Into the Blue

From Library Journal In a departure from his generally well-received Scottish mysteries (e.g., A Running Jump), Hammond delivers a leisurely tale of friendship and rivalry. Amy and Tony have been best friends since childhood despite often lengthy separations caused by Tony's family situation. As they grow older, however, they begin to compete against each other, both formally (in gliding competitions) and informally. Although Tony has hoped for a closer relationship with Amy, he begins to find himself overshadowed by her success in his own areas of interest, which include writing as well as gliding (Amy has also written a best-selling novel). Pride, secrets, and resentment on both sides lead to a dangerous situation that makes them both realize what they stand to lose. Despite thin characterizations and some overemphasis on the technical details of gliding, Hammond succeeds in making the reader care about what will happen to Amy and Tony. Recommended for large popular fiction collections.