HIDE AWAY opens where SHADOW PLAY left off, with the bombshell that Eve Duncan is pregnant. As a follower of this series from its inception, I often wondered why this was never addressed. I assumed that Eve, who was a wonderful mother to her deceased daughter, Bonnie, and her long time love, Joe Quinn, would want to have children. Yet, I don't remember the subject ever even being discussed. As Eve and Joe are attempting to adjust to this surprising and unplanned event, enemies are moving in for the kill on Cara Delaney, they young girl they have just rescued.

Cara is the daughter of a Mexican drug lord, and was kidnapped eight years ago when she was just three years old. Her caretaker escaped with her, and they have been on the run, trying to stay one step ahead of the kidnapper who would see her dead. Her caretaker has been killed, and it's now up to Eve and Joe to try to keep Cara safe. They decide the best way to do that is to take Cara out of the country and to Scotland, where they have some capable friends and allies, like Jane, Caleb, MacDuff, and Jock.

It doesn't take long until the kidnapper has tracked them down, and moves in with a small crew of deadly assassins, intent on killing Cara and Eve. The confrontation takes place in a moody, atmospheric area of Scotland, shrouded in mist and fog. This whole book takes place over a very short amount of time, so author Iris Johansen pays detailed attention to conversations and conditions, drawing you in to the action. Her pacing is, once again, excellent, as I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to absorb this well crafted story.

Along with the heart pounding excitement, there are many emotional sub plots happening - Eve and Joe's impending parenthood, Jane's grieving over the death of her love while Caleb wants to make his move on her, MacDuff looking for treasure, and the touching friendship between Cara and former assassin, Jock. As she tends to do, Iris Johansen has given her females a stubbornness that sometimes borders on foolishness, as they often think they have to handle a situation rather than accept the help of a trained expert.

While I've come to expect books in this series to end with a huge teaser to entice you into wanting to read the next book, I think it's necessary to mention that this conflict doesn't get resolved in this story. If you haven't read previous books in the Eve Duncan series, Iris Johansen provides enough details to allow you to enjoy the story without feeling lost, but you will definitely enjoy the reading experience more for having followed the various characters' storylines. I devoured HIDE AWAY in one sitting, and recommend it for fans of romantic suspense who enjoy becoming totally immersed in a well written, enthralling story.