The Red Queen returns, and she's better than ever. Red Solaris is one of three candidates for the permanent position, Dean of Journalism. She worries about competing with the two male candidates, who seem to be favored by the hiring committee. Her partner, Detective Joe Morgan, is reluctant to take the next step and move in with her. And on top of it all, one of her students has disappeared. As she assists with the investigation, Red's feelings will be stretched to the limit. When the student's life hangs in the balance, can Red solve the crime on her own or will she find herself in over her head?

I absolutely love THE RISE OF THE RED QUEEN. Bourne Morris has once again used her own experience to create a unique mystery novel with complex characters. Red is just as delightful and relatable as before. She's the aunt we've all always wanted: caring, intelligent, and a real action hero. I really felt everything she was going through, especially when the problems started with Joe. The wonderful voice in which Red speaks to her reader is probably my favorite part of the novel. The characterization is wonderful: the victim speaks to us in her own unique voice, Joe Morgan is so real I feel him standing next to me, and even the criminal has his good elements as well as his clear evil.

Another thing which really makes this character work is the struggles as a teacher and as an applicant actually seem real. When a disagreement between teachers turns violent, it is handled exactly as a real school might handle it. The characters are never overly dramatic out of context. Everything is very nicely balanced and polished. At no point in this novel did I feel like I was being taken out of the action. It is a non-stop thrill ride with cleverness in every step.

THE RISE OF THE RED QUEEN is a fun novel that brings a new light to the plight of journalism professors who moonlight as detectives. If you're very interested in detective novels where the hero is active and thoughtful, give Red Solaris a try. The realism in this novel is intense, and so is the action. Suspension of disbelief is not a great requirement for this book. If you are a critical reader, reading just for fun, or really need something to inspire your own actions, THE RISE OF THE RED QUEEN could be exactly what you need.