Intern [Hardcover]

Bonnie Hearn Hill (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2003

The Girl
One minute she is there . . . The next she is gone

At twenty-three, April Wayne has it all aide to charismatic California State Senator Eric Barry, she is beautiful, confident and sure her life is on the right track. And she is in love. It doesn't matter that he's married or that he's her boss. He loves her, and he'll make sure they can be together.

The Senator
One minute he is a hero . . . The next he is a prime suspect

Eric Barry has been charming the state of California for years, proving to be a powerful political contender and a man who gets things done. Then in an instant, he's in the spotlight, his life under scrutiny, his every word and action questioned. All because a girl has disappeared...

The Wife
One minute she is a supportive wife . . . The next she is married to a stranger.

Suzanne Barry has played the part of supportive political wife for one reason: she believes completely in her husband. Now, with the disappearance of one of his young aides, questions about Eric and their life begin to shed light on the lies of their marriage. And Suzanne can no longer ignore the truth: she is married to a stranger.

The Mother
One minute she is a proud mother . . . The next she is desperate to remain one.

Gloria Wayne didn't always agree with her daughter April's choices in life. But she never imagined one could put her in danger. When April disappears, Gloria uses every means possible to keep the pressure on the one man who she believes holds the key to finding her daughter.

One minute you think you know where Intern is going . . . The next you can't believe what you're reading.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Although Hill's debut thriller owes much to the Gary Condit political scandal, she creates more than enough suspense to keep readers intrigued. April Wayne, 23, disappears without a trace while interning for California State Sen. Eric Barry. When the media learn that the senator was the last person to be seen with April and that the two were supposedly having an affair, he becomes their prime suspect. April's parents, Gloria and Jack Wayne, are shocked by the news of their daughter's disappearance and affair, which drives a wedge between them. Gloria becomes consumed with finding April, while Jack descends into a paralyzing depression. Senator Barry worries more about his next election than about April. Suzanne Barry, who has always been loyal to her husband, is overcome with doubt about their life together when she learns that he has been unfaithful. "He gives me one of his dazzlers across the table. I want to believe in the face, the eyes, the voice, but I can't." Suzanne's naivete is implausible, but Hill skillfully draws subtle parallels between Suzanne and Gloria as they both deal with their devastating anxieties and scolding consciences. The resolution may be a bit lurid for some tastes, but that won't make it any easier to put this page-turner down.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"As a novelist, Hill might be a newcomer, but this satisfying tale proves she's already way past the intern stage." -- M.J. Rose, bestselling author of Flesh Tones

"Whoa! Hold on tight. Engrossing, Provocative and haunting, Intern is a riveting combination." -- Mary Jane Clark, bestselling author of Nobody Knows

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Mira (February 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155166691X
• ISBN-13: 978-1551666914
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,186,790 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bonnie Hearn Hill is the author of six thrillers from MIRA Books and the Star Crossed young adult astrology series from Running Press/Perseus. A multi-tasking Gemini, she leads a successful writing workshop in Fresno, CA. Visit her on Facebook or at www.bonniehhill.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You will understand why bookstores can't keep it in stock, February 26, 2004

By 

Bill Lampton, Ph.D. "Communication Consultant... (Gainesville, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Intern (Mass Market Paperback)

For several weeks, I haunted Atlanta area bookstores, trying to find a copy of Intern. Repeatedly I heard, "We sold our last copy an hour ago." Once I read the book, I understood why the demand was so high.

When I first heard the title, my assumption was that the story was about physicians in training. However, soon I realized that "intern" took on new meaning during a recent Presidential term. With that in mind, I was not surprised that the book was about a testosterone-driven political leader.

Intern reminded me of Lord Acton's famous saying: "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." This novel reflects today's headlines in many ways. Politicians, super athletes, actors, musicians, and others who merit the term "icon" forget their vulnerability. Having received special treatment for most of their lives, they have escaped consequences that ordinary citizens would face. However, as in the case of Intern's central figure Eric Barry, a day of reckoning comes. Immunity vanishes. Lies and intrigue do not work any longer. A noose tightens, and exit doors close.

Possibly the book's strongest appeal lies in the realistic dialogue. Bonnie Hearn Hill has her characters speak to each other using genuine conversational style, quite unlike what we hear on soap operas or read in tabloids.

Although this is the first Bonnie Hearn Hill book I have read, it won't be the last. I will read what is available now, and anticipate the two books she writes annually.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Suspense Thriller I've Read in Years, March 18, 2003

By 

Tim "pap_the_pirate" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Intern (Hardcover)

Fans of Bonnie Hearn Hill know her as the gifted author of Huelga House and Johnnie Ray and Miss Kilgallen, and already respect her talent. Even they are in for an exciting surprise when they crack the spine on Intern. This is a compelling page turner that will keep you riveted with a story that unfolds constantly with new twists. Just when you think you have it figured out, she throws you another curve. If you can't read this straight through, cover to cover, it will drive you nuts to set it down. Bommie Hearn Hill is a great story teller. And don't miss the passing plug for her Best Friend and Main Squeeze - way to go, Bonnie.

Just don't get so caught up in the story that you miss the beauty of her writing. Bonnie Hearn Hill is a talented and skillful word artist. She deftly shifts points of view and tense as her characters develop and carry you along with their lives. As intriging as her story is, I found myself frequently stopping to reread passages from two pages previously because her writing is so good. What a great feeling to be caught up in a story and have to pure beauty of the writing sneak up and blow in your ear.

Personally. I can't wait for the next novel from this engaging new voice.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I stayed up way too late because I had to find out, April 19, 2003

By 

Cathe Fein Olson "Avid reader and writer" (curled up with a book) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Intern (Hardcover)

This book grabbed me from the first page and wouldn't let me stop until I found out what really happened to the "intern". In each chapter, Hill gives just enough information to reel you in a little tighter but always leaves you wanting more.

This book shows both sides of this disturbing case - you feel the pain of the victim's family as well as the suspects family. The plot is very plausable - it is easy to see how one event led to the next but you never know what that next event will be.

I've enjoyed Hill's nonfiction books, but her fiction is even better. I can't wait for her next book.