Review: Andrew Gross' second thriller, The Dark Tide, is a gripping story of a woman whose husband was killed in an explosion, the detective investigating the case, and a fortune suddenly missing.

Charles Friedman, a successful hedge fund manager, is on a commuter train from his home in Greenwich (CT) when, as it enters Grand Central Station, it is suddenly torn apart by an explosion, killing passengers in the first few cars including Friedman. The damage was so extensive, the dead were identified by random personal effects, in Friedman's case, the handle from his briefcase bearing his initials. That same day, a young man on a bicycle is deliberately run down in Greenwich. Detective Ty Hauck, assigned to the accident case, finds the name of Charles Friedman and his phone number in a pocket. Several months later, Friedman's widow, Karen, is confronted by auditors who had been going over the books of her late husband's firm. Two hundred and fifty million dollars could not be accounted for, and Friedman was suspected of taking it. When her family is threatened, she contacts Hauck. Together they begin a journey into the secretive world of international finance where millions of dollars can be made … or lost … with the rewards for winning incredible and the consequences of losing deadly.

The Dark Tide is a fast-paced thriller with a solid and intelligent plot. The characters, particularly Karen and Hauck, are deeply developed and credible in their roles. But other characters are also well drawn, with the criminals dark and to be feared, justifiably so. A high level of suspense is consistently maintained throughout, and when Karen and Hauck travel to the Caribbean when they believe Friedman may still be alive, all the while pursued by those who believe the missing money is theirs, the apprehension becomes particularly intense.

A superb novel, The Dark Tide is a must-read for thriller fans and those looking for a high-stakes adventure that doesn't let go. Highly recommended.