Deep Cover
This is the first LDS fiction that I've read in a LONG time. I used to read them as a teen, but eventually moved away from them. They all followed the same pattern and were borderline cheesy at best. NOT so with Deep Cover. In fact it was so good I read it in one day. And I didn't start until the afternoon. Yes the main characters were members of my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), but the story was a CIA/FBI story. Church wasn't a player. Well, there were moments that another member of this church would feel extra sympathy with Kelsey because of all she was giving up in order to be really good at her job. But non-members will be able to connect with her for the same reasons. AND Abramson kept the church cultural references to a minimum so that readers wouldn't feel lost there.
Having met Traci and learning that she is former CIA, I believed every bit of this book. Write what you know and all of that. The pacing was great. Moments of intense conflict and tension and then slower moments to catch our breath. I felt for Kelsey and the way she was trapped between so many decisions. She was REALLY good at her job. A job she didn't exactly choose for herself. But she knew she could make a difference in keeping the US safe from terrorism. But this job requires her to lie to everyone she loves. And if you have to use an alias while working at the CIA you are really Deep Cover.
I give Deep Cover by Traci Abramson a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) because it was cleanly written, and I read it in a day I enjoyed it so much.
1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
