THREE WEEKS TO SAY GOODBYE

C.J.Box is a huge bestseller in the States and, when Three Weeks to Say Goodbye hits the bookshelves in the U.K, he's destined to win a big audience over here as well. After agonising over their inability to conceive a child, Jack and Melissa McGuane eventually adopt a baby girl. For nine months, Angelina has been a perfect daughter and they have both bonded strongly with the child. At a stroke, their happiness is threatened. The biological father never signed away his parental rights. He wants Angelina back.

 Legally, Jack and Melissa are on thin ice. They have to hand over the baby. Garrett Moreland, the father, is an eighteen-year old gangster with no real interest in the child. It is his father, a federal judge, who is calling the shots. Aided by a Denver cop and a gay friend, Jack and Melissa decide to take the judge on and soon learn that he can fight dirty. He gives them three weeks to say goodbye to Angelina. The clock starts ticking and the horrors begin.

 Jack, who works in the tourism bureau, tells the story and is honest about his blunders. He's up against impossible odds but he never surrenders. Just when he thinks he is getting somewhere, he's stopped in his tracks by the latest outrage. His dog is killed, his gay friend is beaten to death, his job vanishes from beneath him and he's pushed to the edge of desperation. This is a terrific thriller with suspense mounting inexorably and nasty surprises coming from all directions.  It's also packed with memorable characters. Make a note of the name. C.J.Box is here to stay.