The Dangerous Hour 
By Marcia Muller

        Sharon McCone is back in the 23rd installment of this wonderful series. It is always great to see Sharon at work. This time around, the book starts with Sharon on a high. Her company is doing well and she has great employees. However, like one might expect, things go downhill fast. One of Sharon's employees, Julia, gets arrested because one of their clients claims that Julia stole his credit card and racked up many charges. He is also suing Sharon. Her whole business could be ruined because of this and she is determined to get to the bottom of it. Could it have been Julia, or was she framed by someone who wants to destroy Sharon's business? Julia claims that she did not do what she is accused of and Sharon is unsure of whether or not to believe her. Either way, when Sharon sets her mind to find something out, she always does.

      The Dangerous Hour is a thrilling and fantastic ride. The action never stops and Sharon McCone is at her best. The plotting is superb and I never would have guessed the motive of the criminal. I loved reading about all of my old, favorite characters but there is enough description of them if you are new to the series.