The Buried Hours

Grant’s (author of the “Flashpoint” series, as Rachel Grant) suspenseful novel follows investigative journalist Signe Gates, who was kidnapped and drugged two years earlier. Signe can’t remember those 48 hours when she was in captivity but knows there will be deadly consequences if she ever tells anyone about the incident. Cut to the present, and Signe learns that two deaths in Yosemite may be connected to her own kidnapping. She heads to Yosemite, guided by arrogant Cole Banner, who is subbing for her regular cameraman. As they investigate, Signe realizes that her kidnapping could be related to a human-trafficking operation. Determined to find out more, she ignores the fact that Cole is clearly lying to her. Indeed, she even falls for this consistently duplicitous man. Kathleen Early narrates the bulk of the story, while Tim Lounibos and Thor Knai voice Cole and FBI agent Jasper. Early does her best with a character who is frustratingly quick to forgive Cole’s betrayals. Her attraction to him becomes even more upsetting when her history of getting involved with treacherous men is revealed.