Lindsay Forster is an American art teacher at the US Military School in Berlin. Still recovering from a disastrous relationship, about to lose her job, her prize Miata the victim of a hit and run, her life becomes even more complicated when she intervenes as a young man is beaten and pushed onto commuter train tracks. But being a good Samaritan places her directly into the deadly turmoil of religious wars roiling in Europe - the very extremist positions and ideologies that resulted in the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.

At first glance, this is not the stuff of romance in these troubled times, but as author Emma Kennedy says, "There are heroes and villains in all cultures." When she introduces Jahvet Kahveci, tall, dark and handsome brother of the man whose life Lindsay Forster saved, you will become enchanted with this Islamic hero. Writing with the knowledge of an American who lives in Europe and truly understands the cultures and history of these conflicts, Emma Kennedy fleshes out a strong tale of espionage, love and courage.

Adding depth and texture to Emma Kennedy's novel, ALLUDE TO MURDER, is the stolen Christian religious icon at the center of the conflict. The icon becomes a tangible symbol of the religious and ideological differences that have always, and continue to spark extremist positions on both sides of modern terrorism. As Jahvet struggles to protect Lindsay from the very forces that motivate his own brother, their growing attraction and legitimate care for each other is tested repeatedly. The violence in Lindsay's past conspires against them as well, reminding us there are all kinds of acts of terrorism and defining "the enemy" is not as easy as it might seem.

This romantic suspense delivers the requisite measures of both romance and suspense and may educate readers and change their perceptions of our complex world in the process. Multiple layers to all the characters - villainous and heroic alike should confound even the most cynical reader and lift the story well out of knee-jerk predictability. Authentic backgrounds, an "insider's" understanding of the political climate in Europe, as well as the art world, gives Emma Kennedy's ALLUDE TO MURDER a gritty realism combined with a healthy dose of sensual romance to warm up your winter reading.