Toward the Light

by Bonnar Spring

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Pub Date Jan 07 2020 | Archive Date Mar 19 2020

Mystery & Thrillers

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Description

Nothing is as it seems—and no one is telling the truth

Luz Concepcion returns to Guatemala to murder Martin Benavides, the man who destroyed her family. Benavides, who rose from insurgent fighter to president, controls a major drug network. Richard Clement became Luz’s resettlement officer when she was evacuated to the U.S. He now works for the CIA, which has its own reasons for eliminating Benavides. Richard’s team persuades Luz to pursue a job as nanny to Benavides’ grandson, Cesar, a lonely child with an absentee playboy father.

The Guatemala contact for her mission is Evan McManus, an expat painter who pursues Luz, hoping to persuade her to model for him—and more. Luz initially spurns his advances, but her first terrifying encounter with Martin Benavides propels her into his arms.

Complicating matters, Luz conceals from all sides her clandestine contact with her surviving cousin, Antonio Torres, a guerrilla leader fighting the government propped up by the Benavides and their drug money.

Her plans unravel as, bit by bit, Luz learns that nothing is as it seems—and no one is telling the whole truth.

Perfect for readers who appreciate a novel female protagonist, an "everywoman" confronted with an overwhelming moral dilemma and crushing physical danger

Advance Praise

"Toward the Light is a high-stakes thriller set in the mean streets of Guatemala. Family secrets drive this impressive debut novel, a tale of revenge and redemption, to an exciting finish."—Hallie Ephron, New York Times best-selling author of Careful What You Wish For

“A riveting tale of international revenge! This gripping thriller—where everyone has ulterior motives and no one is who they seem—is cinematic and fast-paced, and its non-stop suspense will have you turning pages as fast as you can. A terrific debut from a super-talented author.”—Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha Award-winning author of The Murder List

“This is a big and broad tale of rare scope and ambition, populated with conflicted characters for whom nothing comes easy, which inches Toward the Light just close enough to the dark underbelly of human depravity. A sterling debut!”—Jon Land, USA Today best-selling author of Strong as Steel

“An acutely observed, beautifully written thriller that gives real moral weight to its characters and their choices. Spring revives the format with an insider's view of a complex and tragic political history.”—Rosalie Knecht, author of Where Is Vera Kelly?

“Intelligent and gripping, rich with fluid prose, a vibrant sense of place, heart-stopping action and compelling characters who will resonate long after the last page, this story has it all. I didn’t want it to end.”—Helaine Mario, author of Dark Rhapsody

"Richly atmospheric and artfully spiked with twists and surprises, Toward the Light takes you on a thrilling ride with memorable characters and a breathless finish."—Dan Fesperman, author of Safe Houses