Diana Banks had once teamed up with her husband, Daniel, and his friend, Jake, as successful computer hackers. But one incident that caused a death convinced Diana they needed to change their ways. They never had a chance to get their new computer security company off the ground before Daniel died in a climbing accident. Diana went into a tailspin. Her panic attacks grew so bad she couldn't leave her house. Instead, she shielded herself behind locked doors, existing in a virtual world. Her skills were good enough, though, that she and Jake could build the security company, with Diana working from home on her elaborate computer set-up.
Jake and Diana's sister, Ashley, got her through the first months after Daniel's accident. It was Ashley who forced her out of bed, into clothes, back into reality. So, when Ashley disappears after dumping her latest boyfriend, Diana is worried. She's so worried that, with the help of a policeman, she leaves the house to look for evidence her sister is gone. When the police drop the case, Diana forces herself to overcome her weaknesses, and continue looking. For Diana, that search only leads to heartbreak, and the ultimate betrayal.
I will admit, the book lacked some elements of surprise. I wasn't surprised to discover the truth, and the people behind Diana's betrayal and her sister's disappearance. However, I was so hooked into Diana and her issues that I was compelled to continue reading. I wanted to see Diana triumph in the end. Ephron's success with this book doesn't lie with the suspense. It lies with the creation of Diana Banks, a character with weaknesses that force sympathy from the reader. Diana's neediness compels the reader to cheer her on in her search for answers, and then, for justice.
And, although we all know we lack privacy in a world where we reveal so much on the Internet, Come and Find Me will make you a little nervous. We've all read that Apple is watching us if we have a smart phone. We know the government is watching. But, who else is watching?
Hallie Ephron's website is www.HallieEphron.com
Come and Find Me by Hallie Ephron. HarperCollins. ©2011. ISBN 9780061857522 (hardcover), 288p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure - The author sent me a copy of the book, hoping I would review it.
