Last Chance Rescue: A Search and Rescue Novel

Several months ago, I received an e-mail from the author of Last Chance Rescue, asking if I would be willing to review her novel. Being a Search and Rescue volunteer and a fiction-writer myself and having written other reviews of books about wilderness rescue and survival, I guess I was a logical pick.

But this time it was a little different.

This time, the author had contacted me directly. Like me, she's been involved with many real-life Search and Rescue missions, so I felt a connection there. And I know all too well what it's like having that first published novel out there for the world to critique. So I must admit, I was apprehensive about starting the book. I really wanted to give a good (and honest) review.

Unlike most other Search and Rescue-related books I've read, this one is fiction. Made up. But it's written by someone with firsthand knowledge of what SAR is all about and how it can affect those who get involved with the lives -- and sometimes deaths -- of those they seek to help.

Here's the book if you'd like to pick up a copy and read along.

Tracey Cramer-Kelly writes what she knows

Tracey Cramer-Kelly and her husband live in a small Minnesota town with their two children, enjoying outdoor activities of all kinds. Though she spends most days running their family business, Leader MotorSports, Tracey's background includes a helicopter pilot's license and experience as an Army Reserve medic.

I enjoyed it! The characters are very real and down-to-earth. The book is well-written, clear and moves along at a steady pace, without getting bogged down in lengthy descriptions or becoming too wordy, with some interesting surprises that held my interest throughout.

I haven't been reading much fiction for some time now, but Last Chance Rescue was a nice change of pace for me, while still staying within a niche I really like--Search & Rescue--with some romance added to the mix.

Based on the blurb, the opening sentence and the author bio, does this sound like something you'd like to read?