Title: Defender
Author: Catherine Mann
First published April 7, 2009
282 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780425228029 (ISBN10: 0425228029)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
In S.J. Parris’ captivating novel, Execution, Giordano Bruno returns as the heretic, philosopher, and spy, embarking on a treacherous mission in England. It’s 1586 and a group of Catholic Englishmen are plotting to overthrow Queen Elizabeth and replace her with Mary Queen of Scots.
With Sir Francis Walsingham’s knowledge of the plot, Bruno must go undercover to join the conspirators and stop them before it’s too late. However, things take a deadly turn when Bruno realizes he’s in a dangerous trap.
He must act fast to save the queen’s life and make sure justice is served. Fans of C.
J. Sansom will love this Tudor thriller full of suspense and intrigue.
About the Author
Catherine Mann is a bestselling author who writes contemporary romance novels. Her works have been published by Berkley, Harlequin, Sourcebooks, and Tule and have been released in more than twenty countries.
Catherine has been recognized with various awards, including six RITA finals, an RT Reviewer’s Award finalist, three Maggie Award of Excellence finals, and a Bookseller’s Best win. She currently resides in South Carolina with her husband, who she considers her real-life hero.
Despite raising four children, Catherine is also actively involved in animal rescue and volunteers with service dog and pet therapy organizations in her area. She enjoys interacting with her readers and can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Editoral Review
Defender by Catherine Mann is a romantic suspense novel that was first published on April 7, 2009. Catherine Mann is a bestselling author who has written more than seventy contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels.
Defender is set in the present-day context and it deals with the issue of national security. The themes prevalent in the book revolve around the dangers of terrorism, inter-agency rivalry, loyalty, and betrayal.
The story is set in Washington D.C, where the country is on high alert due to the presence of a sleeper cell of terrorists. Captain Ethan Hanes, a former Marine now working as an intelligence officer, is assigned to protect an Iraqi translator who is a potential target for the terrorists.
Ethan is forced to team up with CIA operative Rachel Vezano, who has a reputation for being a maverick. Rachel is also on a mission to bring down the powerful arms dealer who is involved in illegal weapon trading with the terrorists.
Together, Ethan and Rachel navigate the dangerous world of espionage, facing various obstacles and enemies along the way. Manns writing style is engaging and fast-paced, which makes the book an easy page-turner.
The characters are well-developed, and their motivations and actions are believable. The plot is well-constructed, and the suspense is maintained throughout the book.
Manns use of technical details, such as the weaponry and equipment involved in espionage, adds to the authenticity of the storytelling. The backdrop of Washington D.C and the political context add to the realism of the book.
While the book does not delve too deeply into the emotional lives of the characters, it is still satisfying to read. Mann does not shy away from the harsh realities of terrorism and warfare, and the book can be a bit intense at times.
The book has historical significance, given its focus on issues that were prevalent during the time of its publication, such as the War on Terror and national security. The book has some weaknesses, such as the predictability of the romance between Ethan and Rachel, but they do not detract from the overall quality of the book.
Defender can be compared to other works in the romantic suspense genre, such as those by Sandra Brown or Linda Howard, but it stands out for its focus on national security as opposed to purely personal stakes. Overall, Defender is an engaging and well-crafted novel that will appeal to fans of the romantic suspense genre.
The book is well-paced, well-written, and well-researched, offering readers an entertaining and informative read. It is recommended for readers who enjoy a good mix of action, romance, and suspense.
The book would also appeal to readers interested in national security issues and espionage. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
