Elizabeth Avery, Cassidy's boot camp instructor and new friend, is a psychopath out to get rid of anybody who stands between her and Ian, the man she loves (to the extent that she can love anyone besides herself). Actually, she's more than happy to get rid of anyone that threatens her personal interests. Elizabeth entertains herself by causing others pain and discomfort. When Elizabeth hires Joey, a man she knows from her years at an institution for troubled children, to burn down the home of Ian's ex-wife, a chain of events is set in motion that will threaten everyone in Elizabeth's vicinity.

This is the first book I've read in this series and had no problem following the story. We know from the beginning that Elizabeth is a psychopath, a fact which creates significant tension and suspense as we watch her manipulate and subtly taunt the others. As the women uncovered and investigated a string of murders, I wanted yell "She's standing right next to you," which seriously added to the creepy factor. The plot revolving around Elizabeth is balanced by sub-plots related to issues that Allison, Cassidy, and Nicole are each facing in their personal lives. I like the characters and plan to read the earlier books in the series ASAP, and look forward eagerly to what's next.