Customer Reviews

Cross Current

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This is an exciting and moving story, well written, with a social conscious. Christine Kling knows her Florida, knows her boats, and knows how to build a story to a satisfying climax. Her research and knowledge of the plight of Haitian immigrants tells a horror story of the shameful way this country treats desperate children and it should be required reading for members of Congress. But don't let the social message fool you--this is one great read and one great thriller/mystery. You do not have to be a fan of Florida thrillers to enjoy this book-and to appreciate the message in the mystery. Her descriptive passages are excellent-so much it makes me want to explore the east coast of Florida with a new eye-and a good boat captain. Maybe her BJ is available?

As Seychelle Sullivan and her sometime mechanic and deckhand, B.J. were towing in the Bahamian cruiser, Miss Agnes to Port Everglades, they discussed the incomprehensible conditions and desparation that made 50 people jam into a small boat, with the hope of building a new life for themselves. They risked everything, despite all odds, not caring whether it was legal or illegal, desiring nothing more than to start a new life. Seychelle had no clue how she would be entangled in the lives of these desparate people ... and their community. She did not know what lay in store for her, in the very near future, when she responded to a call from Mike Beesting, a former Ft. Lauderdale police officer. He had a dead starting battery and was stranded six to eight miles from Pompano Beach after taking a good buddy out fishing. While on the way out to rescue Mike and his pal, Seychelle spotted what she thought was dark debris in the water. This awakened her instincts for a possible rescue, that someone may be in trouble, so she went in for a closer look. What she saw astounded her: an emaciated Haitian girl of about 10 years old, who was dazed and dehydrated, sitting next to the bloated dead body of a lady wearing a torn brightly colored dress. Seychelle did not immediately notice the head wound, a huge gash in her skull ... most likley the cause of her death.

Seychelle debated whether or not to call the Coast Guard immediately, as required by law, or delay. She recalled the media circus after the rescue of the Cuban boy, Elian Gonzalez and decided to assess the situation first, call later. The little girl knew a bit of English and spoke haltingly and shyly with Seychelle. Unexpectedly, she grabbed Seychelle's hand and asked plaintively, "You help me?" Seychelle quickly made other arrangements to rescue Mike and his pal, Joe, while she pondered the ramifications of her heartfelt committment to save the life of this homeless little girl. After reporting her discovery to the Coast Guard and port authorities, both Border Patrol and Fort Lauderdale Police Department sent representatives to investigate the scene.

Seychelle found herself in the middle of a controversial territorial dispute where even the legal authorities were unsure who had jurisdiction over many aspects of the rescue. Seychelle right then and there felt how utterly important it was to save the life of this little girl, who claimed she had an American father whose name and address she did not know. Seychelle vowed to do everything within her power to help this little girl remain in the USA and reunite with her father.

The author creates hairpin turns and unusual loop to loop twists in the plot as she builds suspense and uncovers an underground money-making industry which deals in trading human lives, mostly that of children and teenagers. The author did a superb job of researching Voo Doo customs and religious beliefs. They play a large role in the lives of the Haitian community into which Seychelle must delve to help Solange, her young charge. Each chapter reveals a new depth and revelation about complex customs and the social milieu of the Haitian immigrants. Seychelle discovers horrible truths about the living conditions and underground slave trade which is being conducted by unscrupulous individuals who care only about making money. Seychelle gives no thought to her own safety or the risks she is taking to make good her promise to help this little girl achieve her dream. This reader was glued to every page, wanting to learn more as new details and clues surfaced. Erzulie, the lady who accompanied Solange, had indeed been murdered, she died of blows to the head from a machete. The book comes to a gut-wrenching climax which takes Seychelle to the Andros Islands in the Bahamas ... where her own life is at serious risk of permanent injury and death. She discovers who the ring-leaders of the slave trade are and solves the mysteries associated with this case. Just like, "Surface Tension, the first book by this author, I read the second book in one sitting. I had to connect all the dots to the very end. This book receives my highest endorsement and recommendations.
Erika Borsos (erikab93)

Hey, in a world where books about Florida abound, this one stands out. It's great on so many levels. If you like Florida books, you'll love it. Even if you don't like Florida mysteries, you should read this one--it's a great mystery. Reminds me of the late great John McDonald.

While waiting to tug a boat filled with Haitian refugees, Seychelle notices another vessel out in the gulf and takes her ship the Garda there. She finds a young dehydrated girl named Solange with a dead woman. She rescues the girl and tugs the boat containing the deceased to the dock. Seychelle immediately forms a bond with the Haitian refugee, who says that her father lives in the United States. Seychelle intends to find him so that Solange will not be deported.

There has been a recent increase in the smuggling of Haitians into America. Seychelle believes that Solange and the dead woman were on a boat that capsized with fifty Haitians aboard. Solange is not safe as thugs try to kidnap her although neither Seychelle nor she can determine why. Those Haitians that survive have been sold into slavery making it even more difficult for Seychelle to gain their trust so that she can locate Solange's father. Kidnappers abduct Seychelle and Solange taking them to Bimini where they meet the smugglers' mastermind. The criminal tosses Seychelle overboard expecting her to die while he carries out his plansfor Solange.

Christine King is a very visual writer who makes the Caribbean and the Gulf Coast come alive to readers. The heroine breaks laws to keep Solange safe from a monster, who sees the child as merchandise. There is a lot of action in CROSS CURRENT, but it is the characters who turn this novel into a superb thriller as Solange is at the mercy of adults with only Seychelle apparently caring what happens to her. Ms. King is a rising queen in the suspense genre.

Harriet Klausner