Review of IDENTITY CRISIS by Jean Hackensmith

Title: Identity Crisis

Genre: Detective

Author: Jean Hackensmith

Publisher: Inkwater Press

Language: English

Pages: 260

     When rumors of how Dan Hamilton actually died reach the Cheyenne Chief of Police, Brian Koski is forced to resign his position as captain of the Sixth Precinct and go into business for himself as a private detective. His partner? A mahogany colored Belgian Malinois named Sinbad. A former NYPD police dog, Sinbad is vicious when need be and reliable to a fault–unless a train goes by or there’s a thunderstorm, then chances are he will turn tail and run.

     Brian’s first clients are Jeff and Melody Patten. He’s an explosives expert for a local demolitions company, she’s a stay-at-home Mom. Both are devoted parents to their young daughter, Angela. The problem comes in the form of one Collin Lanaski, an unstable ex-Air Force lieutenant and Angela’s second grade teacher, who suddenly starts insisting that Angela is his daughter—the same daughter who died in a tragic car accident four years earlier.  What does Collin base this incredible revelation on?  Dog tags and car seats.  Brian is convinced the man has suffered a psychotic break.  He’s delusional and dangerous, and it becomes the P.I.’s job to protect Angela from a madman.

Review

     Identity Crisis is book two in the B.K. Investigations series; however, it is not necessary to read the first book in order to read this one.  This book starts with Police Captain Brian Koski losing his job due to some issues the disliked Chief has with him.  While he hates losing his job, he starts a new career as a P.I. and hopes to make the best out of the situation. 

     One if his first clients are the parents of Angela, a 7 year old whose teacher thinks she is his daughter.  The teacher, Collin Lanaski, insists that his daughter did not die in a car crash and his vowed to do anything he has to in order to get his daughter (Angela/Courtney) back.  That includes kidnapping her.

     This book is has one of the aspects of a parent’s worst nightmare, your child being kidnapped.  It was easy to get wrapped up in this and keep scanning the pages to see what is going to happen next.  You couldn’t help but be sucked into this nightmare and keep reading to see what happens.  I had no choice to keep reading, even after I should have called it quits for the night in order to find out what happens. 

     If you love a good mystery/suspense book, this one is for you.  It will suck you and keep you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next.  Since I have not read anything by this author before, I was looking forward to reading something different and this book did not disappoint.  Don’t take my word for it, make sure to get your copy today!   

ABOUT JEAN HACKENSMITH

I have been writing since the age of twenty.  (That’s 37 years and, yes, I’m disclosing my age.)  I am the proud mother of three, stepmother of two, and grandmother to twelve wonderful children.  I lost the love of my life, my husband Ron, in November of 2011 when he died in an accident at work.  He took my heart with him and, for a time, my desire to write.  Time, as they say, heals all wounds, and I have again discovered my passion for the written word.  In fact, I find it strangely comforting to delve into the intricate webs that are my character’s lives and immerse myself in their existence instead of dwelling on my own.

Next to writing, my second passion is live theater.  I founded a local community theater group back in 1992 and directed upwards of 40 shows, including three that I authored.  I also appeared on stage a few times, portraying Anna in The King and I and Miss Hannigan in Annie.  I am sad to say that the theater group closed its final curtain in 2008, but those 16 years will always hold some of my fondest memories.

My husband and I moved from Superior five years ago, seeking the serenity of country living.  We also wanted to get away from the natural air conditioning provided by Lake Superior.  We moved only 50 miles south, but the temperature can vary by 20-30 degrees.  I guess I’m a country girl at heart.  I simply love this area, even though I must now enjoy its beauty alone.  I love the solitude, the picturesque beauty of the sun rising over the water, the strangely calming effect of watching a deer graze outside your kitchen window.  Never again, will I live in the city.  I am an author, after all, and what better place to be inspired than in God’s own back yard.

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