Patty O’Donnell gets her opportunity to move to Ireland after she weds Micheal, an Irish Steeplechase jockey. She soon begins working as an assistant trainer to her father-in-law’s racing stables. Everything is going smoothly until a neighbor, Shauna Flynn, is found being abused by her second husband. Patty and her family step in to care for Shauna, and her son, Miles. As a loving family, with a sense of honor and duty for others, they are committed to helping those in need. After information is revealed that a long-forgotten debt will save the mistreated woman, they embark on a quest that takes them on the borders of Ireland to find a sunken ship’s cargo. No one perceived that the O’Donnells would be jeopardized by scavengers seeking the treasure for themselves. And no one imagined that one smart, strong-willed American by the name of Patty would commit to a family in need, but she is about to show them how far her duty goes.

Not long after a kidnapping occurs with Miles, Patty immediately suspects the abusive husband. Patty and Micheal find themselves in the middle of the action. As detectives search for Miles, Patty continues the hunt for the treasure, putting her life in danger. As thieves close in for the fortune and Patty and Micheal become separated, he sends her an e-mail cautioning she is being followed. Can the other O’Donnells find them before it is too late? Someone is behind all the mysterious happenings, and time is quickly running out.

Blood Money can be summed up in one word: WOW. This story is loaded with action, intrigue, danger and excitement. Patty is a determined woman who doesn’t stop at anything after she sets her mind in motion. She may no longer live in America, but she never forgets her backbone and sense to maintain her independence in what she believes. She eagerly shows others that she can stand on her own two feet when danger arises. Pepper Smith has created a remarkable book that gives the characters true grit. Everything is so detailed with the landscape and the picturesque beauty that it pulls the reader into the whole aura of the story. I have always wanted to visit Ireland and Ms. Smith has a flair for writing that put me right in the setting of it all. She has composed an incredible story that had me hooked all the way to the end. The characters were believable and light up the pages. The plot was tight and the outcome unpredictable. I highly recommend this book. Bravo to Ms. Smith for creating strong characters and a powerful strong heroine.

Reviewed by: Linda L.