The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn - A Book Review

I really enjoy mystery books with suspense, a little romance, and a good twist where the plot is not readily foreseeable. This book hit all those buttons. "The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn" by Liz Johnson was a great summer read!

Kenzie works teaching at the Oregon Department of Corrections Facility. After authorizing the program two years ago, she has worked tirelessly to help get inmates ready to take their GED test, a job she really enjoys. It has been difficult at times with budget issues, but Kenzie hoped to change that in the next year. She loved teaching the men, and praying for them was a natural outlet to her passion for helping give them hope. This session though, she is given a new student who is too smart and cocky, and yet she is drawn to him at the same time. How will she deal with Myles Parsons?

Kenzie's Grandpa and Grandma have raised her since her parents died when she was five. They have been there for her and supported her over the years. Grandpa has now become Governor Mac. His one lack of support has been for this teaching job. Every chance he gets, he continues to urge Kenzie to change her location and teach at a private school. Meanwhile, Governor Mac has a big election coming up, and the heat is warming up. His opponent, Ms. Suarez has been stirring rumors about his responsibility with the state budget.

Myles Borden enjoys his job as a FBI agent. His latest undercover assignment, to keep an eye on Kenzie Thorn from inside the prison, was definitely giving him a run for his money. As a prisoner, being asked by a guard to kidnap and do away with Kenzie was a unexpected turn that he thought he could deal with. He would kidnap her. But, he would only keep her out of the picture until he figured out exactly who was wanting her dead. Dealing with Kenzie was more than he bargained for. "His plans start to fall apart. He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house - but the stubborn woman won't go! He struggles to protect her even as she takes care of him. He tries to keep his distance...and finds himself falling in love."

My favorite part of this story is while the two of them are together and running from those who are trying to catch them and do them in. Liz Johnson paints a picture of suspense balanced by humor with enough romance that is fun to read!

I was privileged to be able to interview Liz Johnson.
I e-mailed her, and this was her prompt reply:

1. How long did it take you to write this book?

When I first started writing The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, I wasn’t really focused. Just playing around. But when I got serious about writing, it took me about 3 months to finish the last ¾ of the book.

2. What is one of your favorite quotes?

Oh, wow! I don’t know if I have a favorite quote. One that I do love is from Jim Elliot in a letter to Elisabeth before they were married. “I must not therefore query God as thought He robbed me-of things that are not. Further, the things that are, belong to us, and they are good, God given, and enriched. Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living.”

3. Having a book in print has got to feel wonderful, what did you do to celebrate?

It does feel pretty wonderful! Holding my book is like holding the tangible evidence of God’s answered prayer. It’s a pretty amazing experience. I’m really blessed to have friends who want to celebrate with me. My Colorado friends and I are going to the Cheesecake Factory to celebrate. I love cheesecake! And my friends back home in Arizona are planning a little launch party when I visit later in July. And I’ve received a ton of phone calls from excited friends and family when they received their books. It’s been amazing!

4. I have 2 aspiring authors in my home. What recommendations would you give them?

Keep writing. Practice doesn’t make perfect in writing, but it does make better. Take classes and workshops to learn as much as you can about writing. But nothing replaces practicing. Nothing replaces the experience of putting fingers to the keyboard and creating an imagined world with characters that are all yours.

5. Did you climb through any windows, or copy any of the Myles and Kenzie's stunts to help them seem so realistic?

I didn’t actually recreate any of the big stunts in the book. Thankfully there were no races through the woods or anything like that, but I have a habit of enacting the smaller things as I’m writing. I stop for a moment and put my hands the way my character is at that moment in the story. I scrunch my face up and try to picture what it looks like just so I can describe it. Sometimes I stand up and twist or wave my arms or whatever I need to just to get my description right. And I look like a bit of a fool the whole time. It’s great!

6. Who are some of your favorite authors?

I have a ton of favorite authors! In the Christian market I enjoy Cindy Woodsmall, Tamara Leigh, and Lori Wick. In the mainstream, I’ll pick up anything by Meg Cabot. I’ve only ever read one book by William Goldman, The Princess Bride, but it’s one of my all time faves.

7. Do you have another book in the works?

I do have another book in the works. In fact I’m taking a break from working on revisions for my next romantic suspense for this interview. :) It’s not under contract yet, but I’m working with my editor to get it to the contract stage. It features Nate Andersen, Myles’ boss from The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, and it’s a fun romp through fictional Crescent City, Colorado. I can’t wait to see what happens with this story.

Thanks so much for having me! :)

"Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.
Liz lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she enjoys theater, ice skating, volunteering in her church's bookstore and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is her first novel. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com."

Purchase a copy and find out why Myles has to go into the prison to watch Kenzie, who is behind the attempt on Kenzie's life, how do the bad guys keep figuring out where they are hiding, and what happens with her Grandpa's election? Obviously, Myles and Kenzie get together!!