Review – Black Sands:

From the back cover:   As a long-dormant volcano rumbles in the distance, a family crisis brings an unlikely couple into an unexpected partnership.

A brainy—and perpetually single—volcanologist, Annie Tagama works alongside her father at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But despite her pedigree, Annie has lost her passion for volcanology. She’s quietly grieving the mysterious loss of her brother in the Middle East.

When Annie discovers that her brother might still be alive—and in trouble—she shakes off her malaise and joins forces with Mano Oana, the unnervingly handsome family friend she had always blamed for her brother’s death.

As Annie and Mano investigate—and find that they have a lot more in common than tragedy—an evil force gathers strength on the main island. An ancient cult has reemerged—and Annie’s little sister is somehow involved. As the old religion bubbles to the surface like lava, the old practices are not far behind . . . including human sacrifice.

Can Annie and Mano find her brother and save her family from destruction? Or will the ancient evil smother them all in an earth-shattering eruption?

A missing brother that may not be missing anymore but still needs to be found, a sister that has gone missing, a cult trying to take over and a volcano that just may erupt are all ingredients that Ms. Coble has baked into this clever thriller. Ms. Coble always delivers top-notch exciting stories and this one is no exception. Annie and Mano are well drawn characters that I liked a lot. There are many story-lines that Ms. Coble weaves together in this book and each one, by itself, is interesting taken all together and they will keep you hoping. And on top of everything there is a romance.  This is a fast-paced read that will keep you guessing as to what is really going on.  I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.