Local author has taken a giant leap into previously uncharted territory with the release of her first thriller, “Dark Waters.”
Goff’s change of genres from a mystery series to thrillers was precipitated by a family crisis that sent her and young daughter to Tel Aviv to obtain specialized medical treatment. During their two-month stay, the city and the surrounding areas came under attack by a rash of suicide bombings. This unsettling and terrifying atmosphere was the catalyst that moved Goff to begin work on her new series.
The story opens with the arrival in Tel Aviv of Raisa Jordan. An agent of the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service, Jordan comes on board just before the planned visit of the U.S. Secretary of State. Security is tight as the Secretary is flying in to broker a peace deal between Israel and Palestine.
Before Jordan is fully orientated, her predecessor is brutally murdered at a popular tourist site. Then just as shocking, the killer is immediately eliminated by a high-powered rifle shot. These traumatic events are witnessed by a U.S. federal judge and his 11-year-old daughter, and Jordan is ordered to the scene to provide protection.
When Jordan meets Ben Taylor and his daughter Lucy, the agent is flummoxed by his refusal to do the smart thing and leave Israel. When Jordan learns about Lucy’s health problem, she is more understanding about his feeling that they must finish the last two weeks of her non-standard treatment. As a former Navy SEAL, the judge is not intimidated easily, even when it appears that a trio of Palestinian terrorists are after him and Lucy. As the efforts to get them intensifies, Jordan and Ganani, her Shabak (Israeli FBI) counterpart, realize there is a lot more at stake: namely the lives of millions.
Jordan’s efforts to find the forces threatening the area and the peace talks are handicapped by her former superior’s arrival. He shares her reputation of going by the book with her new boss, but this time events force her to get creative to have any chance of saving the day. The clock is ticking while her Israeli partners and small band of Marines fight to stave off disaster.
Goff has populated her thriller with characters who are complex and challenging. Jordan, who was born in Russia, learns that her past is not what she thought it was. Jordan’s character is exposed a layer at a time, making getting to know her a surprising journey. Ganani is a ruthless agent who serves her superior without question. She discovers he also holds many secrets.
Goff’s secondary characters, such as Gunnery Master Sergeant Walker and Palastinian terrorist Haddid, add to the action. Walker is a graduate of MIT with a talent for computers and purloined information, while Haddid has been recruited through threats to his family. This mix of characters from all walks of life and from all sides of the conflict gives a feeling of authenticity to the narrative.
Goff depicts the sounds, smells and landscape so well that readers are likely to feel transported to Israel.
Breakneck pacing, fascinating characters and depth of content make “Dark Waters” a welcome addition to the world of thrillers.
This is sure to be a breakout step for Goff. Readers can look forward to the next installment featuring Jordan, which will take place in Ukraine.
