The Timer Game Susan Arnout Smith St. Martin's $23.95

The Timer Game, as Grace Descanso's daughter, Katie, plays it, is a challenge to start the clock, read the clues, find her hidden clothes and get dressed in the morning for school. When Katie is kidnapped the game takes on a whole other meaning.

Grace was once a pediatric heart surgeon. While working in Guatemala tragedy struck. She returned home an alcoholic and refused to talk about the incident. AA and a new job as a crime scene technician in San Diego have her back on the right track. But just prior to the kidnapping, while at work, Katie is attacked by a deranged man. As he's assaulting her he tells her a bizarre message. Grace links the dead man to her previous job. Within hours though, Katie is kidnapped and Grace is forced to play the kidnappers game. Is the kidnapping part of the 'message' too?

The Timer Game is a complex thriller and for those looking for fast pace, plenty of action and a medical, adventure plot it's certain to come in under the wire a winner.

Dave Biemann