UnderCut by Lisa J. Lickel may be her best novel yet. The story begins with a couple who are engaged amid a backdrop of family dysfunction, emotional entanglements, medical intrigue, and dark forces out for revenge. The narrative builds into an engrossing plotline that is driven forward with authentic, engaging characters caught in the crossfire of evil.
The medical thriller never lags, and many themes dealing with complex and relevant issues concerning racial relations, adoption, and family dynamics take center stage.
More subtle topics like the intersection of faith in the midst of suffering add depth and authenticity to the characters.
I also learned more than I knew before about the world of kidney transplants and the need for more volunteers to sign up on the national register.
While the story has a good solid ending, the author left an opening for a sequel, so I look forward to reading the next book in the series if one should follow.
To order from Amazon, click here.