Here's the funny thing about love. It truly comes in all sorts of packages. Anyone who has a dog surely understands and can identify with that attachment, bonding that comes with loving and caring for that animal. Dogs can definitely sense when their person or persons need them -- I have no doubt about this as I have personally experienced it. Any dog owner also knows that they will pull no punches when it comes to the benefit of their treasured pet. This is definitely a two way street and that is why I can honestly say that TROUBLEMAKER by Linda Howard has three starring characters. Bo, Morgan and Tricks are a cohesive pack and together they present quite a fierce team.

TROUBLEMAKER reminds us that even small towns have their share of jack asses -- hey I hope I'm allowed to say that. Small town mentality doesn't mean they are naïve and the people that live in Hamrickville don't suffer fools. They know how to differentiate between friend and foe. And in TROUBLEMAKER Linda Howard illustrates how even the most congenial folks get to a point where they've had enough. The Gooding siblings have been enabled by their wealthy powerful father and have never had to face the consequences for their bad behavior -- but times they are a changing.

Morgan Rees comes from a world of games -- high stakes -- international terror kind of cat and mouse games. It was normal for his life to be at risk. No room for mistakes in the world of Morgan Rees. And yet he was the targeted victim of a sniper. The injuries were major and that is how Morgan wound up in the world of Bo -- a small town police chief whose primary function was paper work. She left the tough stuff to the guys on her squad.

Bo's step-brother Alex knew that she lived somewhat off the grid in a small town. So Axel sent Morgan there to recuperate -- and at the same time hopefully jog his memory. Bo and Axel do not get along -- but he dangled a fish she couldn't refuse. So Morgan wound up on Bo's sofa faced with a very difficult task to get back on his feet, regain his strength and shake his memory.

Bo was pretty intuitive and felt there were details omitted in why Morgan showed up at her door. She was pretty certain she was not going to be a happy camper when she finds out what that is. Along the way she begins to see Morgan as a safe, reliable, caring, charismatic man not just the blunt mercenary. After all who would be a better judge of character than her somewhat nutsy but loveable Tricks? Morgan begins to see himself as a member of Bo and Tricks pack. The protective arm.

Trouble is just out of reach and both Morgan and Bo hope that it does not show up in her town or at her doorstep. Both are getting tired of this waiting game.

Well -- do I have your attention yet? TROUBLEMAKER is just another masterpiece by Linda Howard who knows just how to cast her line and reel you in. Fabulous cast of characters abound in this tasty, sexy crime story. Tricks will have you eating out of her hand in no time at all. TROUBLEMAKER should be on your summer book list. It's a great beach read. Filled with classy dialog and just plain fun. Oh and along the way you get a chance to play an armchair detective.