REVIEW: Into the Storm by Suzanne Brockmann

I really don’t know what I was smoking to have bought this book when the buzz surrounding it’s release was not good. However, I like to read things for myself and make up my own mind. Yes, readers can think for themselves. I thought: how bad can this book be, I wonder? 

Into the Storm by Suzanne Brockmann is aptly titled. Brockmann made my reading experience something of a memorable event that included a lot of frowning and confusion. The plot for this book seems to be all over the damn place.  Here is a description of it:

In a remote, frozen corner of New Hampshire, a Navy SEAL team and the elite security experts of Troubleshooters, Incorporated are going head-to-head as fierce but friendly rivals in a raid-and-rescue training exercise. Despite the frigid winter temperatures, tension smolders between veteran SEAL Petty Officer Mark “Jenk” Jenkins and former cop turned Troubleshooter Lindsey Fontaine after an impulsive night goes awry. And then, suddenly, Tracy Shapiro, the Troubleshooters’ new receptionist, vanishes while playing the role of hostage during a mock rescue operation.
Teaming up with the FBI to launch a manhunt in the treacherous wilderness, Jenk and Lindsey must put aside their feelings as a record snowstorm approaches, dramatically reducing any hope of finding Tracy alive. The trail is colder than the biting New England climate until a lucky break leads to a horrifying discovery–a brutally murdered young woman wearing the jacket Tracy wore when she disappeared. Suddenly there is a chilling certainty that Tracy has fallen prey to a serial killer–one who knows the backwoods terrain and who doesn’t play by the rules of engagement.
In a race against time, a raging blizzard, and a cunning opponent, Jenk and Lindsey are put to the ultimate test. Rising everything, they must finally come together in a desperate attempt to save Tracy–and each other.

Brockmann’s stories are usually entertaining despite the flaws. However, I am a tiny bit curious at the validity of her plots. Is it just me or do  all her stories seem completely implausible and way out there? I find myself pondering stuff that I probably shouldn’t like: How strong is the research? Does she even do research? Are any of these characters based on real people? I hope not. Another point for my lack of enjoyment might lie in the fact that I had to admit that I found nothing interesting  in a romance developed during a training ops that goes absolutely nowhere. A fruitless exercise and subterfuge. Another reason for my lack of engagement may lie in the fact that I am finally tired of all the Troubleshooters, Inc and their very talented, elite staff members. There are so many of them and everyone’s…happy, content and a heroic. B-o-r-i-n-g.

Brockmann, while entertaining, her stories are full of: does that happen for real? No, I can’t always suspend disbelief. I had no clue that a civilian in a Third World country could email a Navy SEAL and in return, receive help from them, in the Middle East. I had no idea that you could outrun explosives or fool the insurgents while you make good, your daring escape. The hero, Jenk or is it Jenks? I saw his name spelled both ways in the first two or three chapters before I gave up. Editor issue or does he go by both names? Also, there are so many staff members in this Troubleshooters, Inc, that I know each and every one of them will have their own book one day. Maybe all of them will get a book before Sofia and Deck ever will? Sorry. I’m just bitter that a half-way interesting, decent romance that has more chemistry than all her previous leads has been relegated to the backseat. I somewhat anticipate and dread the telling of their story. Be afraid. Be very afraid. Remember Max and Gina’s story? Heehee. I didn’t read it.

Anyway, Into the Storm should be retitled, Into the Mess because it was a disaster area. The dialogue is still surfer dude, high school, silliness. Sophomoric in tone. It’s even worse in this book. I can’t stand Tracy, the office secretary that flirts with all the married and unmarried Navy SEALs. What’s even more amazing is that the author has us believe that Jenk’s had a crush on Tracy since high school. High school, people! Who has a crush that long? His slated love interest, Lindsey, is described as Asian and seems to like Jenk a lot but she comes off as being way too judgemental when we first meet her. I didn’t care for her, honestly. However, a brownie point for Brockmann’s diversity. Her lead, Jenk, comes off like a clueless twit, still in high school, not the Navy. This romance was doomed from the start, when they met. Story over.

Take away from this review what you will but note that I didn’t finish it, didn’t care to finish it and will probably steer clear of the next book in the series. My grade, DNF.