5/5 ⭐ | Hidden Intentions (The Barry Marshall Series Book 2) by Alan Brenham

Cailey Marshall is no longer the child we saw in book one, “Game Piece.”  Maturing, becoming more independent, and well into middle school, this second book “Hidden Intentions” centers around an older Cailey.  Barry has positively adjusted his priorities and the Marshall family seems to be thriving. 

Until it is all ripped apart with the kidnapping of Cailey Marshall and the demands to kill Barry’s brother, Stuart, within seven days.  Author Alan Brenham leaves readers asking themselves, would you kill your own family to save your daughter? 

This tense game of cat and mouse, between the kidnappers and Marshall family pushes everyone’s emotions to the brink.  Revolving around Cailey, her captivity, and her captors, while simultaneously putting Barry and wife, Erin, at odds with their decisions, relationships, strength, and emotions are all tested within.

Brenham has a powerful ability to captivate and thrash readers with his plots, supporting cast of characters, and psychological turmoil.  From Erin’s parents to Barry’s brother, the runaways, and kidnappers, “Hidden Intentions” was a whirlwind of a ride. 

As a parent, I found myself struggling to come to grips with the scenario the Marshall family was facing.  Struggling to maintain independence from the police, while trying to do everything to get your daughter back.  Every parent’s worst nightmare is on full display in Brenham’s second book in The Barry Marshall Series.

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5/5 ⭐ | Game Piece (The Barry Marshall Series Book 1) by Alan Brenham

Having grown up in a family of law enforcement the home life, marital stress, and dedication to the job are all too familiar.  Author Alan Brenham captures all this and more in this first book of The Barry Marshall Series, “Game Piece.”

Cancelled date nights, working weekends, late hours, and minimal time with young daughter, Cailey, are all too frequent in the Marshall household.  Barry Marshall’s wife, Erin, has had enough.  Pressuring him to take a teaching job, the stress of his work coupled with the murder of her uncle, ATF agent Sam Robbins, has Erin looking for every reason to get Barry in a safer career. 

Currently working what is quickly stacking up to be a serial killer on the loose, Barry is committed to stopping the murderer, once again at the expense of his family.  As deaths continue to stack up, Barry recognizes the victims.  Barry seems to be part of the killer’s game as he continues to phone him, plant clues, and taunt him over the phone.  While all this is occurring, Erin’s girl’s nights become more frequent, as pressure from her friends, and the stress of the killer comes to a head.

Brenham brilliantly captures the life of law enforcement families, the push and pull of saving others and maintaining a family balance.  The realities are glaringly on display as the Marshall family navigates the weight of Barry’s career. 

Barry Marshall makes for a relatable and frustrating main character.  Continuously choosing one at the expense of another.  “Game Piece,” and the killer’s game of murder, keeps readers on their toes as the hunt wears on.  Racing against the clock, Brenham’s Barry Marshall Series is an intense ride.    

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