‘Grave Danger: A Jack Swyteck Novel’ by James Grippando. Harper, 329 pages, $30
James Grippando’s propensity for latching on to current events and weaving these issues into brisk, in-depth thrillers are a mainstay of his novels about Miami attorney Jack Swyteck.
“Grave Danger,” Grippando’s 19th novel about Jack, is full of believable twists with attention to details, as he mixes a personal story with an international focus that works well.
Jack’s 9-year marriage to FBI agent Andie Henning is going through a rough patch, brought on mainly because of friction that arises from their individual careers. They truly love each other, and dote on their 8-year-old daughter, Righley. Their therapist suggests they stop their rule about not discussing work, acknowledging how their jobs are often at odds.
Jack agrees to take less controversial cases that would overlap with Andie’s investigations. That lasts about two pages when Jack’s father asks him to represent Avi Zarid, an Iranian woman in a custody battle with her husband, Farid. Avi is accused by Farid of kidnapping their 6-year-old daughter and bringing her to Florida. Avi also is being sued by the Iranian government. Avi supposedly disappeared two years before, escaping from prison after being arrested by Iran’s “morality police” for protesting Iran’s hijab mandate.
The case takes a turn when Avi tells Jack that she is not Avi, but rather Avi’s sister. Zahra. She claims Avi was killed by the Iranian government that is trying to cover up the murder. Jack and Andie become adversaries when the FBI wants her to persuade Jack to drop the case. Jack also receives threats from other sources.
Grippando, who lives in South Florida, steers “Grave Danger” through a swamp of politics, both U.S. and Iranian, that keep the plot churning. There’s Iran’s attitude toward women, the morality police’s power, marriage laws and how politics can affect daily life. Yet these issues do not bog down the plot.
“Grave Danger” maintains a strong emphasis on families that uplifts the plot. Readers will root for Jack and Andie to work out their problems while hoping that Zahra can keep custody so the child is not sent back.
Grippando delivers another timely novel. “Grave Danger” could literally be ripped from the headlines.
MEET THE AUTHOR
James Grippando will discuss “Grave Danger” at 2 p.m. Jan. 23 as part of the Writers LIVE! program at the West Boca Branch Library, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton. Free admission. Visit pbclibrary.org/writers-live or call 561-470-1600. He will also speak about his book at 7 p.m. Jan. 25 at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. The event is free but reservations are requested. Visit booksandbooks.com/event or call 305-442-4408.
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